bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Repertoire of Amoeba-Associated Giant Viruses
Authors: Colson Philippe , Raoult Didier
Published: June 2010

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus, Marseillevirus, and Sputnik, a virophage, are intra-amoebal viruses that have been isolated from water collected in cooling towers. They have provided fascinating data and have raised exciting questions about viruses definition and evolution. Mimivirus and Marseillevirus have been classified in the nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) class. Their genomes are the largest and fifth largest viral genomes sequenced so far. The gene repertoire of these amoeba-associated viruses can be divided into four groups: the core genome, genes acquired by lateral gene transfer, duplicated genes, and ORFans. Open reading frames (ORFs) that have homologs in the NCLDVs core gene set represent 2.9 and 6.1% of the Mimivirus and Marseillevirus gene contents, respectively. A substantial proportion of the Mimivirus, Marseillevirus and Sputnik ORFs exhibit sequence similarities to homologs found in bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes or viruses. The large amount of chimeric genes in these viral genomes might have resulted from acquisitions by lateral gene transfers, implicating sympatric bacteria and viruses with an intra-amoebal lifestyle. In addition, lineage-specific gene expansion may have played a major role in the genome shaping. Altogether, the data so far accumulated on amoeba-associated giant viruses are a powerful incentive to isolate and study additional strains to gain better understanding of their pangenome.
Tentative Characterization of New Environmental Giant Viruses by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: La Scola Bernard , Campocasso Angélique , N’Dong Rolande , Fournous Ghislain , Barrassi Lina , Flaudrops Christophe , Raoult Didier
Published: June 2010

Objective: Metagenomic studies have revealed that Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus relatives are common in the environment; however, only three Acanthamoeba-growing giant viruses have been isolated from hundreds of environmental samples. We attempted herein to isolate new Acanthamoeba-growing giant viruses from environmental samples. Methods: We inoculated 105 environmental samples by our usual procedure but with the addition of selected antibiotics to inhibit bacterial overgrowth. Results: We isolated 19 giant viruses with capsid sizes of 150 to 600 nm, including one associated with a virophage. For the first time some were isolated from saltwater and soil samples. Tentative characterization using the PolB gene sequence was possible for some of these viruses. They were closely related to each other but different from the two previous isolates of Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus. Results obtained by MALDI-TOF MS analysis of viral particles were congruent with that of PolB sequencing. Conclusion: Our data confirm that Acanthamoeba-growing giant viruses are common in the environment. Additionally, MALDI-TOF MS analysis can be used for the initial screening of new viruses to avoid redundant analysis. However, due to their genetic variability, it is likely that the genome sequences of most of these viruses will have to be determined for accurate classification.
Giant Viruses: Conflicts in Revisiting the Virus Concept
Authors: Forterre Patrick
Published: June 2010

The current paradigm on the nature of viruses is based on early work of the ‘phage group’ (the pro-phage concept) and molecular biologists working on tumour viruses (the proto-oncogene concept). It posits that viruses evolved from either prokaryotic or eukaryotic cellular genes that became infectious via their association with capsid genes. In this view, after their emergence viruses continued to evolve by stealing cellular genes (the escape model). This paradigm has been challenged recently by scientists who propose that viruses pre-dated modern cells. In particular, the discovery of Mimivirus has stimulated a lot of discussions on the nature of viruses. There are two major schools of thought, those who defend the escape model, suggesting that giant viruses are giant pickpockets (chimera), and those who emphasize their uniqueness and ancient origin. Comparative genomics of Mimivirus and related viruses (nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses) have produced a lot of data that have been interpreted according to the prejudices of the authors and thus failed until now to generate a consensus. I briefly review here the history of these debates and how they lead to new proposals, such as the definition of viruses as capsid-encoding organisms or else the recognition of their fundamentally cellular nature, the virocell concept.
White Matter Hyperintensity and Cognitive Functioning in the Racial and Ethnic Minority Cohort of the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Stavitsky Karina , Du Yangchun , Seichepine Daniel , Laudate Thomas M. , Beiser Alexa , Seshadri Sudha , DeCarli Charles , Wolf Philip A. , Au Rhoda
Published: June 2010

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated an association between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cognitive performance primarily in Caucasian samples, limiting generalizability to other ethnic and racial groups. This study investigated the association of WMH and cognition in an ethnic and racial minority cohort (Omni) of the Framingham Heart Study and compared these results to the Caucasian (Offspring) cohort. Methods: Quantitative brain MRI and neuropsychological evaluations were performed on stroke- and dementia-free participants. Cognitive assessment included verbal memory, visuospatial memory and organization, language, and executive functioning. Linear regression models were conducted to assess the association between WMH and cognitive function. Results: The Omni group presented with demographic factors that significantly differed from those of the Offspring group: they were younger, but had more stroke risk factors such as hypertension. In the Offspring group, WMH volume was significantly associated with poorer performance on tests of executive function and visual organization. No significant associations between WMH and cognitive measures were found in the Omni group, but no differences (significant interaction terms) were seen between the regression coefficients. Conclusions: The Omni cohort had greater variability in factors that may mediate the association of WMH and cognition. More research is needed to investigate how stroke risk factors impact on the occurrence of WMH and its association with cognition in more diverse cohorts.
CRTH2 and D-Type Prostanoid Receptor Antagonists as Novel Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Schuligoi Rufina , Sturm Eva , Luschnig Petra , Konya Viktoria , Philipose Sonia , Sedej Miriam , Waldhoer Maria , Peskar Bernhard A. , Heinemann Akos
Published: June 2010

Accumulation of type 2 T helper (Th2) lymphocytes and eosinophils is a hallmark of bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases, and it is believed that these cells play a crucial pathogenic role in allergic inflammation. Thus, Th2 cells and eosinophils are currently considered a major therapeutic target in allergic diseases and asthma. However, drugs that selectively target the accumulation and activation of Th2 cells and eosinophils in tissues are unavailable so far. Prostaglandin (PG)D2 is a key mediator in various inflammatory diseases including allergy and asthma. It is generated by activated mast cells after allergen exposure and subsequently orchestrates the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the tissue. PGD2 induces the chemotaxis of Th2 cells, basophils and eosinophils, stimulates cytokine release from these cells and prolongs their survival, and might hence indirectly promote IgE production. PGD2 mediates its biologic functions via 2 distinct G protein-coupled receptors, D-type prostanoid receptor (DP), and the chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). DP and CRTH2 receptors are currently being considered as highly promising therapeutic targets for combating allergic diseases and asthma. Here, we revisit the roles of PGD2 receptors in the regulation of eosinophil and Th2 cell function and the efforts towards developing candidate compounds for clinical evaluation.
Long-Lasting Intrinsic Optical Changes Observed in the Neurointermediate Lobe of the Mouse Pituitary Reflect Volume Changes in Cells of the Pars Intermedia
Authors: Kosterin P. , Obaid A.L. , Salzberg B.M.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aims: Complex intrinsic optical changes (light scattering) are readily observed in the neurointermediate lobe of the mouse pituitary gland following electrical stimulation of the infundibular stalk. Our laboratory has previously identified three distinct phases within the light scattering signal: two rapid responses to action potential stimulation and a long duration recovery. The rapid light scattering signals, restricted to the neurohypophysial portion (posterior pituitary) of the neurointermediate lobe, consist of an E-wave and an S-wave that reflect excitation and secretion, respectively. The E-wave has the approximate shape of the action potential and includes voltage- and current-related components and is independent of Ca2+ entry. The S-wave is related to Ca2+ entry and exocytosis. The slow recovery phase of the light scattering signal, which we designated the R-wave, is less well characterized. Methods: Using high temporal resolution light scattering measurements, we monitored intrinsic optical changes in the neurointermediate lobe of the mouse pituitary gland. Pharmacological interventions during the measurements were employed. Results: The data presented here provide optical and pharmacological evidence suggesting that the R-wave, which comprises signals from the posterior pituitary as well as from the pars intermedia, mirrors volume changes in pars intermedia cells following a train of stimuli applied to the infundibular stalk. These volume changes were blocked by the GABA-receptor antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxin, and were mimicked by direct application of GABA in the absence of electrical stimulation. Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of central GABAergic projections into the neurointermediate lobe, and the potential role of GABA in effecting hormone release from the pars intermedia.
Outpatient Thermachoice Endometrial Balloon Ablation: Long-Term, Prognostic and Quality-of-Life Measures
Authors: Varma Rajesh , Soneja Hemi , Samuel Nadia , Sangha Eki , Clark Thomas Justin , Gupta Janesh K.
Published: June 2010

Study Objective: To evaluate short- and long-term treatment outcomes of outpatient local anaesthetic thermal balloon endometrial ablation (LA-TBEA) and identify any prognostic factors. Study Design: Prospective observational study in a UK teaching hospital involving 102 menorrhagic women undergoing LA-TBEA between 2001 and 2005. Women underwent either Gynecare® Thermachoice I (n = 51) or Thermachoice III (n = 51) TBEA performed in the outpatient setting under local anaesthesia without conscious sedation. The main outcome measures were: treatment completion, pain and analgesia, duration of stay (from admission to discharge), duration of follow-up, primary treatment success and nature of any secondary treatment, menstrual symptoms and amenorrhoea, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. Results: TBEA was completed in 97% of women. Mean duration of stay was 8.0 h (95% CI 6.6–9.3). Mean follow-up was 30 months (95% CI 26–32). Secondary treatment with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system, repeat TBEA or hysterectomy occurred in 19/102 (19%). Overall, 50% of surgical re-interventions occurred by 19 months. There were high rates of amenorrhoea (29%) and treatment satisfaction (76%). Higher mean intrauterine ablation pressure was associated with increased treatment satisfaction. Conclusion: TBEA can be successfully performed in the outpatient setting. Higher endometrial ablation pressure may improve long-term treatment outcome.
The Role of Hysteroscopic Biopsy in Obtaining Specimens for Cytogenetic Evaluation in Missed Abortion prior to Suction Dilatation and Curettage
Authors: Awonuga Awoniyi O. , Jelsema Jodi , Abdallah Mazen E. , Berman Jay , Diamond Michael P. , Puscheck Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2010

Aim:To estimate whether hysteroscopic-guided biopsy of gestational sac(s) in first trimester missed abortion increases the sensitivity of detecting aneuploidy compared to washing and careful specimen collection after suction dilatation and curettage (D&C). Materials and Methods:Thirty-five patients with first trimester missed abortion of which 25 underwent 29 suction D&Cs and 10 underwent hysteroscopic-guided biopsy of 12 gestational sacs prior to suction D&C. The karyotype of products of conception specimens were analyzed by G-banding techniques. Results:The percentage of specimens with 46,XX, 46,XY and aneuploidy were not significantly different in the hysteroscopic group [4/12 (33.3%), 3/12 (25.0%) and 5/12 (41.7%)] compared with the D&C group [8/29 (27.6%), 5/29 (17.2%) and 16/29 (55.2%)]. Although parity differed significantly between groups, it did not hold in a multivariable logistic regression model built to estimate whether the parity, gestational age and specimen collection method predict the likelihood of detecting a 46,XX chromosomal complement. Conclusions:Direct hysteroscopic-guided biopsies of gestational sac(s) do not increase the sensitivity of conventional cytogenetics for detecting aneuploidy when compared to specimens obtained by washing and microscopic identification of villi or fetal tissue after suction D&C.
Reproductive Health Characteristics of Urban South Korean Women
Authors: Lee Dong-Yun , Koo Young-Ah , Yoon Byung-Koo , Choi DooSeok
Published: June 2010

Aims: To characterize the reproductive health of urban South Korean women of reproductive age. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey on menstrual patterns, sexual behavior, utilization of contraception, and perception of gynecological diseases was administered to 500 women from 15 to 39 years of age in five major cities of South Korea. Results: Among the respondents, 76.8 and 25% experienced dysmenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding, respectively. Two-thirds of the respondents with dysmenorrhea used analgesics. After analgesics, herbal medicine was the next most commonly used treatment. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 24.3 years, and 68.8% of the sexually active women used contraception. The most commonly used contraceptive method was the condom (79.7%), and many women (up to 62.2%) demonstrated a distorted understanding of oral contraceptives. Although many women were aware of general gynecological diseases such as cervical cancer (77%), endometriosis (64.4%), and leiomyoma (62.6%), only 22.2% of the respondents had visited a clinic for a gynecological examination, and among those who had visited a clinic, the main reason for the visit was pregnancy (44.1%). Conclusion: The results of this survey provide insight into and allow us to characterize the reproductive health status of urban South Korean women.
Clinical Recommendation on Fertility Preservation in Borderline Ovarian Neoplasm: Ovarian Stimulation and Oocyte Retrieval after Conservative Surgery
Authors: Denschlag Dominik , von Wolff Michael , Amant Frederic , Kesic Vesna , Reed Nicholas , Schneider Achim , Rodolakis Alexandros
Published: June 2010

Aim: To evaluate safety and fertility outcome after assisted conception in patients who were treated conservatively for a borderline ovarian tumor (BOT). Methods: A systematic literature review using Medline was conducted. From all the relevant case series the following information was obtained for each reported patient: primary diagnosis; disease stage; surgical treatment; duration of follow-up; incidence of recurrence; current disease status; the number of controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and/or oocyte retrievals, and successful pregnancies. Results: Overall 588 articles were screened, of which finally 15 reports including 62 patients met the inclusion criteria. Within a median follow-up duration of 52 months in this small group of patients, overall 12 patients (19.4%) had recurrences, and those recurrences were again successfully treated by surgery in 11 patients. In terms of assisted reproductive outcome, in our series overall 152 ovarian stimulation cycles as well as 135 oocyte retrievals were performed with a baby-take-home rate of 28.3% per stimulated cycle. Conclusion: It is mandatory to counsel all patients with a history of BOT who are seeking treatment for infertility that, due to the limited data, it is unclear whether assisted reproductive techniques are associated with an increased risk of recurrence.
Implementation of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Maintenance of Skills after a Mentorship Program
Authors: Twijnstra A.R.H. , Blikkendaal M.D. , Kolkman W. , Smeets M.J.G.H. , Rhemrev J.P.T. , Jansen F.W.
Published: June 2010

Background: To evaluate the implementation and maintenance of advanced laparoscopic skills after a structured mentorship program in laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Methods: Cohort retrospective analysis of 104 successive LHs performed by two gynecologists during and after a mentorship program. LHs were compared for indication, patient characteristics and intraoperative characteristics. As a frame of reference, 94 LHs performed by the mentor were analyzed. Results: With regard to indication, blood loss and adverse outcomes, both trainees performed LHs during their mentorship program comparable with the LHs performed by the mentor. The difference in mean operating time between trainees and mentor was not clinically significant. Both trainees progressed along a learning curve, while operating time remained statistically constant and comparable to that of the mentor. After completing the mentorship program, both gynecologists maintained their acquired skills as blood loss, adverse outcome rates and operating time were comparable with the results during their traineeship. Conclusion: A mentorship program is an effective and durable tool for implementing a new surgical procedure in a teaching hospital with respect to patient safety aspects, as indications, operating time and adverse outcome rates are comparable to those of the mentor in his own hospital during and after completing the mentorship program.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Care Providers Working in Primary Health Care Units Concerning Emergency Contraception
Authors: Aksu Hilmiye , Kucuk Mert , Karaoz Banu , Oğurlu Nesrin
Published: June 2010

Aims: The aim of the current study was to explore the extent of knowledge health care providers working in primary health care units in Aydin, Turkey, had about emergency contraception (EC), to determine whether they provide EC counseling, and to understand the barriers and misconceptions in this context. Methods: A total of 120 health care professionals working in primary health care units agreed to participate, including 71 midwives (59.2%), 21 nurses (17.5%), and 28 general practitioners (23.3%). Results: The study demonstrated that health care providers working in primary health care units had inadequate knowledge about EC. However, it also showed that study participants who had received education on EC were more likely to provide EC counseling during routine family planning counseling and were more knowledgeable about EC. A remarkable majority of the participants were aware of their knowledge deficit and were willing to receive education on EC. The present study also indicated that EC options were not made known to women as part of routine family planning counseling. Conclusion: While the educational needs of health care providers concerning EC should be met, there is a need for new interventions to improve the attitudes toward and actions of primary health care providers regarding EC.
Primary Retroperitoneal Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dierickx I. , Jacomen G. , Schelfhout V. , Moerman P. , Corveleyn P. , Spiessens T. , Amant F. , Berteloot P.
Published: June 2010

A 50-year-old female complained of a painless abdominal distension. Histopathologic examination after cystectomy showed a primary poorly differentiated retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with a sarcoma-like mural nodule. The patient subsequently underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, appendectomy, omentectomy and lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of 6 times carboplatin (AUC 7) in monotherapy (every 4 weeks). Based on 49 cases of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, we discuss the histogenesis and we define the appropriate treatment.
The Most Predominant Spoligopatterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates among Iranian, Afghan-Immigrant, Pakistani and Turkish Tuberculosis Patients: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Merza Muayad A. , Farnia Parissa , Salih Ahmad M. , Masjedi Mohammad Reza , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: June 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to identify prevalent spoligopatterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains within Iran and its neighboring countries. Methods: The spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping) was performed on 1,742 MTB strains isolated from Iranian and Afghan patients. Subsequently, these results were compared with published results of Pakistan and Turkey. Results: Based on the international spoligotyping database T, Central Asian Strain (CAS), East African-Indian and Latin American and Mediterranean families were prevalent in the region. T was dominant amongIranian (32.3%) and Turkish (36.5%), whereas CAS was more prevalent among Pakistani (61.3%) and Afghan-immigrant (27.4%) TB patients. Conclusion: The majority of strains isolated from Pakistan and Afghanistan belonged to ancient MTB genotypes (principal genetic group, PGG, I). In contrast, in Turkey there was prevalence of modern TB (PGG II and III), whereas in Iran, the prevalence of ancient and modern TB was almost equal. Therefore, Iran may be considered as the connecting geographical location between ancient and modern TB.
Taking the Thrombin “Fork”
Authors: Mann Kenneth G.
Published: June 2010

The proverb that probably best exemplifies my career in research is attributable to Yogi Berra (http://www.yogiberra.com/), ie, “when you come to a fork in the road … take it.” My career is a consequence of chance interactions with great mentors and talented students and the opportunities provided by a succession of ground-breaking improvements in technology.
Economic Evaluation of the HF-ACTION (Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training) Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Reed Shelby D. , Whellan David J. , Li Yanhong , Friedman Joëlle Y. , Ellis Stephen J. , Piña Ileana L. , Settles Sharon J. , Davidson-Ray Linda , Johnson Johanna L. , Cooper Lawton S. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Schulman Kevin A. ,   for the HF-ACTION Investigators
Published: June 2010

Background—

Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training (HF-ACTION) assigned 2331 outpatients with medically stable heart failure to exercise training or usual care. We compared medical resource use and costs incurred by these patients during follow-up.

Methods and Results—

Extensive data on medical resource use and hospital bills were collected throughout the trial for estimates of direct medical costs. Intervention costs were estimated using patient-level trial data, administrative records, and published unit costs. Mean follow-up was 2.5 years. There were 2297 hospitalizations in the exercise group and 2332 in the usual care group (
P
=0.92). The mean number of inpatient days was 13.6 (standard deviation [SD], 27.0) in the exercise group and 15.0 (SD, 31.4) in the usual care group (
P
=0.23). Other measures of resource use were similar between groups, except for trends indicating that fewer patients in the exercise group underwent high-cost inpatient procedures. Total direct medical costs per participant were an estimated $50 857 (SD, $81 488) in the exercise group and $56 177 (SD, $92 749) in the usual care group (95% confidence interval for the difference, $−12 755 to $1547;
P
=0.10). The direct cost of exercise training was an estimated $1006 (SD, $337). Patient time costs were an estimated $5018 (SD, $4600).

Conclusions—

The cost of exercise training was relatively low for the health care system, but patients incurred significant time costs. In this economic evaluation, there was little systematic benefit in terms of overall medical resource use with this intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00047437.
Buddha-Relics in the Lives of Southern Asian Polities
Authors: Blackburn Anne
Published: June 2010

Drawing on literary and inscriptional evidence from Sri Lanka and mainland Southeast Asia, this essay examines the place of Buddha-relics — potent traces of a Buddha — in the life cycle of southern Asian political formations. In the formation of new polities and/or new dynasties, relics were drawn into the physical landscape and literary memory of the state, in order to provide protection and to claim desirable lineage and authority. At times of heightened military and political activity, when kingdoms were at risk, the protection and deployment of relics, and their ritual engagement, formed part of the state's central technologies. During periods of victory and restoration, relic festivals and the enhancement of a landscape embedded with relics, were used to display, affirm, and protect the royal court.
Kingship and Ancestral Cult in the Northwest Palace at Nimrud
Authors: Brown Brian
Published: June 2010

Built in the early 9th century BCE, the Northwest Palace at Nimrud presented a new “imperial” architecture and iconography that was related to Assyrian expansionism at this time. Yet it also contained specific points of contact with the past via the royal Assyrian ancestors. A monument in the throneroom, the “center” of the state, provided the “public” view of this ideology, while one of the palace’s more secluded wings was devoted to the performance of ancestral cult. Through these and other means, rapid and fundamental socio-political change was accompanied by the idea of a logical and direct continuity with the history of Assyria.
Who is keeping the sea safe? Testing theories of international law compliance
Authors: Stiles Kendall
Published: June 2010

Theories of international law compliance have blossomed in recent years and many have been subjected to rigorous testing. In this exercise, we argue that theories based on managerial models are particularly promising in explaining why certain states comply more readily with international rules governing the safety of international shipping. Specifically, we test a wide range of variables drawn from interest-driven theories, as well as society-driven theories of compliance, and compare their explanatory power to governance-driven theories to explain anti-piracy policies and safety aboard ship. While many governance-driven variables correlate with both outcomes, they explain ship safety policies particularly well.
Deconstructing the DMZ: Derrida, Levinas and the phenomenology of peace
Authors: Ahn Ilsup
Published: June 2010

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) has been a global symbol of perpetual conflict, hatred and distrust since its establishment in 1953 after the Korean War. The 155-mile ceasefire line has given birth to moral pathologies in the minds of Korean people that include ‘otherness is evil’, ‘containment of war is peace’ and ‘restoration of the same is unification’. The purpose of this article is to reduce these moral pathologies through Jacques Derrida’s deconstructive approach and Emmanuel Levinas’s ethics of the Other. Through tripartite reduction of these moral ideologies of the DMZ, an ethical thesis is developed that peace is not a mere state of the absence of war, but rather a welcoming of radical others and differences. It is also argued that unification is not about restoring the same ‘original we’, but about co-reconstruction of the ‘democratic we’.
Time to Talk: An Urban School’s Use of Literature Circles to Create a Professional Learning Community
Authors: Monroe-Baillargeon Ann , Shema Amy L.
Published: June 2010

In a culture of comprehensive school reform, which focuses primarily on improving student achievement, teachers must critically analyze educational research and student data to make professional judgments regarding student achievement. Establishing professional learning communities is one form of professional development (PD) that is proven to engage participants’ intellect, involve them in action and reflection, and result in continuous improvement in teaching and student learning. This study explores teachers’, administrators’, and support service providers’ involvement in district supported literature circles intended to create professional learning communities. All participants agreed that the experience was beneficial and helped to foster a sense of community, reassert their professional identity, and provide new perspectives to consider when interacting with students. This research contributes to our understanding of PD as a means to school improvement and provides evidence for effective PD that prepares educational leaders and promotes improved student outcomes.
Direct Behavior Rating (DBR): Generalizability and Dependability Across Raters and Observations
Authors: Christ Theodore J. , Riley-Tillman T. Chris , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Boice Christina H.
Published: June 2010

Generalizability theory was used to examine the generalizability and dependability of outcomes from two single-item Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) scales: DBR of actively manipulating and DBR of visually distracted. DBR is a behavioral assessment tool with specific instrumentation and procedures that can be used by a variety of service delivery providers (e.g., teacher, teacher aide, parent, etc.) to collect time-series data on student behavior. The purpose of this study was to extend the findings presented by Chafouleas et al. with an examination of DBR outcomes as they are generalized across raters and rating occasions. One hundred twenty-five undergraduates viewed and rated student behavior on video clips while the children engaged in an unsolvable Lego puzzle task. A series of decision studies were used to evaluate the effects of alternate assessment conditions (variable numbers of raters and rating occasions) and interpretive assumptions (definitions of the universe of generalization). Results support the general conclusion that ratings from individual or small groups of simultaneous raters, when generalized only to that specific individual or group of individuals, can approach reliability criteria for low- and high-stakes decisions. Implications are discussed.
Human Temporomandibular Joint Eminence Shape and Load Minimization
Authors: Iwasaki L.R. , Crosby M.J. , Marx D.B. , Gonzalez Y. , McCall W.D. , Ohrbach R. , Nickel J.C.
Published: June 2010

Analysis of previous data suggested the hypothesis that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) eminence shapes develop ideally to minimize joint loads. Hence, we tested this hypothesis in nine females and eight males in each of two groups, with and without TMJ disc displacement. Participants provided anatomical data used in a joint load minimization numerical model to predict, and jaw-tracking data used to measure, eminence shapes. Coordinate data (x,y) of shapes were fit to third-order polynomials for two sessions, sides, and methods (predicted, measured) for each participant. Inter-session data were reliable and averaged. Those with, compared with those without, disc displacement had higher measured shape range (5:1) and left-right asymmetry prevalence (4:1). In 29 symmetrical individuals, ANCOVA and Bonferroni tests compared vertical dimensions (y) at 11 postero-anterior points (x), 0.5 mm apart. Model-predicted and measured shapes were significantly different (P ≤ 0.01) near the eminence crest, but joint load minimization was consistent with eminence shape for x < 3.0 mm.
Modeling and simulation of new configuration of dynamic voltage restorer for power quality improvement
Authors: Omar Rosli , Nasrudin Abdul Rahim
Published: June 2010

The dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is a custom device that is used to maintain the voltage at the load terminals from various power quality problems from a disturbed incoming supply. In this paper, a novel control strategy is described for mitigation of voltage sags and swells on sensitive loads. The new control of the compensation voltages in the DVR based on the dqo algorithm is discussed. The MATLAB/SIMULINK SimPower System toolbox has been used to obtain simulation results in order to verify the proposed scheme. From the results, it shows that the DVR is able to compensate the voltage sag or swell at sensitive loads by injecting an appropriate voltage through the injection transformer.
Student Achievement and College Selectivity: How Changes in Achievement During High School Affect the Selectivity of College Attended
Authors: Moller Stephanie , Stearns Elizabeth , Potochnick Stephanie R. , Southworth Stephanie
Published: June 2010

Researchers who examine the link between high school achievement and educational outcomes include measures of achievement that conflate high school effects with achievement effects established prior to high school. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, this article disaggregates achievement into achievement prior to high school (in the eighth grade) and changes in achievement during high school. The authors find that the prestige of the colleges that students attend is largely solidified by the time students enter high school. They also find that among high socioeconomic status (SES) students, lower achievers can enhance the prestige of the colleges they will attend by moving up the achievement distribution during high school. However, even if their gains are well above average, the prestige of the colleges they are predicted to attend will not surpass students who enter high school at the top or middle of the eighth-grade achievement distribution. These findings are similar for low-SES students. In contrast, the effects of achievement for middle-SES students are largely solidified by high school.
Controllability structure decomposition for switched linear systems
Authors: Zhijian Ji  , Hai Lin  , Gang Feng  , Xiaoxia Guo
Published: June 2010

The paper presents two different approaches, which enable a state transformation for system equations of switched linear systems to controllability canonical forms. The approaches are based on a constructive basis selection procedure for the controllability subspace and a controllability Kalman-type rank condition of switched linear systems. The results contribute to clarify the switched system structure to a certain degree under complete controllability.
Bridging Domains in Workplace Demography Research: A Review and Reconceptualization
Authors: Joshi Aparna , Liao Hui , Roh Hyuntak
Published: June 2010

Research on unraveling the complex effects of workplace demography has grown exponentially in the past two decades, reflecting enduring academic interest in the topic. This research spans multiple macro and micro theoretical domains and has examined demography effects at individual, group, or firm levels of analysis. However, past research in this area has revealed equivocal and inconclusive findings. Based on a review of more than two decades of research, the authors present the argument that future developments in this research will occur not in isolation at a specific level of analysis but rather at the interstices of multiple levels. The authors offer a framework for future research that bridges macro and micro domains as a way to resolve past discrepant findings in this area of research.
Education-related goal appraisals and self-esteem during the transition to secondary education: A longitudinal study
Authors: Vasalampi Kati , Salmela-Aro Katariina , Nurmi Jari-Erik
Published: June 2010

This study investigated whether adolescents’ appraisals of their education-related goals change during the transition from comprehensive school to postcomprehensive secondary education (academic vs. vocational track) and how such appraisals contribute to their self-esteem. Six hundred and seven 16-year-old adolescents were surveyed three times: (1) at the beginning, (2) at the end of the final spring term of comprehensive school, and (3) one year after the transition to postcomprehensive secondary education. They were asked to appraise their education-related goal in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for goal striving, goal progress, effort, and stress. The results showed that, when adolescents ended up in a mode of education that was congruent with their skills, their intrinsic reasons for goal strivings and goal progress increased. Moreover, progress towards goal attainment contributed to self-esteem, and self-esteem also predicted goal progress. Furthermore, the higher the self-esteem in comprehensive school, the lower the level of extrinsic reasons for goal striving after the transition.
Time Course Gene Expression Using Laser Capture Microscopy-Extracted Bile Ducts, but Not Hepatic Parenchyma, Reveals Acute Alpha-Naphthylisothiocyanate Toxicity
Authors: Cullen John Michael , Falls James Greg , Brown Harlan Roger , Yoon Lawrence Wonsik , Cariello Neal Foster , Faiola Brenda , Kimbrough Carie Lynette , Jordan Holly Lynn , Miller Richard Thomas
Published: June 2010

Acute toxic responses to a 50-mg/kg oral dose of 1-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) were evaluated by microarray analysis of laser capture–microdissected rat biliary epithelium or hepatic parenchyma obtained 2 and 6 hours postdose. Distinct differences in gene expression patterns between biliary epithelium and hepatic parenchyma were noted at the 2-hour postdose time point, where 375 genes were altered in biliary epithelium but only 38 genes were altered in hepatic parenchyma. Endoplasmic reticulum stress genes were uniquely expressed in biliary epithelial cells at 2 hours postdose. By 6 hours postdose, 620 genes were altered in biliary epithelium, but only 32 genes were altered in hepatic parenchyma. In biliary epithelium, expression of genes involved in the unfolded protein response had decreased compared with the 2-hour time point, while expression of genes involved in protein degradation such as proteasome-ubquination pathways and cell death pathways had increased. At this same time, hepatic parenchymal gene expression changed little. Within 6 hours following oral exposure to ANIT, prior to morphologic changes, specific biliary epithelial gene expression changes, indicative of a vigorous unfolded protein response with protein destruction and cell death pathway activation were noted, in contrast to minor changes in the hepatic parenchyma.
Complementing human judgment of essays written by English language learners with e-rater® scoring
Authors: Enright Mary K. , Quinlan Thomas
Published: June 2010

E-rater® is an automated essay scoring system that uses natural language processing techniques to extract features from essays and to model statistically human holistic ratings. Educational Testing Service has investigated the use of e-rater, in conjunction with human ratings, to score one of the two writing tasks on the TOEFL-iBT® writing section. In this article we describe the TOEFL iBT writing section and an e-rater model proposed to provide one of two ratings for the Independent writing task. We discuss how the evidence for a process that uses both human and e-rater scoring is relevant to four components in a validity argument: (a) Evaluation — observations of performance on the writing task are scored to provide evidence of targeted writing skills; (b) Generalization — scores on the writing task provide estimates of expected scores over relevant parallel versions of the task and across raters; (c) Extrapolation — expected scores on the writing task are consistent with other measures of writing ability; and (d) Utilization — scores on the writing task are useful in educational contexts. Finally, we propose directions for future research that will strengthen the case for using complementary methods of scoring to improve the assessment of EFL writing.
Conceptual and empirical relationships between temporal measures of fluency and oral English proficiency with implications for automated scoring
Authors: Ginther April , Dimova Slobodanka , Yang Rui
Published: June 2010

Information provided by examination of the skills that underlie holistic scores can be used not only as supporting evidence for the validity of inferences associated with performance tests but also as a way to improve the scoring rubrics, descriptors, and benchmarks associated with scoring scales. As fluency is considered a critical, perhaps foundational, component of speaking proficiency, temporal measures of fluency are expected to be strongly related to holistic ratings of speech quality.This study examines the relationships among selected temporal measures of fluency and holistic scores on a semi-direct measure of oral English proficiency. The spoken responses of 150 respondents to one item on the Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) were analyzed for selected temporal measures of fluency. The examinees represented three first language backgrounds (Chinese, Hindi, and English) and the range of scores on the OEPT scale. While strong and moderate correlations between OEPT scores and speech rate, speech time ratio, mean length of run, and the number and length of silent pauses were found, fluency variables alone did not distinguish adjacent levels of the OEPT scale. Temporal measures of fluency may reasonably be selected for the development of automated scoring systems for speech; however, identification of an examinee’s level remains dependent on aspects of performance only partially represented by fluency measures.
Does Medicare Have an Implicit Cost-Effectiveness Threshold?
Authors: Chambers James D. , Neumann Peter J. , Buxton Martin J.
Published: June 2010

Background. Despite the huge cost of the program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has maintained a policy that cost-effectiveness is not considered in national coverage determinations (NCDs). Objective. To assess whether an implicit cost-effectiveness threshold exists and to determine if economic evidence has been considered in previous NCDs. Methods. A literature search was conducted to identify estimates of cost-effectiveness relevant to each NCD from 1999—2007 (n = 103). The economic evaluation that best represented each coverage decision was included in a review of the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions considered in NCDs. Results. Of the 64 coverage decisions determined to have a corresponding cost-effectiveness estimate, 49 were associated with a positive coverage decision and 15 with a noncoverage decision. Of the positive decisions, 20 were associated with an economic evaluation that estimated the intervention to be dominant (costs less and was more effective than the alternative), 12 with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of less than $50,000, 8 with an ICER greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000, and 9 with an ICER greater than $100,000. Fourteen of the sample of 64 decision memos cited or discussed cost-effectiveness information. Conclusions. CMS is covering a number of interventions that do not appear to be cost-effective, suggesting that resources could be allocated more efficiently. Although the authors identified several instances where cost-effectiveness evidence was cited in NCDs, they found no clear evidence of an implicit threshold.
Establishing Efficacy of Human Products Using Animals
Authors: Snoy P. J.
Published: June 2010

In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration issued regulations to allow the approval of human drugs and biological products based on animal efficacy studies when human efficacy studies would be unethical or not feasible. These regulations are intended to assist in the approval process for products aimed at preventing or treating human diseases caused by nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical agents that have the potential to harm a significant percentage of the US population. This article discusses the criteria that must be met to use the Animal Rule to demonstrate efficacy in place of human clinical trials.
Discrepancy between strong cephalic arterial dilatation and mild headache caused by prostaglandin D2(PGD2)
Authors: Wienecke Troels , Olesen Jes , Ashina Messoud
Published: June 2010

Introduction: Prostaglandins (PGs) are involved in nociception and mast cell degranulation. Prostaglandin D2(PGD2) is a vasodilatator released during mast cell degranulation. The headache-eliciting effect of PGD2has not been studied in man.

Subjects and methods: Twelve healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to receive intravenous infusion of 384 ng/kg/min PGD2over 25 min in a placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over study. We recorded headache intensity and associated symptoms, velocity in the middle cerebral artery (VMCA) and diameter of the superficial temporal artery (STA) and radial artery (RA) using ultrasonography.

Results: In the period 0–14 h, 11 subjects reported headache on PGD2compared to one subject on placebo ( P = 0.002). During the in-hospital phase (0–120 min), the area under the headache curve was larger on PGD2compared to placebo ( P < 0.05). Median peak headache, 1 (0–1), occurred 10 min after start of PGD2infusion. There was no difference in incidence of headache in the post-hospital phase between PGD2( n = 3) and placebo ( n = 1). There was a decrease in VMCA( P < 0.001), increase in STA ( P < 0.001) and RA ( P < 0.006) diameter during PGD2infusion compared to placebo. Peak decrease in VMCAwas 28.3% after 10 min and peak increase in STA was 55.7% after 20 min on the PGD2day. Conclusions: The present study shows that PGD2is a very strong vasodilator of MCA, STA and RA, but causes only mild headache.
Clinical characteristics and therapeutic options in hypnic headache
Authors: Holle Dagny , Naegel Steffen , Krebs Sarah , Katsarava Zaza , Diener Hans-Christoph , Gaul Charly , Obermann Mark
Published: June 2010

Background: Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare primary headache disorder that is characterized by exclusively sleep-related headache attacks. Because of its low prevalence, clinical features and therapeutic options are widely unknown or under discussion.

Methods: Twenty patients with HH were examined and interviewed using a standardized questionnaire in regard to their clinical characteristics and effective treatment regimens. Data were evaluated according to current International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria. Individual treatment history and effective treatment options were compared with expected efficacy based on current literature.

Results: In conflict to current IHS criteria, 15% of patients reported trigemino-autonomic symptoms. All patients showed distinct motor behavior during their headache attacks. In acute pain attacks caffeine was most effective. Lithium, topiramate, melatonin, amitriptyline and indomethacin were sometimes useful prophylactic treatment options but were often associated with side effects.

Conclusions: Our results underline the need for modification of the IHS diagnostic criteria of HH to better reflect the actual clinical characteristics of this headache. Caffeine should be considered as first-line acute therapy. Prophylactic medical treatment should be carefully evaluated in regard to side effects in this aged patient population, as this seems to be a major concern of patients apart from pure pain reduction.