bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Support Model: Integrating Service Delivery in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Leon Ana M.
Published: April 2013

As we enter the new millennium, traditional social work values and interventions can effectively improve the fragmented and often inaccessible service delivery systems that children and families utilize. While social workers have always taken the lead in emphasizing the strengths perspective, empowerment of clients, a bio-psychosocial approach, community-based services, and services across the life span, human service agencies and providers have not uniformly embraced these concepts. Community agencies often duplicate services, lack user-friendly or accessible resources, and often provide only fragmented services to children and families. This article examines a Family Support Model that embraces and integrates social work values and concepts in efforts to provide quality, community-based, client-driven, and outcome-based services to children and families. While the Family Support Model originated within public administration and social policy circles, the natural compatibility between social work values and the model's key components are presented. The author advocates for the replication of the model in other communities and identifies the considerations and challenges inherent in this type of collaborative effort.
Applying a Strengths-Based Practice Approach in Working with People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
Authors: Russo (Rose) Rosalie J.
Published: April 2013

This article integrates key concepts of a strengthsnbased practice approach and social work practice with people with mental retardation and their families. Principles of a strengths approach are discussed with its impact on the engagement process, nature of the worker-client relationship, assessment, process of change, and disengagement process in working with people with mental retardation and their families. Examples of a creative application of the model are discussed. Obstacles to incorporating this practice approach into agency-based practice are addressed.
Culture: The Tool-Kit Metaphor and Multicultural Social Work
Authors: Forte James A.
Published: April 2013

Swidler “tool-kit” metaphor is a resource for understanding culture and its influence. Concepts and propositions related to tools, took kits, strategies of action, social frameworks for action, the continuum of tool awareness, and settled/unsettled social circumstances are summarized. The approach is compared to the culture as a values framework. Farkas' application of this cultural resources model to at-risk, ethnically diverse students and their families is summarized.
In Defense of Mothers of Sexual Abuse Victims
Authors: Corcoran Jacqueline
Published: April 2013

This review synthesizes the clinical and empirical literature on mothers of sexual abuse victims. Evidence is cited that maternal reaction is crucial to a child's recovery from sexual abuse. Also explored are those variables involved in a mother's belief in her child's account and the supportive actions she is able to take to protect her child. The more recent empirical work challenges earlier clinical discussions of maternal culpability in cases of sexual abuse perpetration; however, certain societal biases and oppressive social conditions that contribute to “mother-blaming” and that also interfere with a mother's ability to protect her children have been neglected. These biases and social conditions, as well as suggestions for social work practice, will be explored.
The Significance of Religion in Advancing a Culturally Sensitive Approach towards Child Maltreatment
Authors: Shor Ron
Published: April 2013

Religion is a dimension that can have a significant effect on child-rearing beliefs and parenting behaviors, and consequently on parents' approach toward child maltreatment. This potential effect can be explained by Kohn's (1963) hypothesis about the relationship between values, a significant component of religion, and child-rearing practices. This subject has been examined in a study that was the first of its kind on ultra-orthodox Jewish families in Israel. The findings provide preliminary knowledge on the major influence that the religious dimension and its related collectivist norms have in this area. A semi-structured questionnaire, which included fourteen vignettes of abuse and neglect situations, was utilized to interview fifty families. The findings indicate that the rationale given by parents for their expectations from children and their perceptions of which child-rearing practices are acceptable and which are not were based mainly on religious values and norms. Religion also has an effect on whom the families are willing to involve and to what extent. These results emphasize the necessity for cultural sensitivity when working with families in their own social context when child maltreatment has occurred.
Multigenerational Conflicts and New Immigrants: An Indo-American Experience
Authors: Pettys Gregory L. , Balgopal Pallassana R.
Published: April 2013

Indo-Americans are one the fastest growing Immigrant groups in the United States. Unlike earlier immigrant groups, this growing Immigrant group has access to technologies which make communication with family in India more practical. With this comes both maintenance of family ties as well as multigenerational conflicts. These conflicts were explored through in-depth interviews with thirty Indo-American families, including eleven grandparents residing in India. Major conflicts, the role of grandparents, and coping strategies used by these families are reported. The findings of this article have heuristic value for counselors in working with all the emerging ethnic groups in the United States.
Incorporating Spirituality into Social Work Practice: A Review of What to Do
Authors: Cascio Toni
Published: April 2013

The importance of spirituality in the lives of many clients has been acknowledged in the most recent curriculum policy statement of the Council on Social Work Education and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. A number of studies have also appeared in the professional literature advocating for the inclusion of spirituality in both social work practice and education. Despite this legitimacy, social workers are often reluctant to address this issue for a variety of reasons, most notably the lack of knowledge on this subject and its application to practice. To that end, this article presents general information on spirituality and discusses specific ways of incorporating the spiritual dimension into social work assessment and intervention.
Assets and Economic Mobility in a Youth Cohort, 1985–1997
Authors: Caputo Richard K.
Published: April 2013

This study examined the role of assets in economic mobility within a youth cohort (N = 4,467) between 1985 and 19 97. Increasing percentages of poor and affluent youth resided in families with no change in economic status while increasing percentages of middle-class youth resided in families experiencing downward economic mobility. The rate of economic stasis of youth living in affluent families was about three times that of those in poor families. Length of time of asset ownership influenced economic mobility beyond that of background, sociodemographic, psychological, and other cumulative correlates. In particular, IRAs and tax-deferred annuities were related to positive economic mobility. Robust indicators of positive economic mobility included being a college graduate, number of siblings in family of origin, number of years of full-time employment, number of years living in households where someone received either AFDC/TANF or SSI, and locus of control. Robust indicators of downward economic mobility included age of respondent, number of years married, and being Catholic. Finally, neither sex nor race/ethnicity increased the explanatory power of positive economic mobility beyond that of other correlates regardless of asset ownership. Discussion also includes public and private initiatives to expand IRAs into Individual Development Accounts and to encourage employers to offer (and workers to take advantage of) tax-deferred annuities, particularly for low-income workers.
Client Satisfaction: Consideration of Correlates and Response Bias
Authors: LaSala Michael C.
Published: April 2013

The consideration of client satisfaction as a measure of clinical outcome is attractive, particularly for agency administrators, because of the apparent face validity of the construct as well as the relative feasibility of client-satisfaction studies. This study explored the relationship between client satisfaction and clinical as well as demographic variables among discharged clients in a small not-for-profit counseling center. Telephone interviews and mailed surveys were employed. Case-record information was used to determine the differences between those who responded to either method and those who could not be reached. Client satisfaction was found to be correlated with (a) client report of improved ability to handle problems, (b) whether client would recommend services to others, (c) whether the fee was considered fair, and (d) client and therapist ratings of global Improvement. Therapists rated nonresponders as having shown less improvement in therapy, suggesting that those who were not reached were less satisfied and made less progress in treatment. Ways to improve validity of client satisfaction as well as increase response rates are offered.
Disclosure of Student Status in Agencies: Do We Still Have a Secret?
Authors: Miller Jaclyn , Rodwell Mary K.
Published: April 2013

This study is about current practice regarding identification of student status in agencies where BSW and MSW students are placed for their field instruction experience. Agency administrators and field instructors responded to questions regarding student title designation during the practicum, the degree to which students are identified as students to clients and other community professionals, and their perceptions of current practice of identifying students and of what the practice ought to be. The impact of the disclosure of student status on clients and its implications for agencies, field instructors, and schools of social work are drawn from quantitative data and a qualitative analysis of data on the advantages and disadvantages of disclosure.
Evaluating Practice: The Dual Roles of Clinician and Evaluator
Authors: Slonim-Nevo Vered
Published: April 2013

When single-subject design is the method used to evaluate clinical work, the same person simultaneously conducts counseling and evaluation. The author describes situations in which the roles of clinician and evaluator are compatible as well as circumstances in which difficulties in exercising the demands of both roles occur. The various phases of the treatment/evaluation process are followed, and suggestions are given regarding ways to resolve differences between the clinician's and the evaluator's perspectives.
The Impact of Children with HIV Infection on the Family System
Authors: Lesar Sharon , Maldonado Yvonne A.
Published: April 2013

The authors examined the effects of HIV infection on the family system as reported by 48 caregivers of HlV-exposed children. Respondents completed the Impact on Family Scale (IFS) as part of their participation in the study. Results showed that the psychological burden of the illness was significantly related to the child's HIV status; financial burden, social/familial Impact, and psychological burden of the Illness were significantly related to the caregiver's HIV status; psychological burden and social/familial impact differed as a function of the child's and caregiver's HIV status; and the Impact of HIV infection differed as a function of the caregiver relationship. Implications of the findings for service delivery are discussed.
Multilevel Social Systems Practice with Low-Income Families in Singapore
Authors: Nair Sudha , Blake Myrna L. , Vosler Nancy R.
Published: April 2013

From a pilot research study in a family service agency in Singapore, the authors identified four key factors in understanding positive change versus no change in multilevel systemic work with low-income, stressed families: family life-cycle stage, type of problems or crisis, worker continuity and skills, and resources in the local community. The findings raise important questions for both practical and future knowledge building, suggesting that systemic work with low-income, stressed families can be effective.
African American Fathers: A Decade Review of the Literature
Authors: Cochran Donna L.
Published: April 2013

Research on African American fathers has changed dramatically during the past decade. The author seeks to understand the parental experience of African American fathers as they are portrayed in the literature. A computer search was conducted to identify articles on African American fathers published between 1986 and 1996. The author discusses theories used in research on African American fathers as well as limitations and gaps in the literature. Although significant changes have been made in the literature on African American fathers, more comprehensive research on the parenting experiences of these men is needed. Implications for research, policy, and practice are provided.
Outcome-Oriented Case Planning in Family Foster Care
Authors: Traglia James J. , Pecora Peter J. , Paddock Glen B. , Wilson Linda
Published: April 2013

The authors describe an outcome-oriented approach to case planning in family foster care that builds on a clear agency mission and vision. Its foundation is a set of outcome-oriented goal statements for children and families that focus on their ability to live in the community successfully. Principles for setting developmentally based case goals and milestones toward their achievement are illustrated. A case planning template and how it was Implemented across 23 offices in 13 states are described.
Family Functioning in Foster Care
Authors: Seaberg James R. , Harrigan Marcia P.
Published: April 2013

This study examined the family functioning of a cross-sectional sample of all approved and insured child-foster-care families in a mid-Atlantic state. The families studied functioned from well to excellent according to the Family Assessment Device. White and African American foster families showed relatively little difference in family functioning and both consistently scored better than did normative samples. Foster care's perceived Impact on the families was minimal and tended to be more positive than negative. The authors compare these results with other studies and suggest implications of their findings for practice.
Practice Methods for Working with Children who Have Biologically Based Mental Disorders: A Bioecological Model
Authors: Taylor Edward
Published: April 2013

Social workers have always provided services for children or youth with serious mental illness and their families. We have not, however, always included neuroscience findings as part of our treatment frameworks. Nor have we maximized the incorporation of biological theories into our daily practice. The social work role is often unclear when mental illness is framed as a brain disease rather than solely as a social-environmental problem. This article offers a treatment model and suggestions for working with children and youths who have neuropsychiatric disorders. Specific suggestions are offered for working with these children and their families, supporting biological and medication interventions, and functioning as a professional member of a multidisciplinary team. Social workers need accessible, easily applicable information that translates research into practice guidelines. These guidelines must form a coherent, flexible treatment model that meets the needs of children and their families. This article begins to meet this need by translating ecological theory and neurobiological concepts into a clinical framework.
Sexual Behaviors between Children: Professionals' Opinions and Undergraduates' Recollections
Authors: Haugaard Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2013

Concern about the acceptability of various child-to-child sexual behaviors has heightened during the past few years. Some clinicians and researchers have put forward opinions regarding which sexual behaviors between children are acceptable and/or developmentally appropriate and which sexual behaviors are unacceptable and/or developmentally inappropriate. However, these opinions have little empirical support. This article describes a study of 335 professionals' opinions about the acceptability of various noncoercive sexual behaviors between children at ages 4,8, and 12. It also describes a survey of 664 undergraduates' recollections of sexual experiences that they had with other children prior to the age of 13. The ways in which this research may inform beliefs about sexual encounters between children are discussed.
Social Constructionism and Ethics What Makes a “Better” Story?
Authors: Dean Ruth G. , Rhodes Margaret L.
Published: April 2013

This article examines narrative and constructivist approaches to clinical work asking how we decide what makes a “better” story. It explores the educator's role in helping students learn to balance respect for unique and diverse accounts with the profession's commitment to social justice, objectively defined.
Positively Testing
Authors: Hamilton Gabrielle
Published: April 2013

Pre-symptomatic genetic testing for late onset diseases is a modem method of conquering the ever-menacing unknown. Individuals and families at risk for hereditary illnesses are increasingly striking out into this new technology in the hopes of either ridding themselves of their worst fears or preparing for the future. Yet, being a pioneer in this powerful technology has meant that these individuals are often forced to negotiate the anxiety and stressors caused by the result on their own without the support of social work interventions. This paper will describe the personal and familial crises of five individuals who pre-symptomatically tested positive for Huntington's disease and how three specific social work interventions (individual and family counseling, peer support groups, and advocacy), could have been more helpful to these individuals and their family constellations.
War, Death, and Bereavement: How We Can Help
Authors: Beder Joan
Published: April 2013

War imposes many hardships on both service people and those they leave behind. One of the greatest fears during wartime is the potential for loss of life. Death in wartime creates a bereavement situation that has been relatively ignored in bereavement literature. During this wartime period, grief counselors and pastoral counselors will surely find themselves faced with mourners suffering from losses during the war. This article explores the literature on this topic, explains why this form of grief is particularly complicated, and suggests a strategy for intervention.
Economic Change, Family Cohesion, And Mental Health in a Rural Hawai'i Community
Authors: Matsuoka Jon K. , Benson Melanie
Published: April 2013

Economic development in Hawai'i is generally based on a movement from agriculture (e.g., pineapple, sugar) to resorts and tourist-related activities. Tourism tends to change the complexion of rural communities and ultimately affects family structure and dynamics. The authors present a case study on the island of Lana'i, Hawai'i, which is undergoing economic changes that pose major challenges for agrarian families. The research findings indicated a clear relationship between family cohesion and mental health status. The results of this study provide a basis for designing preventive mental health strategies and making responsible policy decisions regarding future economic development.
Mourning the Unfound: How We Can Help
Authors: Beder Joan
Published: April 2013

In disaster situations, there are often those who are reported missing, people who are unaccounted for, or whose remains are not confirmed. For each of these situations, there are mourners who lack the physical confirmation of a death. For those who “mourn the unfound” there may be a protracted period of grief complicated by the lack of confirming evidence of their loss. This article explores rituals surrounding death—rituals deprived of the mourners of the unfound—and suggests interventions that may be helpful to those struggling with this type of loss.
Black Single Custodial Fathers: Factors Influencing the Decision to Parent
Authors: Coles Roberta L.
Published: April 2013

This pilot study combined narrative and quantitative data to explore the factors enabling and motivating single African American fathers to take full custody of one or more of their children. The size and selection of the sample does not allow for generalization, since most of the men were college-educated and financially stable. The findings indicated a distinction between enabling and motivating factors. Factors that appeared to enable full custody included employment and secure housing, as they were present for all of the fathers before they took custody. Adult age at the time of their first child's birth was also a factor for 9 of the 10 fathers. Prior parental involvement, previous marital status, and maternal incompetence did not appear to be highly associated with the choice to take custody. However, the narrative data indicated that the desire to embody the kind of father they themselves did not have was a strong motivating factor.
What about Dad? Fathers of Children Born to School-Age Mothers
Authors: Larson Nancy C. , Hussey Jon M. , Gillmore Mary Rogers , Gilchrist Lewayne D.
Published: April 2013

Information regarding fathers of children born to school-age mothers is minimal. In this study, the authors describe paternal age, relationship and contact with the mother of the child, help provided by fathers, and the natural history of paternal drug use and other illegal behaviors of 170 fathers through three and one-half years postpartum. Results indicated that fathers tended to be older than their partners and have intermittent patterns of contact and changing relationships with mothers over time. Many fathers engaged in illegal activities, including selling drugs. Potential predictors of ongoing contact between fathers, their partners, and their children are explored.
Unique Names and Naming Practices among African American Families
Authors: Smith Linda Anderson
Published: April 2013

Using a detailed case description of unique names, their meaning, and the naming process among five African American families, the author discusses the application of a culturally competent practice framework. The historical significance of names in African American culture is highlighted, and issues surrounding practitioner-based research in the African American community are discussed.
Group Development as Constructed Social Reality Revisited: The Constructivism of Small Groups
Authors: Brower Aaron M.
Published: April 2013

Constructivism can be used in small groups as specific techniques are applied for behavior changes in a group setting. Constructivism can also be used to describe group processes. The author presents a constructivist reexamination of group development, that is, how individuals come together to form a shared reality of their group experience. The study and treatment use of small groups present an especially good venue from which to view how constructivism and social constructionism meet. Several practice implications of the group-development model are identified and discussed, along with two constructivist techniques particularly well suited to the group modality.
Adapting Mainstream Substance-Abuse Interventions for Southeast Asian Clients
Authors: Amodeo Maryann , Robb Nancy , Peou Sonith , Tran Hanh
Published: April 2013

Southeast Asians are experiencing increasing problems with alcohol and other drug abuse. Because few culturally specific treatment models are available, mainstream substance-abuse programs will increasingly be called on to provide services to clients and consultation to Southeast Asian human service agencies. The authors describe ways that existing mainstream treatment methods may be ineffective and recommend program modifications to increase cultural relevance.
Comparison of the Life Experiences and Personal Functioning of Men and Women in Prison
Authors: Sheridan Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Although some researchers have studied backgrounds and needs of persons who are incarcerated, few investigators have examined the multiple occurrence of these life factors within the same sample and even fewer have compared the differences between men and women on these variables. The author examined differences between 81 incarcerated men and women in the history and seventy of substance abuse, family-of-origin factors, previous abuse and neglect, and current personal functioning. Results indicated that although the women consistently had more problems in these areas than did their male counterparts, male respondents also displayed a significant need for services. Recommendations for relevant programming for both incarcerated men and women are presented, and the role of social work in effective service delivery is discussed.
Differences in Worldviews between Social Workers and People of Faith
Authors: Hodge David R.
Published: April 2013

Worldview conflicts between social workers and clients are widely understood to inhibit the provision of client-centered services. One of the most influential theories that has been advanced for understanding conflicting worldviews in contemporary society is Hunter's (1991) epistemologically based distinction between progressive and orthodox worldviews. Based upon Hunter's work, two interrelated hypotheses are examined using nationally representative samples: first, that social workers (n = 145) affirm a progressive worldview and associated value positions and, second, that their value positions differ from those who affirm an orthodox worldview. Both hypotheses were supported. The implications are discussed regarding the academic literature, education, and service provision.
Family-Centered Practice with Foster-Parent Families
Authors: McFadden Emily Jean
Published: April 2013

Foster parents face many stresses in their family life, whether they provide kinship care, general foster care, specialized foster care, or treatment family care. Critical issues include maintaining open boundaries while sustaining cohesion and integrity of the core family structure. Pressures from the agency, the community, the foster child, and his or her parents affect the way in which this family style functions. Focusing on the work done by family-centered practitioners with foster parents facing various types of developmental and situational crises, the author examines the responses of foster families to the multiple and chronic experiences of loss that they face. Guidelines for practitioners include placement issues, therapeutic issues, and knowledge of systems that clinicians need to work effectively with foster-parent families. Case materials illustrate the crises of dismemberment and demoralization as well as the crisis of accession.
Discontent at Midlife: Issues and Considerations in Working toward Women's Weil-Being
Authors: McQuaide Sharon
Published: April 2013

Although it is not apparent from the practice literature, clinical work with midlife women can differ significantly from clinical work with younger or older women. Although many women are satisfied with their lives at midlife and find these years to be the prime of life, there is a subgroup of midlife women who are not happy at this time. In this paper, factors that discriminate women who have a strong sense of well being at midlife from those who do not are presented. Treatment considerations related to five areas (disability, marital relationship, identity, self esteem, and loss) found to be problematic for women are presented. Social work practice implications are discussed in terms of the benefits of focusing on the issues of identity, connectedness to others, and spirituality.
Is “Ethical Managed Care” an Oxymoron?
Authors: Strom-Gottfried Kim
Published: April 2013

Ethical issues involved in providing managed health and mental health care have received much attention from policymakers, the helping professions, consumer groups, and the popular press. Many contend that managed care is inherently unethical, given its emphasis on controlled access to needed resources. A less visible but no less fervent minority contends that managed care need not lead to ethical compromise and, in fact, is at least as ethically justifiable a means of providing care as was the unregulated fee-for-service system. The author reviews the literature, presents arguments on both sides of the question, and offers a list of principles, characteristics, and resources by which ethical managed care might be identified.
Denitrification in a large river: consideration of geomorphic controls on microbial activity and community structure
Authors: Tatariw Corianne , Chapman Elise L. , Sponseller Ryan A. , Mortazavi Behzad , Edmonds Jennifer W.
Published: April 2013

Ecological theory argues that the controls over ecosystem processes are structured hierarchically, with broader‐scale drivers acting as constraints over the interactions and dynamics at nested levels of organization. In river ecosystems, these interactions may arise from broadscale variation in channel form that directly shapes benthic habitat structure and indirectly constrains resource supply and biological activity within individual reaches. To evaluate these interactions, we identified sediment characteristics, water chemistry, and denitrifier community structure as factors influencing benthic denitrification rates in a sixth‐order river that flows through two physiographic provinces and the transitional zone between them, each with distinct geomorphological properties. We found that denitrification rates tracked spatial changes in sediment characteristics and varied seasonally with expected trends in stream primary production. Highest rates were observed during the spring and summer seasons in the physiographic province dominated by fine‐grained sediments, illustrating how large‐scale changes in river structure can constrain the location of denitrification hotspots. In addition,nirSandnirKcommunity structure each responded differently to variation in channel form, possibly due to changes in dissolved oxygen and organic matter supply. This shift in denitrifier community structure coincident with higher rates of N removal via denitrification suggests that microbial community structure may influence biogeochemical processes.
Using DayCENT to Simulate Carbon Dynamics in Conventional and No‐Till Agriculture
Authors: Chang Kuo-Hsien , Warland Jon , Voroney Paul , Bartlett Paul , Wagner-Riddle Claudia
Published: April 2013

The DayCENT model was employed to simulate the effects of conventional tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT) practices on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) over 9 yr in a rotational cropping system in Southern Ontario, Canada. Observations of site properties and eddy covariance measurements were used to assess crop productivity, net ecosystem productivity (NEP), and SOC changes. The validated model captured the dynamics of grain yield and net primary production, which indicated that DayCENT can be used to simulate crop productivity for evaluating the effects of tillage on crop residues and heterotrophic respiration (Rh) dynamics. The simulation suggested that CT enhanced the annual Rh relative to NT by 38.4, 93.7 and 64.2 g C m−2 yr−1 for corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr], and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), respectively. The combined effect of incorporating crop residues and increased cultivation factors enhanced Rh in CT by 35% relative to NT after disk cultivation in the spring. The simulated NEP varied with crop species, tillage practices, and timing/length of the growing season. The seasonal variation of the total SOC pool was greater in CT than NT because of tillage effects on C transfer from the active surface SOC pool to the active soil SOC pool at a rate of 50 to 100 g C m−2 yr−1. The NT method practiced during the study period accounted for a 10.7 g C m−2 yr−1 increase in the slow SOC pool. The validated DayCENT model may be applied for longer‐term simulations in similar ecosystems for a variety of climate change experiment.
Representations of Christ’s parables in Serbian medieval churches: The case of Decani
Authors: Mantas Apostolos
Published: April 2013

The article examines the six parables included in the painted decoration of
the Monastery of Decani. The soteriological and eschatological content of the
four parables depicted in the parecclesion of Saint Nicholas leads to the
conclusion that it was most likely used for memorial services, however its
use cannot be specified. The choice of these particular allegorical stories
is due to their liturgical importance in the Sabaitic Typikon, which was
adopted by the Serbian Church since the early fourteenth century. During this
period parables in general are beginning to be included in the iconographic
program of Serbian, for the most part, churches.
Russkaja rukopis' "Postniceskih slov Vasilija Velikogo" rubeza XIV-XV vekov, RNB, F.p.I.40, i ej miniatjura
Authors: Smirnova Engelina
Published: April 2013

The author deals with the miniature from a manuscript containing St. Basil
the Great?s ?Asketikon?, written at the end of the fourteenth century (St.
Petersburg, National Library of Russia, F.n.I.40). The miniature depicts St.
Basil in monk?s attire, writing his text. The compact composition, sharp and
tense contours, the dark colouring and the saint?s concentration, create a
striking image of monastic virtue and dignity. The manuscript, which
originates from one of the monasteries in northeastern Russia, confirms the
importance of monastic figures in art in the countries of the Byzantine
cultural circle, from the end of the fourteenth century.
Formation and properties of copper chalcogenides thin films on polymers formed using sodium telluropentathionate
Authors: Šukytė Judita , Ivanauskas Remigijus
Published: April 2013

The preparative conditions were optimized to get chalcogens layers on the polymer — polyamide PA surface by sorption at room temperature using sodium telluropentathionate, Na2TeS4O6. Further interaction of chalcogenized dielectric with copper’s (I/II) salt solution leads to the formation of mixed CuxSy-CuxTey layers. Optical, electrical and surface characteristics of the layers are highly controlled by the deposition parameters. The stoichiometry of these layers was established by UV-Visible and AA spectrometry. Optical absorption (transmittance) experiments show the samples are of high optical quality. The band gaps of thin films were obtained from their optical absorption spectra, which were found in the range of 1.44–2.97 eV. XRD was used in combination with AFM to characterize chalcogenides layers’ structural features. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of mixed copper chalcogenides’ layers in the surface of PA with binary phases such as Cu2Te, Cu3.18Te2, copper telluride, Cu2.72Te2, vulcanite, CuTe, anilite, Cu7S4 and copper sulfide, Cu1.8S. The crystallite sizes of thin films calculated by the Scherer formula were found to be in the range of 3.07–13.53 nm for CuxSy crystallites and 4.06–20.79 nm for CuxTey crystallites. At room temperature an electrical resistance of CuxSy-CuxTey layers varies from 3.0×103 kΩ□−1 to 1.0 kΩ□−1.
StudHeart-diabetes mellitus t.2 risk factors in senior medical students
Authors: Morawiec Robert , Janikowski Kamil , Zawisza Jaroslaw , Lelonek Malgorzata
Published: April 2013

Introduction. StudHeart research was performed to evaluate the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) amongst the senior medical students. Material and methods. The research involved 506 students aged 22–27 (mean age 23.96±1.52 yrs) in their 5th and 6th year of the medical faculties at the Medical University of Lodz. Each of the examined students has filled out an anonymous survey comprising 12 questions, which enabled us to use the FINDRISC scale in estimation of the risk for T2DM. Analysis was performed in relation to gender. Results. Overall in 16.80% of respondents the body mass index (BMI) was >25 kg/m2. Almost all students (93.48%) admitted to drinking alcohol and 9.68% smoked cigarettes. Only 13.64% of participants exercised daily (women 8.16% vs. men 21.30%; P=0.000). Everyday consumption of fruit and vegetables was reported by 55.34% of the respondents whereas 6.92% of them (women 4.42% vs. men 10.40%; P=0.026) ate fast-food 2–3 times a week. The overall risk for T2DM was elevated in 17.2% of examined students. It is predicted that by the time participants will reach age of 45, 40.52% of them (mostly men) will have their risk of T2DM elevated. Conclusion. Despite the awareness of risk factors for T2DM among senior medical students, their lifestyle remains unchanged. In the given population it is predicted that the risk of T2DM will enhance about 2.5-fold in the next 20 years.
La situation démographique et la politique de l'emploi en Chine
Authors: Schran Peter
Published: April 2013

China's demographic situation and employment strategy.

The employment problem in China is specific in more than one respect. On one hand, the Chinese economy evolves on the scale of a continent, which dampens the effect of foreign economic relations and on the other, trade is organized on the basis of substitutions, making it practically possible to consider the Chinese economy as a closed one.

Having established these restrictions, the author traces the demographic picture in China as is appeared during the first years of the Communist regime. He then points out the difficulties encountered in trying to determine the size and growth rate of the Chinese population. The 1953 census serves as a guideline for calculations although its accuracy has been questioned by more than one specialist from the West. In general, statistical data (size of the population, the working age, town and country distribution, a household's principal activity, etc.) are extremely imprecise.

The second part of the article is devoted to the specific nature of employment policy in China. This policy is dependent on the ups and downs of economic development, characterized by successive campaigns launched by the government such as, « the big leap ahead », the creation of communes, the « back to the land » movements, etc. According to the author there was considerable unemployment in the urban sector and considerable under-employment in the rural one. Some efforts were made to absorb the manpower surplus by favoring expansion during the period of socialization and modernization. Attempts were also made, although not altogether successful, to channel the migration flow into the most promising sectors and develop non-agricultural activity in rural areas. All in all, employment practices in China are characterized by numerous experiments and changes in policy which have done little to further a rapid solution to the problem of the effective use of manpower.
Phylogenetic relationships and character evolution analysis of Saxifragales using a supermatrix approach
Authors: Soltis Douglas E. , Mort Mark E. , Latvis Maribeth , Mavrodiev Evgeny V. , O'Meara Brian C. , Soltis Pamela S. , Burleigh J. Gordon , Rubio de Casas Rafael
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: We sought novel evolutionary insights for the highly diverse Saxifragales by constructing a large phylogenetic tree encompassing 36.8% of the species‐level biodiversity.

• Methods: We built a phylogenetic tree for 909 species of Saxifragales and used this hypothesis to examine character evolution for annual or perennial habit, woody or herbaceous habit, ovary position, petal number, carpel number, and stamen to petal ratio. We employed likelihood approaches to investigate the effect of habit and life history on speciation and extinction within this clade.

• Key results: Two major shifts occurred from a woody ancestor to the herbaceous habit, with multiple secondary changes from herbaceous to woody. Transitions among superior, subinferior, and inferior ovaries appear equiprobable. A major increase in petal number is correlated with a large increase in carpel number; these increases have co‐occurred multiple times in Crassulaceae. Perennial or woody lineages have higher rates of speciation than annual or herbaceous ones, but higher probabilities of extinction offset these differences. Hence, net diversification rates are highest for annual, herbaceous lineages and lowest for woody perennials. The shift from annuality to perenniality in herbaceous taxa is frequent. Conversely, woody perennial lineages to woody annual transitions are infrequent; if they occur, the woody annual state is left immediately.

• Conclusions: The large tree provides new insights into character evolution that are not obvious with smaller trees. Our results indicate that in some cases the evolution of angiosperms might be conditioned by constraints that have been so far overlooked.
Radiation-Induced Equilibrium Is a Balance between Tumor Cell Proliferation and T Cell–Mediated Killing
Authors: Liang Hua , Deng Liufu , Chmura Steven , Burnette Byron , Liadis Nicole , Darga Thomas , Beckett Michael A. , Lingen Mark W. , Witt MaryEllyn , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Fu Yang-Xin
Published: April 2013

Local failures following radiation therapy are multifactorial, and the contributions of the tumor and the host are complex. Current models of tumor equilibrium suggest that a balance exists between cell birth and cell death due to insufficient angiogenesis, immune effects, or intrinsic cellular factors. We investigated whether host immune responses contribute to radiation-induced tumor equilibrium in animal models. We report an essential role for immune cells and their cytokines in suppressing tumor cell regrowth in two experimental animal model systems. Depletion of T cells or neutralization of IFN-γ reversed radiation-induced equilibrium, leading to tumor regrowth. We also demonstrate that PD-L1 blockade augments T cell responses, leading to rejection of tumors in radiation-induced equilibrium. We identify an active interplay between tumor cells and immune cells that occurs in radiation-induced tumor equilibrium and suggest a potential role for disruption of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in increasing local tumor control.
Location of CD4+ T Cell Priming Regulates the Differentiation of Th1 and Th17 Cells and Their Contribution to Arthritis
Authors: Rodeghero Rachel , Cao Yanxia , Olalekan Susan A. , Iwakua Yoichiro , Glant Tibor T. , Finnegan Alison
Published: April 2013

Th cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17 are linked to the development of autoimmune disease. In models of rheumatoid arthritis, that is, proteoglycan (PG)-induced arthritis, IFN-γ is required, whereas in collagen-induced arthritis, IL-17 is necessary for development of arthritis. In this study we show that the route of immunization determines the requirement for either IFN-γ or IL-17 in arthritis. Intraperitoneal immunization with PG induces a CD4+ T cell IFN-γ response with little IL-17 in the spleen and peripheral lymph nodes. However, s.c. immunization induces both an IFN-γ and an IL-17 CD4+ T cell response in spleen and lymph nodes. The failure to induce a CD4+ T cell IL-17 response after i.p. immunization is associated with T cell priming, as naive T cells activated in vitro were fully capable of producing IL-17. Moreover, PG-induced arthritis is converted from an IFN-γ to an IL-17–mediated disease by altering the route of immunization from i.p. to s.c. The histological appearance of joint inflammation (cellular inflammation and bone erosion) is similar in the i.p. versus s.c. immunized mice despite the presence of CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 in joint tissues only after s.c. immunization. These data indicate a critical role for the site of initial T cell priming and the Th cytokines required for susceptibility to arthritis. Our findings suggest that T cell activation at different anatomical sites in rheumatoid arthritis patients may skew the T cells toward production of either IFN-γ or IL-17.
Invariant NKT Cells Induce Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell (DC) Cross-Talk with Conventional DCs for Efficient Memory CD8+ T Cell Induction
Authors: Shimizu Kanako , Asakura Miki , Shinga Jun , Sato Yusuke , Kitahara Shuji , Hoshino Katsuaki , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Schoenberger Stephen P. , Ezaki Taichi , Fujii Shin-ichiro
Published: April 2013

A key goal of vaccine immunotherapy is the generation of long-term memory CD8+ T cells capable of mediating immune surveillance. We discovered a novel intercellular pathway governing the development of potent memory CD8+ T cell responses against cell-associated Ags that is mediated through cross-presentation by XCR1+ dendritic cells (DCs). Generation of CD8+ memory T cells against tumor cells pulsed with an invariant NKT cell ligand depended on cross-talk between XCR1+ and plasmacytoid DCs that was regulated by IFN-α/IFN-αR signals. IFN-α production by plasmacytoid DCs was stimulated by an OX40 signal from the invariant NKT cells, as well as an HMGB1 signal from the dying tumor cells. These findings reveal a previously unknown pathway of intercellular collaboration for the generation of tumor-specific CD8+ memory T cells that can be exploited for strategic vaccination in the setting of tumor immunotherapy.
Safety of dispensing prescribed iron formulation in childresistant containers among pharmacies in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alruwaili Nahar , Alomar Mohammed , Sabei Ismaeel , Eldali Abdelmoneim
Published: April 2013

Iron overdose remains a significant public health threat to young children. Unit dose packaging of potent iron supplements is expected to reduce the frequency of severe pediatric iron overdose incidents. Interna - tional regulations require child-resistant iron packages. We aim to know if iron is dispensed in child-resistant containers (CRCs) and to emphasize the importance of using them. A prospective cross-sectional observational study assessing the proper dispensing of ferrous sulfate tablets in CRCs from major city pharmacies. Forty government and private pharmacies were visited. Ferrous sulfates with a total of 600 to 6500 mg elemental iron per package were found. The package of 6000 mg was the most commonly found. Most of the packages with high concentrations are dispensed from the government hospitals and primary healthcare centers pharmacies. None of the pharmacies dispensed iron in CRCs. To conclude, pharmacies dispensed iron in non-CRCs. Public health efforts on increasing awareness and improving packaging are highly needed. Authority regulations to use child-resistant iron packaging are required.