bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture in vitro Modulation of Human Leukocyte Antigen Molecules and Costimulatory Molecules on Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Xie Mao-Song , Xu Guo-Xing
Published: December 2007

Purpose: To determine the potential of culture in vitro to alter the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and costimulatory molecules on human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Methods: Pure RPE were isolated and cultured. Two sets of RPE (normal and activated) were used. Activated RPE were obtained by incubating primary cultures of RPE with recombinant human interferon-γ. The expression of HLA molecules and costimulatory molecules on human RPE at different passages after culture in vitro were analyzed quantitatively by flow cytometry. Results: In the process of routine culture on culture flask, the duration of culture in vitro was significantly correlated with the expression of HLA-ABC molecules on the normal RPE and the activated RPE (r = –0.893, p < 0.001 and r = –0.964, p < 0.001 respectively), HLA-DR molecule on the activated RPE (r = –0.901, p < 0.001) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on the normal RPE (r = 0.961, p < 0.001). There were no correlations between the duration of culture in vitro andthe expression of HLA-DR molecule on the normal RPE, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on the activated RPE, B7-1 and B7-2 molecules on the normal RPE and the activated RPE. Conclusions: The chronic rejection is the major immunological rejection following RPE allogeneic graft. Culture in vitro modulation of HLA molecules and costimulatory molecules on RPE may increase lymphocyte infiltration and activation and promote the chronic rejection following allograft RPE transplantation.
Comparison of Contrast Sensitivity after Angle-Supported, Iris-Fixated and Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation for High Myopia
Authors: Yu Ayong , Wang Qinmei , Xue Anquan , Zhu Shuangqian , Wang Shulin , Chen Yunyun , Sun Jin
Published: December 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of angle-supported, iris-fixated and posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation on contrast sensitivity (CS). Methods: This prospective study included 69 eyes of 41 consecutive cases of high myopia which received an angle-supported (Phakic-6H; 26 eyes), iris-fixated (Verisyse; 23 eyes) or posterior chamber PIOL [phakic refractive lens (PRL); 20 eyes]. Photopic, mesopic and mesopic with glare CS were evaluated preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively. Results: In the PRL group, the mean postoperative CS at all frequencies and across all lighting conditions increased. These changes were significant for 6, 12 and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) under both photopic and mesopic conditions (p < 0.01) and for all the tested frequencies under mesopic with glare condition (p < or = 0.01). The average CS was relatively low in the PRL group. These changes were significant for 6 and 12 cpd between the Verisyse and PRL group under photopic condition (p < 0.05), for 3 and 6 cpd under mesopic condition (p < 0.01, p = 0.01) and under mesopic with glare condition (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Improvements in postoperative CS confirm that PIOL implantation is a promising alternative for correction of high myopia. In comparison to posterior chamber PIOLs, angle-supported and iris-fixated PIOLs seem to produce a better visual quality in terms of CS, which needs to be warranted by further investigations.
Asthma, Eczema, Rhinitis and the Risk for Dementia
Authors: Eriksson Ulrika K. , Gatz Margaret , Dickman Paul W. , Fratiglioni Laura , Pedersen Nancy L.
Published: December 2007

Background: Inflammation is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia. In light of the chronic inflammatory properties of the atopic disorders asthma, eczema and rhinitis, we hypothesized an association with dementia. Methods: Self-reported asthma, eczema or rhinitis was assessed (prior to dementia follow-up) through questionnaires in the 1960s or 1970s in twins from the population-based Swedish Twin Registry. Dementia was assessed both longitudinally (n = 22,188), through linkages to two population-based registers, and cross-sectionally (n = 7,800), through telephone cognitive screening followed by a clinical evaluation of suspects of dementia. Risk ratios were estimated with Cox and logistic regression models controlling for vascular disease and genetic confounding. Results: In the longitudinal study, a history of atopy was positively associated with dementia (HR = 1.16; 1.01–1.33). In the cross-sectional study we found overall lower risks, none of which was statistically significant. Asthma was associated with a shorter survival time following AD onset. Conclusions: Atopy is associated with a modestly increased risk of AD and dementia that is not mediated by vascular disease or due to genetic confounding. A history of asthma is associated with shorter life expectancy after AD diagnosis.
Approximal Fluoride Concentration Using Different Fluoridated Products Alone or in Combination
Authors: Särner B. , Birkhed D. , Lingström P.
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present investigation was to measure the approximal fluoride (F) concentration after using different F-containing products, either alone or in combination. Ten subjects participated on a total of 17 occasions, which were randomized, distributed and divided into two trials (called trial I and trial II). The F concentration was studied after treatment with toothpicks, dental flosses, an interdental brush dipped in 0.2 or 0.32% F gels, brushing with toothpaste containing 0.32% F and a mouthrinse with 0.2% NaF solution. The results of trial I revealed that the rinsing solution resulted in the highest approximal F values, followed by toothpicks and brushing. When brushing was combined with either flossing or toothpick, the sequence order of the two methods had less influence. However, when combined with rinsing it appeared to be better to use the floss or the toothpicks first, prior to the mouthrinse. In trial II, treatment with the gels alone, and in combination with brushing, resulted in higher approximal F concentrations compared with brushing alone. The data indicate that the order of usage when combining products may be of importance when it comes to obtaining high F levels at the approximal sites and that an interdental brush with F gel after toothbrushing may be a suitable method, called ‘Inter Dental Brush Gel Method’, to produce elevated F concentrations at approximal sites.
High Incidence of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Hakuma Nobuyuki , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Kinoshita Ichiro , Itoh Tomoo , Kaga Kichizo , Kondo Satoshi , Nishimura Masaharu , Dosaka-Akita Hirotoshi
Published: December 2007

Objective: Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein that is widely present on the surface of various tumor cells, assisting in tumor progression by stimulating the production of several matrix metalloproteinases in adjacent stromal cells. However, its clinical relevance remains to be evaluated in lung cancers. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between EMMPRIN expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Methods: EMMPRIN expression was semiquantified by immunohistochemistry with anti-human EMMPRIN monoclonal antibody in 208 surgically resected NSCLCs and was analyzed statistically in relation to various characteristics. Results: EMMPRIN expression was seen in most NSCLC samples (92%). High levels of EMMPRIN expression were significantly associated with differentiation and pT1 stage in adenocarcinomas. There were no significant differences in overall survival between patients with tumors having high and low levels of EMMPRIN expression in pathological stage I NSCLCs (5-year survival rates, 69 vs. 60%). Conclusions: EMMPRIN was preferentially expressed in most NSCLCs. High levels of expression were associated with early T stage and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and were not a prognostic factor in NSCLC.
C-Reactive Protein Inhibits Cholesterol Efflux From Human Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells
Authors: Wang Xinwen , Liao Dan , Bharadwaj Uddalak , Li Min , Yao Qizhi , Chen Changyi
Published: December 2007

Objective—

The objective of this study was to determine the effects and potential mechanisms of C-reactive protein (CRP) on cholesterol efflux from human macrophage foam cells, which may play a critical role in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results—

Human THP-1 monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were preincubated with acetylated LDL and [
3
H]-cholesterol to form foam cells, which were then treated with apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) or HDL for cholesterol efflux assay. Clinically relevant concentrations of CRP significantly reduced cholesterol efflux from THP-1 and PBMCs to apoA-I or HDL. CRP significantly decreased the expression of ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1, whereas it increased superoxide anion production. Futhermore, CRP substantially activated ERK1/2 in THP-1–derived foam-like cells. Reducing superoxide anion by antioxidant seleno-
l
-methionine or SOD mimetic (MnTBAP) effectively abolished the CRP-induced decrease in cholesterol efflux and the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Inhibiting ERK1/2 activation by its specific inhibitor PD98059 or by a dominant negative mutant of ERK2 could also block CRPs action on THP-1 cells.

Conclusions—

CRP inhibits cholesterol efflux from human foam cells derived from THP-1 and PBMCs in vitro though oxidative stress, ERK1/2 activation, and downregulation of intracellular cholesterol transport molecules ABCA1 and ABCG1.
An In-Person Survey Investigating Public Perceptions of and Responses to Hurricane Rita Forecasts along the Texas Coast
Authors: Zhang Fuqing , Morss Rebecca E. , Sippel J. A. , Beckman T. K. , Clements N. C. , Hampshire N. L. , Harvey J. N. , Hernandez J. M. , Morgan Z. C. , Mosier R. M. , Wang S. , Winkley S. D.
Published: January 2008

Hurricane Rita made landfall near the Texas–Louisiana border in September 2005, causing major damage and disruption. As Rita approached the Gulf Coast, uncertainties in the storm’s track and intensity forecasts, combined with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, led to major evacuations along the Texas coast and significant traffic jams in the broader Houston area. This study investigates the societal impacts of Hurricane Rita and its forecasts through a face-to-face survey with 120 Texas Gulf Coast residents. The survey explored respondents’ evacuation decisions prior to Hurricane Rita, their perceptions of hurricane risk, and their use of and opinions on Hurricane Rita forecasts. The vast majority of respondents evacuated from Hurricane Rita, and more than half stated that Hurricane Katrina affected their evacuation decision. Although some respondents said that their primary reason for evacuating was local officials’ evacuation order, many reported using information about the hurricane to evaluate the risk it posed to them and their families. Despite the major traffic jams and the minor damage in many evacuated regions, most evacuees interviewed do not regret their decision to evacuate. The majority of respondents stated that they intend to evacuate for a future category 3 hurricane, but the majority would stay for a category 2 hurricane. Most respondents obtained forecasts from multiple sources and reported checking forecasts frequently. Despite the forecast uncertainties, the respondents had high confidence in and satisfaction with the forecasts of Rita provided by the National Hurricane Center.
Integrating Health and Vocational Psychology
Authors: Werth James L. , Borges Nicole J. , McNally Christopher J. , Maguire Colleen P. , Britton Paula J.
Published: January 2008

This article introduces the Major Contribution on integrating health and vocational psychology, using persons with HIV who have work-related concerns as an example. The authors describe the demographics associated with HIV disease and new treatments that have allowed people with HIV to remain healthy and continue working, or consider returning to work. They also outline the purposes of the Major Contribution and conclude with a call for more focus on traditionally disenfranchised populations, especially those who are members of multiple groups facing discrimination.
The Future of Counseling Psychology
Authors: Chwalisz Kathleen
Published: January 2008

The literature review and focus group findings that compose the Major Contribution illustrate how counseling psychologists can integrate expertise from various subdisciplines (vocational psychology, health psychology, multicultural psychology) to effectively address the needs of those living with HIV. Given changes in the nature of health problems and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related difficulties (e.g., smoking, obesity), psychologists will encounter increasing numbers of clients with similarly complex vocational concerns. Counseling psychologists need to be prepared to utilize a range of intervention strategies to address the individual and contextual aspects of clients' concerns. Implications of these findings for the future of counseling psychology are discussed, and Maguire et al.'s grounded theory model (2008 [this issue]) is considered as a framework for counseling psychology intervention.
Sorption and Mechanical Properties of Nitrile Rubber Compatibilized Natural Rubber—Poly (Ethylene-Co-Vinyl Acetate) Blends
Authors: Sujith A. , Unnikrishnan G. , Radhakrishnan C.K.
Published: January 2008

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has been used as a compatibilizer for natural rubber—poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (NR—EVA) blends, vulcanized by sulfur. A significant reduction in solvent uptake is observed for compatibilized samples. This has been explained in terms of the increased interfacial adhesion between NR and EVA components of the blends in the presence of the compatibilizer. The threshold compatibilizer loading has been found to be 6 phr. The observed sorption features have been complemented by the evaluation of the surface morphology and mechanical properties of the blends. The kinetics of transport process through the compatibilized blends has also been discussed.
Cutoff Scores for the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills for Individuals With Severe Retardation (MESSIER) for Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Matson Johnny L. , Boisjoli Jessica A.
Published: December 2007

Social skills are defining aspects of intellectual disability (ID). Additionally, their presence or absence can be a major impediment to independent living, and they correlate with other problems in the ID population, such as comorbid psychopathology. To date, little has been done to develop scales to measure these problems, particularly for adults. One exception has been the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills for the Severely Retarded ( MESSIER). The scale has well established reliability, however many of its psychometric properties have yet to be explored. This study was designed to establish cutoff scores for the total score and factors and to explore the relationship of individual items to severity of social deficits. Participants are adults with severe or profound ID, assessed on the MESSIER. Specific psychometrics for the test including cutoff scores are established. The implications of these data for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
A Group Contingency Program to Improve the Behavior of Elementary School Students in a Cafeteria
Authors: Fabiano Gregory A. , Pelham William E. , Karmazin Karen , Kreher Joanne , Panahon Carlos J. , Carlson Carl
Published: December 2007

Studies of behavior modification interventions for disruptive behavior in schools have generally focused on classroom behavior with less research directed toward child behavior in other school settings (e.g., cafeterias). The present report documents the effect of a group contingency intervention with a random reward component, targeting disruptive cafeteria behavior. An uncontrolled study of the effect of the group contingency program across the school year suggested substantial behavior improvement after the program started. Two natural treatment discontinuations during the same school year provide further support for the intervention. Both sources of information suggest behavioral improvement in rule-following behavior when the program was actively implemented.
Risk Assessment in Offenders With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Hogue Todd E. , Taylor John L. , Steptoe Lesley , Mooney Paul , O'Brien Gregory , Johnston Susan , Smith Anne H. W.
Published: January 2008

In mainstream offender samples, several risk assessments have been evaluated for predictive validity. This study extends this work to male offenders with intellectual disabilities. Participants from high-, medium-, and low-security settings, as well as community settings, were compared on a range of risk assessments. The Violence Risk Appraisal Guide, HCR-20—Historical Scale, the Risk Matrix 2000-C (combined risk), and the Emotional Problems Scales—Internalising discriminated between groups, with participants from high security having higher scores than those in medium security, who had higher scores than those in the community. The Violence Risk Appraisal Guide, all HCR-20 scales, the Short Dynamic Risk Scale, and the Emotional Problems Scales (Internalising and Externalising) showed significant areas under the curve for the prediction of violence. The Static-99 showed a significant area under the curve for the prediction of sexual incidents. The discussion reviews the value of these various scales to intellectual disability services.
Knowledge Networking: a Dilemma in Building Social Capital Through Nonformal Education
Authors: Shrestha Mona , Wilson Steve , Singh Michael
Published: January 2008

This article reports the results of an inquiry into the embeddedness of nonformal education (NFE) in the work of knowledge service providers, analyzing the dilemmas they experience in their operations around a public housing precinct. It explores the proposition that the networking of NFE providers is a mechanism by which a fragmented community might be repositioned socially and economically. NFE is seen as a bridge for extending and deepening existing social capital. The learning activities offered by the knowledge service providers are compared with the lifelong learning outcomes expected through NFE. The analysis positions these NFE providers in terms of their relative strengths and weakness, and indicates how these impacts on their projected sustainability. Community learning through non-formal education via the networking of knowledge providers is shown to involve serious tensions.
Radical Questioning on the Long Walk to Freedom: Nelson Mandela and the Practice of Critical Reflection
Authors: Brookfield Stephen
Published: January 2008

Nelson Mandela's autobiography The Long Walk to Freedom describes how an iconic political activist and freedom fighter reflected on, and sometimes modified, four core assumptions at the heart of his struggle to overturn the White supremacist, minority hegemony and create a free South Africa. Critical reflection's focus is on understanding the dynamics of power (and how to manipulate these) and on uncovering (and combating) ruling class hegemony. Although clearly unaware of adult education's utilization of the idea of critical reflection, Mandela's reasoning on tactics and strategy, his awareness of the need to reappraise assumptions that previously were viewed as gospel, and his use of multiple lenses through which to view his actions as a freedom fighter, exemplify the practice of critical reflection. The article does not presume any sort of historical accuracy, conducting instead a thematic content analysis of Mandela's own personal account of events, which others have challenged.
Delayed Lateral Rectus Palsy Following Resection of a Pineal Cyst in Sitting Position: Direct or Indirect Compressive Phenomenon?
Authors: Stevens Qualls E. , Colen Chaim B. , Ham Steven D. , Kattner Keith A. , Sood Sandeep
Published: January 2008

A rare case of delayed lateral rectus palsy in a patient following resection of a pineal lesion in the sitting position is presented. Postoperative pneumocephalus is common following craniospinal surgical intervention in the sitting position. The sixth cranial nerve is frequently injured because of its prolonged intracranial course. A 13-year-old girl was evaluated for unremitting headaches. No focal deficits were demonstrated on neurological examination. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystlike pineal region mass with peripheral enhancement following intravenous contrast administration. A supracerebellar infratentorial craniotomy was performed in the sitting position, and complete resection of the lesion was achieved. Her postoperative course was complicated by sixth nerve palsy on the third postoperative day. Her symptoms improved with conservative management. The occurrence of sixth cranial nerve palsy secondary to pneumocephalus is a rare entity. Even rarer is the report of this anomaly following craniotomy in the sitting position. This patient's symptoms manifested in a delayed fashion. Although uncommon, this complication should be considered in patients undergoing cranial or spinal surgical interventions in this position.
The Role of Ghrelin in Weight Gain and Growth in Epileptic Children Using Valproate
Authors: Gungor Serdal , Yücel Gül , Akinci Ayşehan , Tabel Yilmaz , Ozerol Ibrahim Halil , Yologlu Saim
Published: January 2008

Ghrelin is a major hormone, regulating the energy balance of the body. Weight gain is a significant side effect of valproic acid, which has not been clearly identified pathogenetically. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of valproic acid on ghrelin and its potential effects on weight gain and growth. Each patient and control group consisted of 35 children aged 3 to 15 years. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, C-peptide, leptin, ghrelin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels were measured in patients treated with valproic acid before and at month 6 of treatment. A significant increase in body weight, body mass index, height, and height standard deviation scores was observed in all patients after 6 months of treatment. Significant increases in growth velocity and weight gain were observed in the patient group compared with controls at 6 months of therapy. A significant increase in serum ghrelin levels ( P < .01) was detected at the same time in the study group. A negative correlation of ghrelin with insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 was detected. Serum ghrelin levels were significantly increased ( P < .05), and insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels were significantly decreased ( P < .01 and P < .05, respectively) in the prepubertal group at 6 months of treatment, but no significant change was observed in the pubertal group. Consequently, ghrelin levels significantly increase in the prepubertal children treated with valproic acid. The weight gain in using valproic acid may be associated with the increase in ghrelin level in the early treatment period.
We (Have to) Try Harder
Authors: Gorman Elizabeth H. , Kmec Julie A.
Published: January 2008

Across three decades in both Britain and the United States, surveys indicate that women must work harder than men do. Using data from the 1997 Skills Survey of the Employed British Workforce (U.K.) and the 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce (U.S.), the authors investigate two possible explanations for this gap in reports of required effort: gender differences in job characteristics and family responsibilities. In multivariate ordered logistic regressions, extensive measures of job characteristics do not explain the difference between women and men. Family obligations, as well, account for little or none of the gap. The authors argue that the association between gender and reported required work effort is best interpreted as reflecting stricter performance standards imposed on women, even when women and men hold the same jobs. The authors discuss alternative interpretations and implications for research.
Truth for the Moment: Personal Testimony as Evidence
Authors: Rizzo Parse Rosemarie
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this article is to set forth an alternative to the traditional view of evidence, that which counts aggregate data synthesized from the results of quantitative research as desirable healthcare outcomes. Truth for the moment as evidence from qualitative research raises the discourse to another level and is described in light of the humanbecoming school of thought.
Shifting the Focus: Sequential Methods of Analysis With Qualitative Data
Authors: Simons Lucy , Lathlean Judith , Squire Corinne
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this article is to illustrate both the processes of data analysis and the methodological development involved in adopting the sequential use of two data analysis methods applied to the same data set. Understanding of the phenomena of interest was sought through examining both the content and the form of nurses' accounts of practice experiences. Initially, a method of thematic content analysis was applied to understand what the nurses said about their experiences. The core theme of nurses' change agency derived from this analysis was examined further through a method of narrative analysis. In the second analysis, the focus was shifted to how the nurses accounted for their experiences. The innovative use of iterative, sequential methods of analysis revealed greater complexity and depth of understanding of the phenomena than would have been achieved with one method alone.
Relations Among Perceived Spouse Acceptance, Remembered Parental Acceptance in Childhood, and Psychological Adjustment Among Married Adults in Kuwait
Authors: Parmar Parminder , Ibrahim Masoumah , Rohner Ronald P.
Published: January 2008

Parental acceptance—rejection theory postulates that adults' current level of psychological adjustment is affected by a combination of their perception of the love-related behaviors of their current intimate partners and by their mental representations of parents' love-related behaviors toward them in childhood. Accordingly, this research explored the way in which remembered childhood experiences of maternal and paternal acceptance might mediate the relation between perceived intimate-partner acceptance and the psychological adjustment of 389 married individuals in Kuwait. Results of simple correlations showed that the more accepting both men and women saw their spouses to be, the better was their psychological adjustment; similarly, the more accepting men and women remembered both their mothers and fathers to have been when the respondents were children, the better was their psychological adjustment. Finally, results of simple multiple-regression analyses showed that recollections of both maternal and paternal acceptance in respondents' childhoods partially mediated the relation between perceived spouse acceptance and respondents' psychological adjustment.
Vibratory Characteristics of Euler-Bernoulli Beams with an Arbitrary Number of Cracks Subjected to Axial Load
Authors: Aydin Kamil
Published: December 2007

A simple and efficient analytical approach for determining the vibrational frequencies and mode shape functions of beams with an arbitrary number of non-breathing cracks when subjected to axial loading is presented here. The local compliance induced by a crack is described using the rotational spring model. A set of boundary conditions are used as initial parameters to define the mode shape of the segment of the beam before the first crack. Using this, the remaining set of boundary conditions and the recurrence formula developed in the study, the mode shape function of vibration of a beam containing multiple cracks can be easily determined. Five different end conditions are considered: Pinned-pinned, clamped-pinned, clamped-free, clamped-clamped, and spring-spring (with concentrated masses). Three crack depths and seven axial force levels are used to represent service load conditions. A parametric study, to investigate the effects of crack and axial load on the vibrational properties of cracked beams, is carried out for each support condition case. The influence of cracks on the buckling load of a beam is also studied. Some of the results obtained are checked against published values, and a good agreement can be seen. The study concludes that the crack location, crack severity and axial force level all strongly affect the eigenfrequencies.
`Inclusive Education'
Authors: Clare Brenda , Mevik Kate
Published: January 2008

• Summary: The article presents the findings of an exploratory study that considers the extent to which Australian and Norwegian social work education equips practitioners to work inclusively with children. It provides an analysis of details of curricula content found on universities' websites to provide a broad-brush map of teaching and learning priorities. It then presents the views of a number of Norwegian and Australian academics about what social work students are, and should be, taught about childhood and working with children.

• Findings: The article reports a number of differences in emphasis in the teaching and learning models adopted in Australian and Norwegian social work programmes. Despite these differences, however, the tentative conclusion drawn from this study is that in both countries, equipping students to understand and work with children in their own right is a low priority. Reasons for this common outcome are discussed.

• Applications : The scale of the study is small. However, the findings are of significance for social work educators, practitioners and policy-makers. If children are to be properly represented within the welfare arena, foundational professional education must equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to work with and for this population. The article argues that this may not be the case and highlights the need for further research.
Thinking through Sexuality
Authors: Hicks Stephen
Published: January 2008

• Summary: This article is a discussion piece on the idea of `sexuality' within social work. The author discusses dominant models of sexuality — including those within anti-discriminatory practice theory — before going on to raise a number of problems with this perspective. The article draws upon queer, feminist and Foucaultian theories to suggest less restrictive ways of thinking through sexuality and social work.

• Findings: Social work has a tendency to define `sexuality' as an essential identity with a fixed set of characteristics and social welfare `needs'. This article argues for a reflexive account of sexuality within social work, and for the investigation of the production and use of sexuality categories within everyday professional settings.

• Applications : The author discusses the assessment of sexuality in cases of foster care or adoption applications by lesbians or gay men in order to highlight the practical application of these ideas. The article discusses why new ways of thinking through sexuality may be productive for social work.
Making Sense of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings in Mixed Research Synthesis Studies
Authors: Voils Corrine I. , Sandelowski Margarete , Barroso Julie , Hasselblad Victor
Published: January 2008

The synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research findings is increasingly promoted, but many of the conceptual and methodological issues it raises have yet to be fully understood and resolved. In this article, we describe how we handled issues encountered in efforts to synthesize the findings in forty-two reports of studies of antiretroviral adherence in HIV-positive women in the course of an ongoing study to develop methods to synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings in common domains of health-related research. Working with these reports underscored the importance of looking past method claims and ideals and directly at the findings themselves, differentiating between aggregative syntheses in which findings are assimilated and interpretive syntheses in which they are configured, and understanding the judgments involved in designating relationships between findings as confirmatory, divergent, or complementary.
Surface modification of antioxidated nanocopper particles’ preparation in polyol process
Authors: Yang J.-G. , Zhou Y.-L. , Okamoto T. , Ichino R. , Okido M.
Published: December 2007

A simple and efficient chemical process, which is called two step reduction route in polyol process, for producing copper nanoparticles with satisfied antioxidation property, was described here. This process's reaction mechanism was demonstrated by analysing as prepared copper particles’ XRD patterns, SEM images and size distribution plots. The analysis results shows that all the preparation subprocesses such as reduction of copper ion, nucleation of copper particles and growth of metallic copper particles can be controlled through using polyol process. This two step reduction method can not only compulsively disconnect nucleation and nucleation growth, but also weaken conventional eruptible nucleation, which made it convenient for delaying the nuclei process and for controlling copper particles size. In addition, protective mechanisms of adopted surfactant in this process also were analysed here. When a quantitative surfactant was added into the reaction solution at the end of the reduction reaction, the electrolyte polymer covered on the new generated copper particles, some of it could still adhere on the particles’ surface after lavation, which made this agent play a role not only in particles’ dispersion, but also in particles’ antioxidation.
Bioceramics coating on Ti–6Al–4V alloy by microwave processing
Authors: Siddharthan A. , Kumar Sampath T. S. , Seshadri S. K.
Published: December 2007

A novel method of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on Ti–6Al–4V alloy by microwave (MW) processing has been developed to form an adherent coating within ∼25 min. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the coated sample shows the presence of HA and titanium oxides. Scanning electron micrograph indicates that the thickness of the coating is to be ∼150 μm with a good interface with the alloy. The compositional analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also confirms the formation of a composite coating of apatite and titanium oxides. The MW active nature of the non-stoichiometric titanium oxides seems to influence the bonding of HA with the titanium oxide grown on the alloy surface. The presence of the Widmanstätten structure of the substrate as observed by optical microscopy indicates that the process temperature of the coating may be above β transus temperature of the alloy. The alloy substrate also shows an increase in the hardness and Young's modulus which may be due to diffusion of oxygen and/or nitrogen during the coating process into the alloy.
Leukemia-associated NF1 inactivation in patients with pediatric T-ALL and AML lacking evidence for neurofibromatosis
Authors: Balgobind Brian V. , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , van den Ouweland Ans M. W. , Beverloo H. Berna , Terlouw-Kromosoeto Joan N. R. , van Wering Elisabeth R. , Reinhardt Dirk , Horstmann Martin , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , Pieters Rob , Zwaan C. Michel , Van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Meijerink Jules P. P.
Published: January 2008

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. Patients with NF1 have a higher risk to develop juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) with a possible progression toward acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In an oligo array comparative genomic hybridization–based screening of 103 patients with pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and 71 patients with MLL-rearranged AML, a recurrent cryptic deletion, del(17)(q11.2), was identified in 3 patients with T-ALL and 2 patients with MLL-rearranged AML. This deletion has previously been described as a microdeletion of the NF1 region in patients with NF1. However, our patients lacked clinical NF1 symptoms. Mutation analysis in 4 of these del(17)(q11.2)-positive patients revealed that mutations in the remaining NF1 allele were present in 3 patients, confirming its role as a tumor-suppressor gene in cancer. In addition, NF1 inactivation was confirmed at the RNA expression level in 3 patients tested. Since the NF1 protein is a negative regulator of the RAS pathway (RAS-GTPase activating protein), homozygous NF1 inactivation represent a novel type I mutation in pediatric MLL-rearranged AML and T-ALL with a predicted frequency that is less than 10%. NF1 inactivation may provide an additional proliferative signal toward the development of leukemia.
The American Society of Hematology: a success at age 50
Authors: Jaffé Ernst R. , Kaushansky Kenneth
Published: December 2007

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) turns 50 years old in 2008, and we have much to celebrate. Over those years the Society established its principles: to promote both the art and science of hematology and to hold a high-quality Educational Meeting. ASH membership has grown from a few hundred curious attendees at a planning meeting in 1957 to more than 15 000 members today, and the annual meeting has grown from a scientific session of 5 papers at the planning meeting to more than 500 oral presentations and nearly 2500 poster presentations at the 2007 meeting. The modern ASH promotes cutting-edge science, sponsors research by scholars from all over the globe, helps train the next generation of clinician-scientists, lobbies Congress and several other governmental agencies on behalf of its clinician and scientist members, and publishes the foremost scholarly journal in the field of hematology, Blood, designed to provide its readership with timely reviews, expert opinion on clinical hematology, practice-changing clinical trials, and insightful basic science. The next 50 years of ASH are likely to see many profound changes, but one thing is almost certain—our dedication to fostering clinical and scientific excellence in hematology will continue as the Society's raison d'etre.
Amino acids and the erythrocyte under stress?
Authors: Machado Roberto F.
Published: December 2007

In this issue of Blood, Morris and colleagues show that erythrocyte glutathione and glutamine levels are low in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and that these markers are linked to markers of hemolysis and pulmonary hypertension.
A photographic fishing expedition with granie
Authors: Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: December 2007

In this issue of Blood, Le Guyader and colleagues use a variety of elegant techniques during zebrafish development to identify a unique population of neutrophils derived from myeloid progenitors originating from primitive embryonic macrophages.
“Fairest of them all” for myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Estey Elihu H.
Published: December 2007

Several therapeutic options are now available for patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Cryptic diversity and deep divergence in an upper Amazonian leaflitter frog, Eleutherodactylus ockendeni
Authors: Elmer Kathryn R , Dávila José A , Lougheed Stephen C
Published: December 2007

Background

The forests of the upper Amazon basin harbour some of the world's highest anuran species richness, but to date we have only the sparsest understanding of the distribution of genetic diversity within and among species in this region. To quantify region-wide genealogical patterns and to test for the presence of deep intraspecific divergences that have been documented in some other neotropical anurans, we developed a molecular phylogeny of the wide-spread terrestrial leaflitter frogEleutherodactylus ockendeni(Leptodactylidae) from 13 localities throughout its range in Ecuador using data from two mitochondrial genes (16S and cyt b; 1246 base pairs). We examined the relation between divergence of mtDNA and the nuclear genome, as sampled by five species-specific microsatellite loci, to evaluate indirectly whether lineages are reproductively isolated where they co-occur. Our extensive phylogeographic survey thus assesses the spatial distribution ofE. ockendenigenetic diversity across eastern Ecuador.

Results

We identified three distinct and well-supported clades within the Ecuadorean range ofE. ockendeni: an uplands clade spanning north to south, a northeastern and central lowlands clade, and a central and southeastern clade, which is basal. Clades are separated by 12% to 15% net corrected p-distance for cytochromeb, with comparatively low sequence divergence within clades. Clades marginally overlap in some geographic areas (e.g., Napo River basin) but are reproductively isolated, evidenced by diagnostic differences in microsatellite PCR amplification profiles or DNA repeat number and coalescent analyses (in MDIV) best modelled without migration. Using Bayesian (BEAST) and net phylogenetic estimates, the Southeastern Clade diverged from the Upland/Lowland clades in the mid-Miocene or late Oligocene. Lowland and Upland clades speciated more recently, in the early or late Miocene.

Conclusion

Our findings uncover previously unsuspected cryptic species diversity within the common leaflitter frogE. ockendeni, with at least three different species in Ecuador. While these clades are clearly geographically circumscribed, they do not coincide with any existing landscape barriers. Divergences are ancient, from the Miocene, before the most dramatic mountain building in the Ecuadorean Andes. Therefore, this diversity is not a product of Pleistocene refuges. Our research coupled with other studies suggests that species richness in the upper Amazon is drastically underestimated by current inventories based on morphospecies.
Predicting long-term response to strong opioids in patients with low back pain: findings from a randomized, controlled trial of transdermal fentanyl and morphine
Authors: Kalso Eija , Simpson Karen H , Slappendel Robert , Dejonckheere Joachim , Richarz Ute
Published: December 2007

Background

Some patients with long-standing low back pain will benefit from treatment with strong opioids. However, it would be helpful to predict which patients will have a good response. A fixed-term opioid trial has been recommended, but there is little evidence to suggest how long this trial should be. We assessed data from a large-scale randomized comparison of transdermal fentanyl (TDF) and sustained-release oral morphine (slow-release morphine; SRM) to determine characteristics of treatment responders.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a previously published 13-month randomized trial involving 680 patients with long-standing low back pain (median age 52 years, 61% women, median duration of back pain 87 months). Pain relief was recorded using visual analogue scales (VAS). Treatment response was defined as pain relief of at least 30% from baseline to any point during the trial. We used a step-wise logistic regression to identify variables that might predict response to treatment. Covariates included treatment group, sex, age, duration of pain, presence of neuropathic pain, baseline pain scores, educational/employment status, use of high doses of opioids, and social functioning (SF)-36 scores.

Results

Over half the patients in both groups (n = 370; 54% TDF, 55% SRM) were treatment responders. There were no differences between the TDF and SRM responders in terms of age, sex, type or duration of pain between responders and non-responders. The difference in response to treatment between responders and non-responders could be detected at 3 weeks. Lack of response after 1 month had a stronger negative predictive value (i.e., ability to detect non-responders) than the presence of response after 1 month. The most influential factors for predicting a response were employment status (χ2 = 11.06, p = 0.0259) and use of high doses of opioids (χ2 = 3.04, p = 0.0811).

Conclusion

No clear pattern of baseline pain (type or severity) or patient characteristics emerged that could be used to predict responders before the start of opioid treatment. However, a 1-month trial period appears sufficient to determine response and tolerability in most cases.
Consistent dissection of the protein interaction network by combining global and local metrics
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Ding Chris , Yang Qiaofeng , Holbrook Stephen R
Published: December 2007

We propose a new network decomposition method to systematically identify protein interaction modules in the protein interaction network. Our method incorporates both a global metric and a local metric for balance and consistency. We have compared the performance of our method with several earlier approaches on both simulated and real datasets using different criteria, and show that our method is more robust to network alterations and more effective at discovering functional protein modules.
Definition of the Orbital Cortex in Relation to Specific Connections with Limbic and Visceral Structures and Other Cortical Regions
Authors: PRICE JOSEPH L.
Published: December 2007

Abstract: The orbitofrontal cortex is often defined topographically as the cortex on the ventral surface of the frontal lobe. Unfortunately, this definition is not consistently used, and it obscures distinct connectional and functional systems within the orbital cortex. It is difficult to interpret data on the orbital cortex that do not take these different systems into account. Analysis of cortico‐cortical connections between areas in the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex indicate two distinct networks in this region. One system, called the orbital network, involves most of the areas in the central orbital cortex. The other system, has been called the medial prefrontal network, though it is actually more complex, since it includes areas on the medial wall, in the medial orbital cortex, and in the posterolateral orbital cortex. Some areas in the medial orbital cortex are involved in both networks. Connections to other brain areas support the distinction between the networks. The orbital network receives several sensory inputs, from olfactory cortex, taste cortex, somatic sensory association cortex, and visual association cortex, and is connected with multisensory areas in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and perirhinal cortex. The medial network has outputs to the hypothalamus and brain stem and connects to a cortical circuit that includes the rostral part of the superior temporal gyrus and dorsal bank of the superior temporal sulcus, the cingulate and retrosplenial cortex, the entorhinal and posterior parahippocampal cortex, and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex.