bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Short Space–Time-Scale Variability of Oceanic Rain Using TOPEX/Jason
Authors: Tournadre J. , Bhandari S.
Published: July 2008

Information on the spatial and temporal variability of rain rate is important not only for meteorology and hydrology but also for the design of remote sensing and in situ measuring or of millimeter wave communication systems. The Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Jason Tandem Mission (TM) collocated rain dataset is used in this study to determine the small space-scale (5 km) and time-scale (70 s) rain variability. TOPEX and Jason dual-frequency (Ku and C bands) radar altimeter data have been extensively used during the past decade to detect and study oceanic precipitations. During the TM, designed to intercalibrate and validate the two altimeters, the two satellites were put on the same orbit with a 70-s time separation. With combined use of altimeter and passive microwave radiometers (also available on board altimeter missions), rain intensity, rain attenuation, rain layer height, rain event length, and surface winds can also be estimated and provide valuable coincident geophysical contextual information. The size of the TM collocated rain database (140 000 samples) is large enough to allow a meaningful statistical analysis of the time–space variability of rain over the World Ocean. The analysis of the different terms contributing to the variability of rain attenuation, from which rain rate is inferred, shows that the geophysical and/or instrumental noise is small enough to allow a meaningful estimation of the variability of the measured rain rate. The analysis of the time and space variabilities and their relation reveals two well-defined regimes. The first one, corresponding to convective rain cells (i.e., rain rate greater than 3–4 mm h−1, length smaller than 50 km, and freezing level greater than 3.5 km), is characterized by high temporal and spatial variabilities (greater than 2–3 mm h−1) that increase with increasing rain intensity and decreasing cell length. Horizontal variability is significantly larger than the temporal one and surface wind has a very limited impact. The second regime corresponds to stratiform and/or weak rain cells. The temporal and spatial variabilities are relatively low (on the order of 1–2 mm h−1) and vary little with rain intensity and cell length. The temporal variability increases with surface wind and largely exceeds the spatial variability (ratio of 2 or more); the ratio strongly increases with increasing wind speed.
Juvenile Transfer and Deterrence: Reexamining the Effectiveness of a “Get-Tough” Policy
Authors: Jordan Kareem L. , Myers David L.
Published: July 2008

Although research has examined the effectiveness of juvenile transfer on recidivism, there has been a lack of research done in assessing how well juvenile waiver to adult court meets the criteria necessary for deterrence to occur (i.e., certainty, severity, and swiftness of punishment). The purpose of this study is to assess how well juvenile transfer meets these criteria, using data on 345 youths legislatively waived to adult court in Pennsylvania. The findings indicate that there is greater punishment severity in adult court, but there is no difference in punishment certainty between the two court systems. In addition, court processing occurred more quickly in juvenile court. In other words, only one element of deterrence theory is achieved with juvenile transfer. Implications for subsequent research and policy are discussed.
Leadership Style, Decision Context, and the Poliheuristic Theory of Decision Making: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Keller Jonathan W. , Yang Yi Edward
Published: July 2008

The poliheuristic (PH) theory of decision making has made important contributions to our understanding of political decision making but remains silent about certain key aspects of the decision process. Specifically, PH theory contends that leaders screen out politically unacceptable options, but it provides no guidance on (1) the crucial threshold at which leaders reject options as politically unacceptable, (2) whether this threshold varies across leaders and situations, and, (3) if so, which factors shape variation in this threshold. We integrate PH theory with research on political leadership and decision context and derive hypotheses from this modified PH framework. An experimental test reveals that situational context and leadership style affect both (1) the ``noncompensatory threshold'' at which decision makers reject options as politically unacceptable and (2) how much decision makers rely on their constituents' views in making policy choices. We conclude that a modified PH theory incorporating these insights will have enhanced explanatory and predictive power.
Heterogeneity in Destination Choice
Authors: Barros Carlos Pestana , Butler Richard , Correia Antónia
Published: July 2008

This study analyzes the Portuguese tourist choice process in relation to an emerging destination—Africa. The empirical study was conducted among Portuguese tourists by means of a mixed logit model. The model underlines the importance of a multistage process of decision since the probability of a Portuguese tourist taking a vacation in an African country depends on a mix of motivations concerning destination attributes, travel arrangements, information gathered, previous experience, and individual socioeconomic characteristics. Policy implications are derived for improving the understanding and management of the destination choices of heterogeneous tourists.
Two Types of Inequality
Authors: Jasso Guillermina , Kotz Samuel
Published: July 2008

This article analyzes the mathematical connections between two kinds of inequality: inequality between persons (e.g., income inequality) and inequality between subgroups (e.g., racial inequality). The authors define a general inequality parameter in two-parameter continuous distributions. This parameter governs all measures of personal inequality (e.g., the Gini coefficient) and governs as well the gap (difference or ratio) between the means of subdistributions. It is thus established that in the distributions analyzed here, as personal inequality increases, so does inequality between subgroups. This general inequality parameter also governs Lorenz dominance and all quantities in the decomposition of Theil's mean logarithmic deviation into between-subgroup and within-subgroup components in the Pareto case. Thus, the general inequality parameter captures the ``deep structure'' of inequality. Finally, a whole-distribution graphical tool is introduced for assessing personal and subgroup inequality. Substantively, this work suggests that in societies characterized by special income distributions, whenever inequality disrupts social cohesion, it attacks on two fronts, via subgroup inequality as well as personal inequality.
Patterns of Disturbed Behavior in a Supermax Population
Authors: Lovell David
Published: July 2008

Results of a systematic survey of the clinical status of supermax residents, showing the association of mental health issues with disruptive behavior, are followed by eight brief case studies. The survey covers 131 inmates selected at random from Washington's supermax facilities, representing almost half the residents. From interviews with 87 of these inmates, combined with reviews of medical and institutional behavior records, it is concluded that 45% of supermax residents suffer from serious mental illness, marked psychological symptoms, psychological breakdowns, or brain damage. With this empirical grounding, an argument is presented that the concept of disturbed behavior, notwithstanding its lack of a clear diagnostic reference, is needed if we are to understand interactions between prison settings and the mental health issues of prisoners. The clinical profile and histories of disturbed prisoners provide reasons to establish greater flexibility in prison classification and disciplinary procedures, especially those that determine how long prisoners stay in supermax. Institutional obstacles to flexibility are diagnosed, and the possibility of shrinking supermax populations is proposed.
What To Do With the Survivors? Coping With the Long-Term Effects of Isolated Confinement
Authors: Kupers Terry A.
Published: July 2008

As a growing number of individuals suffering from serious mental illness are consigned to prison and selectively relegated to long-term isolated confinement, there is a newly expanded subpopulation of prisoners approaching their release from prison while exhibiting signs of mental illness and repeatedly violating rules. An attribution error and various forms of obfuscation divert attention from a cycle of longer stints in isolation and more rule-breaking behavior, until the time arrives to release the “disturbed/disruptive” prisoner. Since this subpopulation of prisoners is deemed dangerous, there is a crisis in the criminal justice system. There are attempts to solve the crisis by convicting the prisoner of additional crimes to extend prison tenure or by activating postincarceration civil commitment to a psychiatric hospital. These trends are examined, and the question is raised whether they address the core problems in the criminal justice system that result in more prisoners nearing their release dates essentially out of control behaviorally.
Cumulative Default
Authors: Toch Hans
Published: July 2008

The careers of chronically disruptive prisoners are unquestionably problematic for prison staff members but are equivalently inauspicious for the prisoners themselves, who acquire off-putting reputations and must spend increasing portions of time in punitive or administrative segregation. When we review long-term disruptive careers, we are apt to encounter recurrent ineffective interventions and deteriorating sequences of behavior. This is the case even in relatively humane prison systems, though in such settings we also come across junctures at which positive impact has been achieved with ameliorative moves. Over time, a trend involving personal maturation and amelioration of misbehavior will be observed in many disruptive careers. It is important, as this occurs for prison staff not to react based on extrapolations from past behavior trends. It is also important for members of the prison staff who are assigned to work directly with the inmate to counter or modulate custodial risk-based assessments that the inmate otherwise invites.
“Degenerate Criminals”
Authors: Scharff Smith Peter
Published: July 2008

Inspired by the breakthrough of the discipline of criminology and biological theories of degeneration, prison psychiatry became a flourishing field during the latter decades of the 19th century. This is reflected in the history of the Vridsløselille penitentiary in Denmark, which operated as a Pennsylvania-model institution with strict solitary confinement from 1859 to the early 1930s. Throughout the period, this prison experienced extensive problems with inmate mental health, and as the discipline of psychiatry developed, mental disorders were given new names and old diseases disappeared. Although prison authorities were willing to acknowledge the damaging effects of the isolation regimes being employed, a number of psychiatrists located the causes of mental disorders among biological dispositional traits rather than situational factors. In doing so, they downplayed the power of the prison context and offered biological “degeneration” among criminals as an alternative explanation.
Casting Light On Prison Violence in Scotland
Authors: Cooke David J. , Wozniak Ed , Johnstone Lorraine
Published: July 2008

Violence among prisoners and that between prisoners and staff is a perennial concern for all prison systems. That violent prisoners are only violent in certain circumstances suggests a need to develop ways to understand not only the origins of violence in prison but also the situational contexts in which violence occurs. The technology of risk assessment has evolved dramatically in the last decade; however, the focus on individual risk factors has been at the expense of a de-emphasizing of the role of situational factors. In this article, evidence for the importance of situational factors in relation to prison violence is considered. The authors describe the development of a new risk assessment procedure—promoting risk intervention by situational management (PRISM). Within the context of the Scottish Prison Service, they conclude that systematic attention to situational risk factors can help reduce prison violence.
Conflict Resolution in Parent-Adolescent Relationships and Adolescent Delinquency
Authors: Van Doorn Muriel D. , Branje Susan J. T. , Meeus Wim H. J.
Published: July 2008

This study examines the relation between conflict resolution styles in parent-adolescent relationships and adolescent delinquency. Questionnaires about conflict resolution styles were completed by 284 early adolescents (mean age 13.3) and their parents. Adolescents also completed a questionnaire on delinquency. Hierarchical regression analyses show that combinations of adolescents' and parents' conflict resolution styles are significantly related to delinquency. In adolescent-father relationships, the demand-withdraw pattern was found to be related to delinquency, and in adolescent-mother relationships the interaction characterized by mutual hostility was found to be related to delinquency. The results stress the interdependence of adolescents and parents in conflict resolution and demonstrate the need for investigating combinations of adolescents' and parents' conflict resolution styles.
Young Girls' Eating Attitudes and Body Image Dissatisfaction
Authors: Kichler Jessica C. , Crowther Janis H.
Published: July 2008

The relationships among communication, modeling, body image dissatisfaction, and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors in preadolescent girls were investigated in a cross-sectional study of 69 girls in fourth through sixth grade and their mothers. Participants completed questionnaires assessing familial and peer influences, body image dissatisfaction, and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. Positive communication was significantly more frequent than negative communication; however, only negative communication was associated with body image dissatisfaction and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses suggested negative communication was associated with body image dissatisfaction, whereas modeling was associated with maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. Findings suggest that, together, familial and peer negative communication and modeling may be related to preadolescent girls' body image dissatisfaction and maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors.
Integrating the Development of Graduate Attributes Through Constructive Alignment
Authors: Treleaven Lesley , Voola Ranjit
Published: July 2008

The importance of graduate attributes is increasingly recognized internationally in higher education and by industry, government, and accrediting bodies. However, integrating the development of graduate attributes, such as critical thinking and critical reflection, has proved challenging in business education. This article demonstrates the value of constructive alignment for integrating graduate attributes into an intensive marketing course. This illustrative Australian study traces the integration of two graduate attributes from course design, through active student engagement in a range of learning activities, to various assessments of student learning outcomes using standards-based assessment criteria. The study recommends that graduate attributes are expressed as learning outcomes and aligned with assessment criteria, that students' awareness of graduate attributes and their value is developed, that relevance for students' future marketing careers is embedded into learning activities, that substantial opportunities for practice in developing generic skills is offered, that formal and informal feedback from lecturers and peers is provided, and that a programwide approach to developing and integrating graduate attributes is adopted. Finally, the implications for enhancing employability skills of new business professionals and for institutions meeting the assurance of learning standards required for business school accreditation by bodies such as Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, European Quality Improvement System, and Community of European Management Schools and International Companies are considered.
LRFD Approach for FRP Channel Section Columns
Authors: Razzaq Zia , Sirjani Mojtaba B. , Prabhakaran Ram
Published: July 2008

Pultruded fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) channel section columns can develop flexural, torsional, and flexural—torsional buckling modes when subjected to a gradually increasing axial load. In this study, the results of a theoretical and experimental investigation on a FRP channel section column are first presented. Buckling and squash load formulas for the problem are summarized and used for plotting column maximum load envelope. It is also found that the load-carrying capacity of channel section columns can be dramatically increased by `equalizing' the cross-sectional depth and width. Finally, based on the column formulas, a load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approach is outlined and its use demonstrated through practical analysis and design examples.
Design and Manufacture of an Extrusion Die for Wood—Plastic Composite
Authors: Soury E. , Behravesh A.H. , Nasrabadi H.G. , Zolfaghari A.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a simulation study and experimental verification of a die design in extrusion processing wood-plastic composite profile. Flow balancing at the die exit is a major challenge in the profile extrusion die design as an unbalanced flow causes imperfect profile output. This is especially important when the final profile is complicated by having large dimensions and non-uniform thicknesses. In this study, an I-shaped profile of wood-plastic composite (WPC) has been considered for the die design. Finite element method has been used to design the die channel to yield a balanced output. Phases of die design and manufacture of the I-shape profile is presented. The results show that the prediction by the simulation could give a good insight to the die design which eventually could yield an acceptable profile.
Optimum Design of a Composite Helical Spring by Multi-criteria Optimization
Authors: Zebdi Oussama , Boukhili Rachid , Trochu François
Published: July 2008

A new methodology for the optimum design of composite helical springs with braided fibrous reinforcement is presented in this article. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is implemented to optimize two conflicting goals: minimize mass and maximize stiffness. Several design variables that have an influence on the mechanical properties of the spring must be considered: the braiding angle, number of plies and the standard design parameters of a helical spring. Design goals are set such as for standard metallic springs: equivalent mechanical performance, mass reduction, and comparable cost. Three different braided reinforcements in carbon, kevlar, and glass were analyzed with the same epoxy matrix. In helical springs, shear plays the most important role on spring performance. Taking into account the shear properties of braided composites and a series of technological constraints, a range of composite springs was devised, among which an optimal spring was selected for an automotive application, namely to replace the metallic spring of the suspension of a sport utility vehicle.
Transient Response of an Orthotropic Cylindrical Shell to an Underwater Explosive Loading
Authors: Li Jun  , Hua Hongxing
Published: July 2008

The transient response of an elastic orthotropic cylindrical shell immersed in an acoustic fluid and subjected to a shock loading is investigated in this article. The Sanders thin shell theory is employed in the analysis and the governing equations of the motion for orthotropic cylindrical shell are derived by using Hamilton's principle. The type of loading is the exponentially decaying plane acoustic wave induced by underwater explosion. The reflected-afterflow virtual-source (RAVS) technique is used to simulate the fluid-structure interaction. The numerical analyses are performed to look into the influences of the shell radius and thickness upon the non-dimensional radial velocity, mid-surface strain, 0th mode radial displacement and 1st mode radial velocity of the shells.
Dry Slide Wear Behavior of LDPE/EVA Polyblends with Nano-Clay Filler
Authors: Ravi Kumar B.N. , Venkatarama Reddy M. , Suresha B.
Published: July 2008

Low volume percentage of filler reinforcement in polymers is generally known to possess high strength and attractive wear resistance in dry sliding conditions. Thus the thermoplastic polymers namely, low density polyethylene (LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and nano-clay filled LDPE/EVA with compatibilizer polyblends were prepared by compression molding. Polyblending was carried out in a modular intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The dry slide wear behavior of polyblends was studied in this paper. The un-lubricated pin—on-disc wear tests were conducted by varying the sliding distance and load at a constant sliding velocity of 4 m/s. The result indicated that the wear loss increases with increasing load/sliding distance. The polymer and their blends show evidence of different wear behavior at different loads and sliding distances. In particular, the nano-clay filled LDPE/EVA with compatibilizer showed the best wear resistance compared to unfilled polymers. The morphologies of the worn surface of the polyblends were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy.
Study of the Interaction of Two Acoustical Fields and One FRP Structure with FEM—BEM Coupling Analysis
Authors: Kuo Yan-Min , Lin Huei-Jeng , Wang Chao-Nan , Wang Wei-Chih , Chang Cheng-Ling
Published: July 2008

A numerical scheme is applied in the study of an acoustic—structure interaction of sound and a vibratory composite structure by finite element method and boundary element method (FEM—BEM) coupling analysis. The composite structure, as described by the finite element model, is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) shell of a torpedo head. The purpose of this report is to evaluate sound insulation of a FRP shell and to learn how to predict the amount of noise reduction from a sound source to a sonar detector. Two acoustical fields were applied to the FEP torpedo head for numerical calculations. The fields were simulated using BEM, and field calculations were performed inside and outside of the shell structure. The FRP shell was modeled using FEM. The two acoustical fields and the vibratory structure are then coupled at the interface. Various laminated shells with different fiber orientation are investigated. The frequency domain of the BEM—FEM coupling algorithm was applied to analyze the noise reduction of a FRP shell submerged in the selected fluids. Based on the results, we found the fiber arrangement of FRP layer does not obviously affect the results of noise reduction. The influence of fiber arrangement on the vibrating modes is obvious in the noise reduction. Furthermore, a hemisphere-shaped shell that possesses transverse isotropy on the surface seems to produce small levels of sound insulation. It was also found that glycerin is more suitable than water for the interior fluid of the hemisphere, even though the glycerin corresponds to a sound constructive interference at high frequencies. Furthermore, small arched-shaped FRP shells appear to possess a higher noise reduction.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Resin Modified with Polyurethane
Authors: Bakar M. , Duk R. , Przybyłek M. , Kostrzewa M.
Published: July 2008

Epoxy resin was modified with polyurethane having different isocyanate index. Impact strength, tensile strength, elongation at break and flexural strength were estimated as functions of polyurethane content and isocyanate index. Hardness, linear expansion coefficient and the deflection temperature under load were estimated for selected compositions. Infrared spectroscopy was carried out for unmodified epoxy resin and compositions with improved mechanical properties. Maximum improvement in the fracture toughness was reached with polyurethane with highest content of isocyanate. Hardness was not affected but elastic modulus decreased, implying a softening of epoxy-based compositions. The infrared spectra indicated that an excess of isocyanate groups leads to a grafting process between the modifier and the matrix, explaining the toughening of the latter.
Effectiveness of Maleated- and Silanized-PP for Coir Fiber-Filled Composites
Authors: Santos Evelise F. , Mauler Raquel S. , Nachtigall Sônia M.B.
Published: July 2008

Composites of PP and coir fibers were prepared in a mixer. Two coupling agents were added with view to improve the properties of the composites. The first one was a laboratory-made silane-functionalized-PP and the other was a commercial maleated-PP. The results indicated that the coir fibers acted as reinforcing fillers, increasing the static and dynamic moduli. Both coupling agents improved these properties further. The silanized-PP showed higher effect on the various moduli determined (Young, storage, and loss moduli). TGA analysis pointed to an earlier degradation of PP in the presence of the fibers and the couplers. SEM micrographs were also obtained.
Coping With Daily Stressors
Authors: Aldridge Arianna A. , Roesch Scott C.
Published: July 2008

Using daily diary methodology, 67 Mexican American adolescents completed measures assessing daily stressors experienced, specific coping strategies employed with reference to these stressors, and indices of psychological health over 5 consecutive days. With respect to coping usage, adolescents reported they most often used planning and least often used humor to cope with stress. Significant intraindividual and interindividual variability was found for each coping strategy and psychological health. When this variability was modeled, adolescents who reported using more direct problem solving, positive thinking, acceptance, and humor reported more positive affect. Adolescents who reported using more religious coping, distancing, and acceptance reported more negative affect. These findings indicate that intraethnic variability exists at the daily stressor level in Mexican American adolescents and that this variability in coping is predictive of daily psychological health. Discussion focuses on the developmental importance of flexible coping repertories in Mexican American adolescents and the (mal)adaptive nature of specific coping strategies.
Measuring the Wage Costs of Limited English
Authors: Hamilton Darrick , Goldsmith Arthur H. , Darity William
Published: July 2008

Scholars have found that poor English proficiency is negatively associated with wages using self-reported measures. However, these estimates may suffer from misclassification bias. Interviewer ratings are likely to more accurately proxy employer assessment of worker language ability. Using self-reported and interviewer ratings from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, the authors estimate the impact of English proficiency on wages for men ( n = 267) and women ( n = 178) with Mexican ancestry residing in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Use of interviewer proficiency ratings suggests a larger and more gradational language penalty as fluency falls, and women face a stronger penalty than their male counterparts. Moreover, controlling for worker accent and skin shade does little to alter these effects.
Arithmetic Achievement in Children With Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida Meningomyelocele
Authors: Jenks Kathleen M. , van Lieshout Ernest C. D. M. , de Moor Jan
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study was to establish whether children with a physical disability resulting from central nervous system disorders (CNSd) show a level of arithmetic achievement lower than that of non-CNSd children and whether this is related to poor automaticity of number facts or reduced arithmetic instruction time. Twenty-two children with CNSd ( M age = 10.7 years old) were compared with two groups of typically developing children: a same-aged group ( n = 21) and a younger group (by 1 year) matched on arithmetic achievement ( n = 23). Although their intelligence was in the average range, the arithmetic achievement level of the CNSd group lagged nearly 1.5 years behind their typically developing peers. There was no strong evidence that this was due to a specific automaticity deficit. However, the difference on an arithmetic achievement test between the CNSd group and same-aged control group was fully accounted for by the difference in hours of arithmetic instruction.
Calculating the Value of Graphing Calculators for Seventh-Grade Students With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Bouck Emily C.
Published: July 2008

This study explored the performance of seventh-grade students with and without disabilities, educated in inclusive mathematics classes, on a mathematics assessment aligned to state standards with graphing calculators as an accommodation. The study used random assignment of classes to condition with students nested in classes. Students did not use a graphing calculator on the preassessment but approximately half (52.5%) had access to a graphing calculator on the post-assessment. The results indicate that students with disabilities made gains from preassessment to post-assessment but students without disabilities performed statistically significantly better on the post-assessment than did students with disabilities, F(1, 35) = 4.322, p = .045. The results raise concern about the validity of calculators as assessment accommodations for students with disabilities.
School Attendance Patterns, Unmet Educational Needs, and Truancy
Authors: Spencer Andrea M.
Published: July 2008

This study examines chronological patterns of attendance and academic performance of urban students who are identified as truants in Grade 8. A chronological review of 42 student records, from school entry through Grade 8, identified high frequencies of absenteeism and academic performance issues beginning at school entry and, in many cases, persisting throughout elementary and middle school years. Results suggest that ongoing analysis of attendance data within a school system could help to identify early patterns of absenteeism that lead to truancy in upper elementary and middle school grades. Additionally, the study indicates a need for socioemotional support, as well as early and appropriate referral and evaluation for children who are struggling in school, and it calls into question the practice of retention and social promotion as a response to absenteeism and poor school performance among elementary school children.
An Examination of Co-Teaching
Authors: Hang Qi , Rabren Karen
Published: July 2008

Co-teaching has been developed as an instructional approach to support students with disabilities in general education classrooms. The purpose of this study was to identify teachers’ and students’ perspectives of co-teaching and the efficacy of this teaching approach. Forty-five co-teachers and 58 students with disabilities ( N = 103), all of whom were new to co-taught classrooms during the 2004 through 2005 school year, participated in this study. Data were collected from surveys, observations, and records review. Significant differences in student academic and behavioral performances were found in comparisons between the year before co-teaching and the year of co-teaching. Students with disabilities and their teachers also reported positive perspectives about co-teaching. Based on these preliminary results, co-teaching appears to be an effective instructional delivery option for meeting the needs of students with disabilities in general education classrooms.
An Evaluation of Sex Offender Residency Restriction Functioning in Town, County, and City-Wide Jurisdictions
Authors: Chajewski Michael , Mercado Cynthia Calkins
Published: July 2008

Residency restrictions prohibit sex offenders from living within close proximity to schools and other areas where children congregate. Though widely implemented, little empirical research has yet examined where sex offenders reside in relation to schools. Using mapping software, this study examines the differential impact of residency restrictions on housing availability in town, county, and city-wide jurisdictions, and further examines distances of sex offender and comparison community member residencies in proximity to schools. Though findings reveal that residency restrictions mostly impact housing availability in urban areas, residency shortages would likely occur in rural and suburban areas as well. Moreover, although sex offenders residing in city areas tend to live closer to schools than randomly selected community members, offenders with child victims in the same area live further from schools than offenders with no child victims. Policy implications, including concerns over housing shortages, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Digital Piracy
Authors: Higgins George E. , Wolfe Scott E. , Ricketts Melissa L.
Published: July 2008

The rates of digital piracy appear to be increasing, suggesting that additional research that uses new approaches is necessary to evaluate the problem. Using data from undergraduate students ( n = 353), the present study explores actual digital piracy and the intention to perform piracy using latent class analysis, develops profiles of these individuals, and provides an analysis of the differences between intentions and actual digital piracy for the groups. The results indicate three separate classes for each form of digital piracy and different profiles for each form of piracy. Actual piracy shows more demographic and social learning theory differences among individuals, whereas scenario-based digital piracy shows more self-control and social learning theory differences among individuals. A cross-tab analysis shows that there are differences between individuals who actually perform digital piracy and those who have the intention to pirate. Research and policy implications are discussed from these findings.
Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tomasello Sarah
Published: July 2008

Chronic kidney disease may result in complete kidney failure and contribute to many other health issues. Anemia is a logical consequence of the disease because the kidneys are the primary source of erythropoietin, the hormone that acts to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow. All patients with chronic kidney disease are at risk for anemia, and treating anemia is extremely important to their health and well-being. Preventing or reversing the effects of anemia on the heart may decrease morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life. Many patients fail to receive treatment for anemia before requiring renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease. Pharmacists can play a vital role in screening, evaluating, designing proper treatment regimens, and monitoring patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease. Current recommendations regarding anemia are reviewed, including evaluation, pharmacotherapeutic agents, monitoring parameters, and goals of therapy.
Content of Advance Directives for Individuals With Advanced Dementia
Authors: Triplett Patrick , Black Betty S. , Phillips Hilary , Richardson Fahrendorf Sarah , Schwartz Jack , Angelino Andrew F. , Anderson Danielle , Rabins Peter V.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: To examine how people with end-stage dementia have conveyed their wishes for end-of-life care in advance directives. Method: The documents of 123 residents of three Maryland nursing homes, all with end-stage dementia, were reviewed. Results: More years of education and White race were significantly associated with having an advance directive. With the exceptions of comfort care and pain treatment, advance directives were used primarily to restrict, not request, many forms of care at the end of life. Decisions about care for end-stage conditions such as Alzheimer's dementia are less often addressed in these documents than for terminal conditions and persistent vegetative state. Discussion: For advance directives to better reflect a person's wishes, discussions with individuals and families about advance directives should include a range of care issues in the settings of terminal illness, persistent vegetative state or end-stage illness. These documents should be reviewed periodically to make certain that they convey accurately the person's treatment preferences.
Adalimumab-induced lupus erythematosus
Authors: Martín JM , Ricart JM , Alcácer J , Rausell N , Arana G
Published: July 2008

Adalimumab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor agent, especially used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has a good safety profile. One of the most common side-effects of adalimumab is the development of autoantibodies. Despite the induction of autoantibodies, the clinical presentation of immune-mediated complications upon adalimumab therapy, including a lupus-like syndrome, is very rare. We have recently evaluated a new case of adalimumab-induced lupus erythematosus.
CD8+CD28−, suppressive T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tulunay A , Yavuz S , Direskeneli H , Eksioglu-Demiralp E
Published: July 2008

Recent studies show that a CD8+CD28− phenotype of T-cell population inhibits the reactivity of T-helper cells either by a contact-dependent mechanism or with secreting suppressive cytokines. In this study, we have explored the peripheral blood CD8+CD28− T-cell population in 53 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison to healthy and diseased control groups. The distribution of CD28− cells within CD8+ population has been found significantly lower in patients with SLE than in healthy individuals. While there were no significant differences in the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, the CD40 expression on monocytes was found significantly lower and there was a slight decrease of expression of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in CD8+CD28− population in patients with SLE. The Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA expression was found higher in CD8+CD28− T cells. Neither activation induced nor time-dependent change in the frequency of CD8+CD28− cells has been observed following stimulation at various time-points indicating that the control of CD28 expression was not dependent on the presence of sustained stimulations. Decrease in CD8+CD28− T cells which normally produce TGF-β and their low-level IL-10 content may reflect impaired T-cell suppression and accordingly, increased T cell help to autoreactive B cells in patients with SLE.
Defects in Notch1 upregulation upon activation of T Cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are related to lupus disease activity
Authors: Sodsai P , Hirankarn N , Avihingsanon Y , Palaga T
Published: July 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of autoantibodies and deposition of immune complexes in various organs. T cells play a central role in driving disease progression, and multiple defects in T cells from patients with SLE have been uncovered. Notch signalling is an evolutionarily well-conserved signalling cascade involved in the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes during development and peripheral effector functions. In this study, we investigated the correlation between expression of Notch receptor and the severity of SLE disease. On the contrary to T lymphocytes from healthy controls ( n = 11), Tlymphocytes from patients with active SLE ( n = 12) failed to upregulate Notch1 upon in-vitro stimulation as quantified by quantitative real time RT-PCR ( P ≤ 0.025). Among patients with inactive SLE ( n = 10), those with late onset of flare exhibited significantly less Notch1 upregulation compared with SLE patients with remission. Expression of the Notch target genes, Hes1 and deltex, was also lower in patients with active SLE. The decrease in Notch1 mRNA expression was consistent with less Notch1 protein expression in patients with active SLE. The defects in Notch1 upregulation correlated with decreased proliferation, CD25 and Foxp3 expression upon stimulation in vitro. Taken together, the failure of T cells to upregulate Notch1 upon activation may be a key feature of active SLE and a potential therapeutic target.
Genetic susceptibility and haplotype analysis between Fcγ receptor IIB and IIIA gene with systemic lupus erythematosus in Chinese population
Authors: Pan F , Tang X , Zhang K , Li X , Xu J , Chen H , Ye DQ
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study is to understand the role of FcγRIIB and FcγRIIIA gene in susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to examine possible susceptible haplotypes between two genes. A total of 119 patients with SLE from 95 nuclear families, aged from 14 to 78 years, were selected according to 1997 criteria of American College of Rheumatology. In addition, 316 family members of these patients were also genotyped. A family-based association study was used to explore the relationship between gene polymorphism and SLE. We studied 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encoding non-synonymous substitution in the FcγRIIB and FcγRIIIA gene (four SNPs in the FcγRIIB gene and nine SNPs in the FcγRIIIA gene) with respect to genetic susceptibility to SLE. All SNPs were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Among 13 SNPs, univariate (single-marker) family-based association tests showed that variant alleles at only four SNPs (rs10917661 and rs1050501, in exon 2 and exon 5 of FcγRIIB gene, rs403016 and rs428888, in exon3 of FcγRIIIA gene respectively) were significantly associated with genetic susceptibility to SLE. Furthermore, the haplotype-specific FBATs showed 50Ter-225Thr (34.1%, in FcγRIIB gene) and 72Arg-118Asn (40%, in the FcγRIIIA gene) haplotype were more frequently transmitted in SLE than other haplotypes ( Z = 3.539, P = 0.00042; Z = 2.678, P = 0.007412 respectively). But haplotypes were not found between FcγRIIB and FcγRIIIA gene Our results suggest that there were meaningful haplotype in FcγRIIIA and FcγRIIB gene respectively. FcγRIIIA and FcγRIIB genes in the pathogenesis of SLE may play an independent role in Chinese population.
Systemic lupus erythematosus patients have increased number of circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells, but decreased myeloid dendritic cells with deficient CD83 expression
Authors: Jin Ou , Kavikondala Sushma , Sun Lingyun , Fu Rong , Mok Mo-Yin , Chan Albert , Yeung Joseph , Lau Chak-Sing
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are functionally abnormal in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, previous studies have involved in-vitro cytokine-induced DCs. In this investigation, directly isolated circulating plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and myeloid DCs (mDCs) in SLE were studied. Blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)-4 and BDCA-1 magnetic isolation kits were used to isolate blood pDCs and mDCs from 30 SLE patients and 36 controls. Their number and surface markers, and their relationship with lupus disease activity were evaluated. The percentage of pDCs per peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in SLE (0.33 ± 0.14) than in controls (0.16 ± 0.09, P < 0.01), but that of mDCs was lower in SLE (0.43 ± 0.14) than in controls (0.63 ± 0.32; P < 0.01). In controls, both pDCs and mDCs expressed high levels of MHC-II, however, the expression of CD86, CD83 and CCR7 on pDCs were significantly lower than that on mDCs (all P < 0.05). mDCs from patients with SLE, particularly those with active disease, expressed lower CD83 than controls. In health, circulating mDCs may be more efficient than pDCs in stimulating T cells. In SLE, the increased number of circulating pDCs supports a pathogenic role for these cells, and the decreased mDC number and CD83 expression may explain the susceptibility to infections in these patients.
A prospective multicentre study of mycophenolate mofetil combined with prednisolone as induction therapy in 213 patients with active lupus nephritis
Authors: F Lu , Y Tu , X Peng , L Wang , H Wang , Z Sun , H Zheng , Z Hu
Published: July 2008

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with prednisolone has been associated with high remission rates when used as induction treatment for lupus nephritis. This prospective, multicentre, cohort study investigates the efficacy and safety of this regimen over 24 weeks in 213 Chinese patients with active lupus nephritis (Classes III, IV, V or combination). Baseline activity index (AI) was 6.91 ± 3.33 and chronicity index (CI) was 1.9 ± 1.2. The remission rate was 82.6% at 24 weeks (complete remission, 34.3%; partial remission, 48.4%). There were significant ( P < 0.01) improvements in kidney function shown by reductions in proteinuria, serum albumin, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, as well as in systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores. Independent risk factors influencing remission were pathological classification (including Class V and III or Class V and IV nephritis) and elevated serum creatinine at baseline (OR 2.967, 95% CI: 1.479–6.332, P = 0.001 and OR 1.007, 95% CI: 1.002–1.011, P = 0.001, respectively). Patients with concomitant membranous features on biopsy had a lower remission rate than those with Class III and IV nephritis (66.7% vs 87.3%, P = 0.002). Renal biopsy was repeated in 25 patients following treatment. There was a transition to less severe pathological morphologies in majority of subjects. Infections were monitored throughout treatment: eight patients (3.8%) experienced bacterial infections, whereas herpes zoster occurred in seven patients. Nine patients (4.2%) suffered from gastrointestinal upset, which resolved without discontinuation of MMF. One patient became leucopenic, whereas another died from active disease unrelated to kidney symptoms. MMF combined with prednisolone is an effective and well-tolerated induction treatment for patients with active lupus nephritis and for controlling SLE systemic activity.
Kidney transplantation in lupus patients: a case–control study from a single centre
Authors: Lionaki S , Kapitsinou PP , Iniotaki A , Kostakis A , Moutsopoulos HM , Boletis JN
Published: July 2008

This study was conducted to determine kidney transplantation (KTx) outcomes for Greek patients with renal failure caused by lupus nephritis (LN) compared with matched controls, kidney recipients with other causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Twenty-six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) subjected to 26 kidney transplants were studied. For comparative purposes a case–control group was selected, matched for gender, source of donor, age and time of KTx. Patient and graft survival estimates were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator and survival estimates were compared with the log-rank test. All patients received cyclosporine or tacrolimus in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil for chronic immunosuppression in addition to steroids. Fourteen transplants were from living-related donors and 12 were from deceased donors. The graft survival rates for lupus patients were 88% at 1 year, 67% at 5 years, 38% at 10 years, poorer than the control survival rates of 92%, 92% and 84% ( P = 0.004). Patient survival in the lupus group did not differ from that of the controls. Survival in the lupus group was 92% at 1 year, 77% at 5 years and 77% at 10 years vs. 96%, 92% and 92% ( P = 0.26). Chronic allograft nephropathy was the major cause of graft loss. Recurrent LN was detected in two patients, but only one lead to graft failure. SLE patients compared with controls had significantly higher rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, infections and malignancies. Compared with matched controls, SLE patients had inferior but still satisfactory graft survival rates, whereas patient survival rates were similar.