bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rapid Method of Assessing the Photocatalytic Activity of Thin TiO2 Films Using an Ink Based on the Redox Dye 2,6‐Dichloroindophenol
Authors: Mills Andrew , McGrady Mark , Wang Jishun , Hepburn James
Published: April 2008

An indicator ink based on the redox
dye 2,6‐dichloroindophenol (DCIP) is described, which allows
the rapid assessment of the activity of thin,
commercial photocatalytic films, such as Activ. The ink works via a photoreductive mechanism, DCIP being reduced to dihydro‐DCIP within ca. 7.5 minutes exposure to UVA irradiation of moderate intensity (ca. 4.8 mW cm−2). The kinetics of photoreduction are found to be independent
of the level of dye present in the ink formulation, but are highly sensitive to the level of glycerol. This latter observation may be associated with a solvatochromic effect, whereby the microenvironment in which the dye finds itself and, as a consequence, its reactivity is altered significantly by small changes in the glycerol content. The kinetics of photoreduction also appear linearly dependent on the UVA light intensity with an observed quantum efficiency of ca. 1.8 × 10−3.
Simple Detection of Large InDeLS by DHPLC: The ACE Gene as a Model
Authors: Koyama Renata Guedes , Castro Rosa M. R. P. S. , De Mello Marco Túlio , Tufik Sergio , Pedrazzoli Mario
Published: April 2008

Insertion‐deletion polymorphism (InDeL) is the second most frequent type of genetic variation in the human genome. For the detection of large InDeLs, researchers usually resort to either PCR gel analysis or RFLP, but these are time consuming and dependent on human interpretation. Therefore, a more efficient method for genotyping this kind of genetic variation is needed. In this report, we describe a method that can detect large InDeLs by DHPLC (denaturating high‐performance liquid chromatography) using the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism as a model. The InDeL targeted in this study is characterized by a 288 bp Alu element insertion (I). We used DHPLC at nondenaturating conditions to analyze the PCR product with a flow through the chromatographic column under two different gradients based on the differences between D and I sequences. The analysis described is quick and easy, making this technique a suitable and efficient means for DHPLC users to screen InDeLs in genetic epidemiological studies.
Scheduling Algorithm: Tasks Scheduling Algorithm for Multiple Processors with Dynamic Reassignment
Authors: Yadav Pradeep Kumar , Singh M. P. , Kumar Harendra
Published: April 2008

Distributed computing systems [DCSs] offer the potential for improved performance and resource sharing. To make the best use of the computational power available, it is essential to assign the tasks dynamically to that processor whose characteristics are most appropriate for the execution of the tasks in distributed processing system. We have developed a mathematical model for allocating “M” tasks of distributed program to “N” multiple processors (M > N) that minimizes the total cost of the program. Relocating the tasks from one processor to another at certain points during the course of execution of the program that contributes to the total cost of the running program has been taken into account. Phasewise execution cost [EC], intertask communication cost [ITCT], residence cost [RC] of each task on different processors, and relocation cost [REC] for each task have been considered while preparing a dynamic tasks allocation model. The present model is suitable for arbitrary number of phases and processors with random program structure.
A Study of Interaction Patterns and Awareness Design Elements in a Massively Multiplayer Online Game
Authors: Tang Tiffany Y. , Man Cheung Yiu , Hang Chu Pok , Cheuk Lam Shiu , Kwong Chan Wai , Chi Yiu Chung , Fai Ho Ka , Kam Sit
Published: April 2008

Massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) have been known
to create rich and versatile social worlds for thousands of
millions of players to participate. As such, various game
elements and advance technologies such as artificial
intelligence have been applied to encourage and facilitate
social interactions in these online communities, the key to
the success of MMOGs. However, there is a lack of studies
addressing the usability of these elements in games. In this
paper, we look into interaction patterns and awareness design
elements that support the awareness in LastWorld
and FairyLand. Experimental results obtained
through both in‐game experiences and player interviews reveal
that not all awareness tools (e.g., an in‐game map) have been
fully exploited by players. In addition, those players who are
aware of these tools are not satisfied with them.
Our findings suggest that awareness‐oriented tools/channels
should be easy to interpret and rich in conveying
“knowledge” so as to reduce players‐cognitive
overload. These findings of this research recommend
considerations of early stage MMOG design.
Intelligent Fish Freshness Assessment
Authors: Gholam Hosseini Hamid , Luo Dehan , Xu Guanggui , Liu Hongxiu , Benjamin Deena
Published: April 2008

Fish species identification and automated fish freshness assessment play important roles in fishery industry applications. This paper describes a method based on support vector machines (SVMs) to improve the performance of fish identification systems. The result is used for the assessment of fish freshness using artificial neural network (ANN). Identification of the fish species involves processing of the images of fish. The most efficient features were extracted and combined with the down‐sampled version of the images to create a 1D input vector. Max‐Win algorithm applied to the SVM‐based classifiers has enhanced the reliability of sorting to 96.46%. The realisation of Cyranose 320 Electronic nose (E‐nose), in order to evaluate the fish freshness in real‐time, is experimented. Intelligent processing of the sensor patterns involves the use of a dedicated ANN for each species under study. The best estimation of freshness was provided by the most sensitive sensors. Data was collected from four selected species of fishes over a period of ten days. It was concluded that the performance can be increased using individual trained ANN for each specie. The proposed system has been successful in identifying the number of days after catching the fish with an accuracy of up to 91%.
Field Emission from Self‐Assembled Arrays of Lanthanum Monosulfide Nanoprotrusions
Authors: Semet V. , Binh Vu Thien , Cahay M. , Garre K. , Fairchild S. , Grazulis L. , Fraser J. W. , Lockwood D. J. , Pramanik S. , Kanchibotla B. , Bandyopadhyay S.
Published: April 2008

The field emission properties of LaS nanoprotrusions called nanodomes, formed by pulsed laser deposition on porous anodic alumina films, have been analyzed with scanning anode field emission microscopy. The voltage necessary to produce a given field emission current is ~3.5 times less for nanodomes than for thin films. Assuming the same work function for LaS thin films and nanoprotrusions, that is, ~1?eV, a field enhancement factor of ~5.8 is extracted for the nanodome emitters from Fowler‐Nordheim plots of the field emission data. This correlates well with the aspect ratio of the tallest nanodomes observed in atomic force micrograph measurements.
Studies on Nanocrystalline TiN Coatings Prepared by Reactive Plasma Spraying
Authors: Yanchun Dong , Dianran Yan , Jining He , Jianxin Zhang , Lisong Xiao , Xiangzhi Li
Published: April 2008

Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings with nanostructure were prepared on the surface of 45 steel (Fe‐0.45%C) via reactive plasma spraying (denoted as RPS) Ti powders using spraying gun with self‐made reactive chamber. The microstructural characterization, phases constitute, grain size, microhardness, and wear resistance of TiN coatings were systematically investigated. The grain size was obtained through calculation using the Scherrer formula and observed by TEM. The results of X‐ray diffraction and electron diffraction indicated that the TiN is main phase of the TiN coating. The forming mechanism of the nano‐TiN was characterized by analyzing the SEM morphologies of surface of TiN coating and TiN drops sprayed on the surface of glass, and observing the temperature and velocity of plasma jet using Spray Watch. The tribological properties of the coating under nonlubricated condition were tested and compared with those of the AISI M2 high‐speed steel and Al2O3 coating. The results have shown that the RPS TiN coating presents better wear resistance than the M2 high‐speed steel and Al2O3 coating under nonlubricated condition. The microhardness of the cross‐section and longitudinal section of the TiN coating was tested. The highest hardness of the cross‐section of TiN coating is 1735.43HV100 g.
Photoelectrochemical Characterization of Sprayed α‐Fe2O3 Thin Films: Influence of Si Doping and SnO2 Interfacial Layer
Authors: Liang Yongqi , Enache Cristina S. , van de Krol Roel
Published: April 2008

α‐Fe2O3 thin film photoanodes for solar water splitting were prepared by spray pyrolysis of Fe(AcAc)3. The donor density in the Fe2O3 films could be tuned between 1017–1020 cm−3 by doping with silicon. By depositing a 5 nm SnO2 interfacial layer between the Fe2O3 films and the transparent conducting substrates, both the reproducibility and the photocurrent can be enhanced. The effects of Si doping and the presence of the SnO2 interfacial layer were systematically studied. The highest photoresponse is obtained for Fe2O3 doped with 0.2% Si, resulting in a photocurrent of 0.37 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE in a 1.0 M KOH solution under 80 mW/cm2 AM1.5 illumination.
Soybean Genomics: Developments through the Use of Cultivar “Forrest”
Authors: Lightfoot David A.
Published: April 2008

Legume crops are particularly important due to their ability to support symbiotic nitrogen fixation, a key to sustainable crop production and reduced carbon emissions. Soybean (Glycine max) has a special position as a major source of increased protein and oil production in the common grass-legume rotation. The cultivar “Forrest” has saved US growers billions of dollars in crop losses due to resistances programmed into the genome. Moreover, since Forrest grows well in the north-south transition zone, breeders have used this cultivar as a bridge between the southern and northern US gene pools. Investment in Forrest genomics resulted in the development of the following research tools: (i) a genetic map, (ii) three RIL populations (96>n>975), (iii) ~200 NILs, (iv) 115,220 BACs and BIBACs, (v) a physical map, (vi) 4 different minimum tiling path (MTP) sets, (vii) 25,123 BAC end sequences (BESs) that encompass 18.5 Mbp spaced out from the MTPs, and 2 000 microsatellite markers within them (viii) a map of 2,408 regions each found at a single position in the genome and 2104 regions found in 2 or 4 similar copies at different genomic locations (each of >150 kbp), (ix) a map of homoeologous regions among both sets of regions, (x) a set of transcript abundance measurements that address biotic stress resistance, (xi) methods for transformation, (xii) methods for RNAi, (xiii) a TILLING resource for directed mutant isolation, and (xiv) analyses of conserved synteny with other sequenced genomes. The SoyGD portal provides access to the data. To date these resources assisted in the genomic analysis of soybean nodulation and disease resistance. This review summarizes the resources and their uses.
Isotropic Broadband E-Field Probe
Authors: Szentpáli Béla , Réti István , Molnár Ferenc B. , Farkasvölgyi János , Kazi Károly , Mirk Zoltán , Sonkoly Aurél , Horváth Zoltán
Published: April 2008

An E-field probe has been developed for EMC immunity tests performed in closed space. The leads are flexible resistive transmission lines. Their influence on the field distribution is negligible. The probe has an isotropic reception from 100 MHz to 18 GHz; the sensitivity is in the 3 V/m–10 V/m range. The device is an accessory of the EMC test chamber. The readout of the field magnitude is carried out by personal computer, which fulfils also the required corrections of the raw data.
Regulation of Glial Cell Functions by PPAR‐γ Natural and Synthetic Agonists
Authors: Bernardo Antonietta , Minghetti Luisa
Published: April 2008

In the recent years, the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), a well known target for type II diabetes treatment, has received an increasing attention for its therapeutic potential in inflammatory and degenerative brain disorders. PPAR‐γ agonists, which include naturally occurring compounds (such as long chain fatty acids and the cyclopentenone prostaglandin 15‐deoxy Δ12,14 prostaglandin J2), and synthetic agonists (among which the thiazolidinediones and few nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs) have shown anti‐inflammatory and protective effects in several experimental models of Alzheimer′s and Parkinson′s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and stroke, as well as in few clinical studies. The pleiotropic effects of PPAR‐γ agonists are likely to be mediated by several mechanisms involving anti‐inflammatory activities on peripheral immune cells (macrophages and lymphocytes), as well as direct effects on neural cells including cerebral vascular endothelial cells, neurons, and glia. In the present article, we will review the recent findings supporting a major role for PPAR‐γ agonists in controlling neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration through their activities on glial cells, with a particular emphasis on microglial cells as major macrophage population of the brain parenchyma and main actors in brain inflammation.
Fully Pipelined Parallel Architecture for Candidate Block and Pixel‐Subsampling‐Based Motion Estimation
Authors: Korah Reeba , Perinbam J.Raja Paul
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a low power and high speed architecture for motion
estimation with Candidate Block and Pixel Subsampling (CBPS) Algorithm.
Coarse‐to‐fine search approach is employed to find the
motion vector so that the local minima problem is totally eliminated. Pixel subsampling
is performed in the selected candidate blocks which significantly reduces computational
cost with low quality degradation. The architecture developed is a fully pipelined
parallel design with 9 processing elements. Two different methods are
deployed to reduce the power consumption, parallel and pipelined implementation and
parallel accessing to memory. For processing 30 CIF frames per second our
architecture requires a clock frequency of 4.5 MHz.
High PowerTm3+-Doped Fiber Lasers Tuned by a Variable Reflective Output Coupler
Authors: Tang Yulong , Yang Yong , Xu Jianqiu
Published: April 2008

Wide wavelength tuning by a variable reflective output coupler is demonstrated in high-power double-cladTm3+-doped silica fiber lasers diode-pumped at∼790  nm. Varying the output coupling from 96% to 5%, the laser wavelength is tuned over a range of 106  nm from 1949 to 2055  nm. The output power exceeds 20  W over 90-nm range and the maximum output power is 32  W at 1949  nm for 51-W launched pump power, corresponding to a slope efficiency of∼70%. Assisted with different fiber lengths, the tuning range is expanded to 240  nm from 1866 to 2107  nm with the output power larger than 10  W.
Effect of Zonal Isolation on the Kinetics of Sintering aParticulate Body
Authors: Nurkanov E. Y. , Kadushnikov R. M. , Skorokhod V. V.
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the so‐called meso‐scale simulations of sintering a particulate body.
Computations were made using 3D structure‐imitation computer model of evolution of
a powder compact during sintering. It was demonstrated, that in powder bodies the
effect of zonal isolation (forming separate groups of particles during sintering) determines
features of shrinkage and internal structure of a compact. In case of the diffusion‐
viscous flow of particles the fact was proved that the zonal isolation is
predetermined by ratio of viscosity and free surface energy. It was verified, that there
is a critical value of the above ratio with respect to which the balance of internal structure‐
creating processes is determined.
Epigenetic Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Gene Expression
Authors: Matouk Charles C. , Marsden Philip A.
Published: April 2008

Epigenetics refers to chromatin-based pathways important in the regulation of gene expression and includes 3 distinct, but highly interrelated, mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone density and posttranslational modifications, and RNA-based mechanisms. Together, they offer a newer perspective on transcriptional control paradigms in vascular endothelial cells and provide a molecular basis for how the environment impacts the genome to modify disease susceptibility. This review provides an introduction to epigenetic concepts for vascular biologists. Using endothelial nitric oxide synthase (
NOS3
) as an example, we examine the growing body of evidence implicating epigenetic pathways in the control of vascular endothelial gene expression in health and disease.
Welcome to the Profession, Madame President
Authors: Shulman Lee S.
Published: April 2008

This letter to the future president of the United States urges her to conduct herself as president as if she were a role model of an educated person and the nation's principal teacher. This obligation entails the need always to be clear about the reasons why her decisions are taken, the evidence or values that support those decisions, the alternatives considered and rejected, and the kinds of sources on which her deliberations rest. She is urged to be explicit about the role of religion and other sources of values in her life and yet to lean over backward to render decisions that violate those values when she feels it is best for the nation. In general, she should address the nation as a teacher should, with respect for their intelligence; with a concern for understanding both what and why; and as a model of honesty, integrity, and openness.
A Letter to the 44Th President of the United States
Authors: Clift Renée T.
Published: April 2008

Madam/Mr. President, I urge you to think broadly and systemically about improving education in the United States. Use your authority to create a plan that provides all children and adolescents with access to well-funded, desirable schools that orient their learning toward the future. Enable them to flourish because they are healthy, they have a balanced and engaging curriculum, and they are working with good teachers—who themselves are encouraged to continue their education. Make it possible for all education professionals to have access to the latest research on teaching and learning and the time to think through how the research can and should inform practice. Encourage schools, colleges, and universities to establish cross-institutional cultures wherein professors, teachers, and administrators work in partnership to review the latest research and to contribute to the knowledge base through collaborative research and through practitioner research and other forms of research in their own classrooms, schools, and districts.
A Letter to Our Next President
Authors: Ladson-Billings Gloria
Published: April 2008

The next president of the United States faces monumental challenges in the areas of national defense, the economy, and health care. However, one daunting domestic issue the nation must face is the continued educational inequity that exists between children of color and their white counterparts in our schools. This article looks at four facets of the educational equity challenge and reframes the discourse from one of achievement gaps to education debt. The four facets of that debt are historical, economic, sociopolitical, and moral. Without this more robust look at how these disparities occur, the nation's schools will continue to tinker with peripheral issues such as more testing, continued grade retention, and punishing students and teachers, and fail to solve our real education problems.
Letter to the President
Authors: Levine Arthur
Published: April 2008

Levine notes that education has declined as a national priority. He appeals to the next U.S. president to champion quality education in America, addressing the achievement gap by focusing on teachers. He urges that the nation dignify the teaching profession, restoring its prestige through the equivalent of a Rhodes Scholarship program for teachers that would offer a significant award, enhanced clinical preparation, strong early-career mentoring, and competitive salaries.
Statistical Models of Association for Comparing Cross-Classifications
Authors: Breen Richard
Published: April 2008

In the analysis of cross-classified data, the quantities of interest are frequently odds ratios. Although odds ratios are functions of the interaction parameters in association models, the usual way of normalizing and identifying these parameters means that their relationship with the odds ratios of interest is indirect. This can lead to interpretative confusions. The author points to the benefits of defining the interaction parameters of a model to have a one-to-one relationship with the odds ratios of interest, thus overcoming problems of interpretation. Three examples are presented to illustrate the argument.
Insiders, Outsiders, and the Editing of Inconsistent Survey Data
Authors: Sana Mariano , Weinreb Alexander A.
Published: April 2008

Data editing, a crucial task in the data production process, has received little scientific attention. Consequently, there is no consensus among social scientists about how data should be edited or by whom. While some argue that it should be left to data managers and data users, others claim that it is primarily a task for fieldworkers. The authors review these divergent approaches to editing and evaluate the underlying theoretical arguments. Results are reported from a methodological experiment in which different types of actors who are party to the data production and research process were asked to solve artificially generated inconsistencies in real survey data. Results are informative on two counts. First, the least accurate editors were the researchers with no field experience in the survey sites. Second, when provided with only partial information on which to make editing decisions, fieldworkers edited more accurately than both data managers and data users.
Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis to Study Causal Order
Authors: Ragin Charles C. , Strand Sarah Ilene
Published: April 2008

Caren and Panofsky (2005) seek to advance qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) by demonstrating that it can be used to study causal conditions that occur in sequences and introduce a technique they call TQCA (temporal QCA). In their formulation, the causal conjuncture is a sequence of conditions or events. The authors applaud their effort and agree that it is important to address this aspect of causation. This comment clarifies and corrects aspects of their analysis and present methods for assessing temporality that are more amenable to truth table analysis and the use of existing software, fsQCA. The methods presented utilize codings that indicate event order in addition to codings that indicate whether specific events occurred. They also demonstrate how to use ``don't care'' codings to bypass consideration of event sequences when they are not relevant (e.g., as when only a single event occurs).
An Empirical Evaluation of the Use of Fixed Cutoff Points in RMSEA Test Statistic in Structural Equation Models
Authors: Feinian Chen  , Curran Patrick J. , Bollen Kenneth A. , Kirby James , Paxton Pamela
Published: April 2008

This article is an empirical evaluation of the choice of fixed cutoff points in assessing the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) test statistic as a measure of goodness-of-fit in Structural Equation Models. Using simulation data, the authors first examine whether there is any empirical evidence for the use of a universal cutoff, and then compare the practice of using the point estimate of the RMSEA alone versus that of using it jointly with its related confidence interval. The results of the study demonstrate that there is little empirical support for the use of .05 or any other value as universal cutoff values to determine adequate model fit, regardless of whether the point estimate is used alone or jointly with the confidence interval. The authors' analyses suggest that to achieve a certain level of power or Type I error rate, the choice of cutoff values depends on model specifications, degrees of freedom, and sample size.
Paul among the Philosophers: The Case of Sin in Romans 6—8
Authors: Wasserman Emma
Published: April 2008

Against the prevailing view that Paul is (at most) marginally influenced by Greek intellectual traditions, this article argues that Romans 6…8 manifests certain Platonic traditions about the soul. Following a consideration of scholarship on Pauline anthropology and a critical definition of discourse, Paul's appropriation of Greek philosophy is recast as the adaptation of a Platonic discourse about extreme immorality or the death of the soul. This discourse explains the language about sin, death, flesh, passions and the body; the metaphors of enslavement, imprisonment and rule that predominate in these chapters; and the inciting role of law in Rom. 7.7-13.
Immortal Bodies, before Christ: Bodily Continuity in Ancient Greece and 1 Corinthians
Authors: Endsjø Dag Øistein
Published: April 2008

The disbelief demonstrated in 1 Corinthians towards the idea of the resurrection of the body is really not about the resurrection of Christ, but only about the general resurrection of the dead. This dilemma cannot be explained by referring either to Platonic beliefs, where all forms of bodily resurrection were considered equally absurd, or to Jewish tradition, which did not know of any resurrection and subsequent immortalization of a single individual before the end of the world. Turning, however, to more traditional Greek material, one finds that the idea of bodily resurrection was not at all unknown. But there was always a question of absolute bodily continuity. No body or body part that had been annihilated could be recreated. As such, this may explain why Paul's opponents in 1 Corinthians did not consider the resurrection of Christ controversial, but did reject the idea of a general resurrection of the dead.
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Intentions Related to Breastfeeding Among University Undergraduate Women and Men
Authors: Marrone Sonia , Vogeltanz-Holm Nancy , Holm Jeffrey
Published: April 2008

The purpose of the current study was to examine university undergraduate women's and men's attitudes and knowledge toward breastfeeding. Data were gathered for 111 women and 50 men. Data showed a significant relationship between positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and exposure to breastfeeding. Women and participants older than 20 years scored higher on measures of knowledge and attitudes. Results indicated that positive attitude toward breastfeeding was a significant predictor of intention to breastfeed among women and men. In conclusion, the results suggest that understanding attitudes among young adults is an important line of research. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate interventions aimed at improving attitudes about breastfeeding and increasing initiation of breastfeeding among this population. J Hum Lact. 24(2):186-192.
Race, Education, and Breastfeeding Initiation in Louisiana, 2000-2004
Authors: Chin Ashley C. , Myers Leann , Magnus Jeanette H.
Published: April 2008

Although it is well documented that race and education are associated with breastfeeding initiation, the possible interaction between these 2 demographic variables has not been explored in a geographically stable, biracial population. This study explores the relationship between race, education, and breastfeeding among women in Louisiana. J Hum Lact. 24(2):175-185.
Belly Models as Teaching Tools: What Is Their Utility?
Authors: Spangler Amy K. , Randenberg Andrea L. , Brenner Michelle G. , Howett Maeve
Published: April 2008

Marble/ball models are often used to represent newborn stomach capacity; however, their accuracy has not been determined. The objective of this review was to analyze data on newborn stomach capacity and determine whether marble/ball models serve as accurate representations. A literature search yielded limited data, most emanating from the early 1900s. Data suggest that anatomic capacity of the newborn stomach varies with the birth weight of the infant. Physiologic capacity bears no relation to anatomic capacity of the newborn stomach but is a measure of the ability of the mother to produce milk and the newborn to ingest milk. Given the wide range of feeding volumes on days 1 and 3 and the reported 8-fold increase in average feeding volume during the same time period, it is best to acknowledge that feeding volumes like anatomic stomach capacity vary widely and do not lend well to visual representation by marble/ball models. J Hum Lact. 24(2):199-205.
Feminist Theology in Latin America: A Theology without Recognition
Authors: Gebara Ivone
Published: April 2008

This paper outlines the ongoing challenges faced by feminist theology in Latin America as it enters the twenty-first century, given the continuing ecclesial antipathy towards its goals, its proponents and its practitioners. This marginalized position with respect to the Catholic Church allows feminist theologians a certain distance from ecclesiastical control, but at the same time means that as a movement feminist theology lacks influence because of its distance from the centre of power. Meanwhile, socio-economic factors continue to oppress the poorest, many of whom— especially women—find solace in the institutional Church and the religious models that feminist theology wishes to critique. As a result of these forces, the future of feminist theology remains uncertain.
Engendering the Jewish Past: Towards a More Feminist Jewish Studies
Authors: Levitt Laura
Published: April 2008

To engender the Jewish past is to continue to question how and what we think we already know about Jewish history and Jewish memory. In order to imagine other stories, we must risk engaging in other ways of doing Jewish study. Only by repeatedly engaging in these other practices can we begin to undo the assumptions about gender we have come to assume as normal or natural. This paper explores first, what it means to engender the Jewish past and then what a contemporary Jewish Studies informed by feminism looks like.
A Socio-Cultural Analysis of Yoruba Women and the Re-imagining of Christianity
Authors: Olajubu Oyeronke
Published: April 2008

The traditional cultural and religious practices of the Yoruba people of Nigeria are closely intertwined. Together they are influencing the way Yoruba people practice their Christianity. In traditional Yoruba religion, women are its majority membership and sustaining force. Consequently, women play leadership roles in Yoruba religion, especially as concerns ritual. These positive roles for women have also been incorporated into Yoruba Christianity. Women are therefore involved in the re-imagining of Christianity and in transforming its patriarchal practices to make them more female-friendly and inclusive.
Se Hace Camino al Andar—The Road is Made by Walking: What the Future Demands of Women-Centered Theologies
Authors: Isasi-Díaz Ada María
Published: April 2008

As we move ahead into the twenty-first century we have to re-focus vigorously on the unfolding of the kin-dom of God, which requires a praxis of care and tenderness for all: a praxis of justice. Without justice, without a praxis of care and tenderness towards all persons and the biosphere in which we live and move and have our being, we have nothing to live for, we have nothing to die for. This points to the very heart of justice—solidarity—a deep sense of community that does not do away with diversity but, on the contrary, affirms and is enriched by it. And, if women-centered theologies do not contribute to struggles for liberation, why should they survive and flourish in the twenty-first century?
Response to Stoesz and Karger's Article, “Reinventing Social Work Accreditation”
Authors: Watkins Julia M.
Published: April 2008

The article by David Stoesz and Howard J. Karger, “Reinventing Social Work Accreditation,” is misleading and erroneous in its assumptions, makes unsubstantiated assertions, and demonstrates an ideological shallowness on the part of the authors in their understanding of social work education, the Council on Social Work Education, and the role of quality assurance on the part of accrediting bodies. The principal function of accreditation in the United States is quality assurance. Through a peer-review system, social work programs exercise appropriate autonomy to leverage resources and intellectual integrity in the design and administration of the curriculum. Stoesz and Karger's limited definition of a scholar misrepresents the multiple roles of faculty, deans, and directors. Furthermore, they fail to recognize that social work programs—their faculty, administration, and students—are actively pursuing the mission of social work through innovations in research, evidence-based interventions, and practice for an increasingly global community.
Rejoinder to “Reinventing Social Work Education”
Authors: Mohan Brij
Published: April 2008

The main assumption of the article under discussion seems flawed and misconstrued. The “professional decline of social work” neither is because of the “lack of scholarship of the Board of Directors” nor is an outcome of an imperfect accreditation process. The presumption that independently achieved accreditation will improve the quality of scholarship and educational programs and raise the deans' and directors' caliber is also misconceived. The author, though in general agreement with many of the observations of Stoesz and Karger, finds the crisis of social work deeply rooted in the field's cultural contradictions, academic malaise, and professional mendacity. The triangularity of this problem obscures basic issues that are crucial to unraveling social work education, its variegated crisis, and its possible transformation.
Poverty and the Multiple Stakeholder Challenge for Global Leaders
Authors: Reade Carol , Todd Anne Marie , Osland Asbjorn , Osland Joyce
Published: April 2008

The article presents a case study in which business leaders deal with challenging problems related to poverty, involving multiple stakeholders. This emphasizes the importance of training prospective global leaders to manage stakeholder relationships and engage in stakeholder dialogue. The authors highlight the stakeholder role played by nongovernmental organizations and include a simulation that develops stakeholder dialogue skills. They identify practical lessons and assumptions underlying business education that are not shared by all stakeholders in the context of poverty.
Hats Off to Problem-Solving With Couples
Authors: Li Chi-Sing , Lin Yu-Fen , Nelson Judy , Eckstein Daniel
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how counselors can use de Bono's Six Thinking Hats problem-solving technique in their work with couples. Part 1 of the article focuses on an introduction to the technique, including a theoretical rationale and supporting research. Following a detailed description of the process of using the model as a counseling technique with couples in Part 2, a case study is featured in Part 3. A brief review of the technique and its advantages and limitations in couple counseling concludes the article.
Do For-Profit Health Plans Restrict Access to Care Under Medicaid Managed Care?
Authors: Long Sharon K.
Published: April 2008

Managed care is now the norm for many on Medicaid, with approximately 19 million people on Medicaid enrolled in health maintenance organizations. In 2005, nearly 300 plans nationwide participated in state Medicaid managed care programs, with many of those plans operating under for-profit ownership. Concerns about the impact of plan ownership on access to care arise because of differences in the incentives in place in for-profit and nonprofit organizations that may lead for-profit plans to restrict access to care. Using data from the 2002 National Survey of America's Families on plan enrollment for a national sample of Medicaid enrollees, this study examines the link between for-profit plan ownership and enrollees' access to health care. The results suggest that access to care for Medicaid enrollees may be better under nonprofit plans than for-profit plans.
Public Road Signs as Intermediate Interaction
Authors: Juhlin Oskar , Normark Daniel
Published: April 2008

This article reports a study of the abundant practice among people who live along roads to communicate with passing drivers by making and mounting public road signs. These signs can be seen as a complement, parallel, or second to official signs posted by road authorities. The article focuses specifically on how public road signs support different forms of communities, the practical work of enhancing readability for passing drivers, and the adoption to road inspectors' work of removing public road signs. The authors argue that public road signs are important, enabling intermediate interaction between communities. Furthermore, people posting signs adopt different tactics so that their messages are detected by passing drivers, while not being deleted by road authorities. However, road inspectors' work of removing signs is also vital for the success of public road signs, seeing their maintenance work as editing the road.
The Book of Daniel in Recent Research (Part 1)
Authors: Valeta David M.
Published: April 2008

This is the first of two articles exploring recent research on the book of Daniel. The focus of Part 1 is the court tale narratives of Daniel 1—6, with particular attention to genre identification, sociological and ideological viewpoints, and textual and language issues. Other topics of interest are represented in the bibliography, which identifies important publications since 1993. Foundational works published prior to 1993 are also included. Historical-critical analysis of Daniel 1—6 has furthered understanding of important topics such as the nature of court tale literature and the context of conquest, exile and empire in the ancient Near East, and how those constructs affect the biblical writings. New explorations of Daniel 1—6 that focus on literary, multi-critical and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of this book suggest interesting answers to perennial debates over issues such as the language, genre and ideology of these court tales, and are a main focus of this survey article.

Part 2 will explore the apocalyptic material of Daniel 7—12, including discussion of topics such as the Son of Man and the nature of vision material in the Hebrew Bible.
Recent and Previous Research on the Pericope Adulterae (John 7.53—8.11)
Authors: Keith Chris
Published: April 2008

This article surveys recent and previous research on the enigmatic Pericope Adulterae (PA), traditionally placed at Jn 7.53—8.11. The discussion is organized by the methodologies that scholars have applied to PA, and thus the article also demonstrates the various critical approaches in New Testament studies that have found popularity at a given time. While the following study will observe that some scholarly conclusions, such as the theory that PA did not appear in the original version of the Gospel of John, are near consensus, it will also highlight some remaining unsettled issues in PA scholarship.
Adapting an Emerging Empirically Supported Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults With ADHD and Comorbid Complications
Authors: Mitchell John T. , Nelson-Gray Rosemery O. , Anastopoulos Arthur D.
Published: April 2008

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly considered a disorder that affects children and adolescents; however, follow-up studies of those diagnosed with ADHD indicate significant continuation and impairment into adulthood. For these adults, pharmacotherapy is effective in some cases, but residual symptoms and secondary problematic behaviors resulting from ADHD symptoms (e.g., depressed mood) are typical. Several researchers have identified cognitive-behavioral approaches as a promising adjunct to pharmacotherapy. In particular, a recently manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated significant reductions in ADHD symptoms in a controlled study. The primary purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential of this approach. To do so, we review two case studies of adults diagnosed with ADHD to illustrate (a) the heterogeneity associated with ADHD cases and the unique challenges they present, (b) issues related to comorbid disorders and symptoms with ADHD, and (c) how to adapt this emerging empirically supported treatment.
Academic Resilience in Retrospect
Authors: Morales Erik E.
Published: April 2008

In a unique follow-up study, Hispanic (Dominican American) students identified as resilient 10 years ago were reinterviewed to assess their interim progress, and explore how their educational and professional achievements have evolved over time. By having the students reflect on their beliefs a decade ago and how those beliefs have evolved in light of their academic and professional achievements, the study provides a rare view into the time-sensitive phenomenon of enduring resilience.
Macrophage mannose receptor on lymphatics controls cell trafficking
Authors: Marttila-Ichihara Fumiko , Turja Raisa , Miiluniemi Mari , Karikoski Marika , Maksimow Mikael , Niemelä Jussi , Martinez-Pomares Luisa , Salmi Marko , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: April 2008

Macrophage mannose receptor (MR) participates in pathogen recognition, clearance of endogenous serum glycoproteins, and antigen presentation. MR is also present on lymphatic vessels, where its function is unknown. Here we show that migration of lymphocytes from the skin into the draining lymph nodes through the afferent lymphatics is reduced in MR-deficient mice, while the structure of lymphatic vasculature remains normal in these animals. Moreover, in a tumor model the primary tumors grow significantly bigger in MR−/− mice than in the wild-type (WT) controls, whereas the regional lymph node metastases are markedly smaller. Adhesion of both normal lymphocytes and tumor cells to lymphatic vessels is significantly decreased in MR-deficient mice. The ability of macrophages to present tumor antigens is indistinguishable between the 2 genotypes. Thus, MR on lymphatic endothelial cells is involved in leukocyte trafficking and contributes to the metastatic behavior of cancer cells. Blocking of MR may provide a new approach to controlling inflammation and cancer metastasis by targeting the lymphatic vasculature.
SAGE analysis demonstrates increased expression of TOSO contributing to Fas-mediated resistance in CLL
Authors: Proto-Siqueira Rodrigo , Panepucci Rodrigo A. , Careta Francisco P. , Lee Abigail , Clear Andrew , Morris Kelly , Owen Carolyn , Rizzatti Edgar G. , Silva Wilson A. , Falcão Roberto P. , Zago Marco A. , Gribben John G.
Published: April 2008

To identify novel genes involved in the molecular pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) we performed a serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) in CLL cells, and compared this with healthy B cells (nCD19+). We found a high level of similarity among CLL subtypes, but a comparison of CLL versus nCD19+ libraries revealed 55 genes that were over-represented and 49 genes that were down-regulated in CLL. A gene ontology analysis revealed that TOSO, which plays a functional role upstream of Fas extrinsic apoptosis pathway, was over-expressed in CLL cells. This finding was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in 78 CLL and 12 nCD19+ cases (P < .001). We validated expression using flow cytometry and tissue microarray and demonstrated a 5.6-fold increase of TOSO protein in circulating CLL cells (P = .013) and lymph nodes (P = .006). Our SAGE results have demonstrated that TOSO is a novel over-expressed antiapoptotic gene in CLL.
Losing helena: The extinction of a drosophila line-like element
Authors: Rebollo Rita , Lerat Emmanuelle , Kleine Liliana Lopez , Biémont Christian , Vieira Cristina
Published: April 2008

Background

Transposable elements (TEs) are major players in evolution. We know that they play an essential role in genome size determination, but we still have an incomplete understanding of the processes involved in their amplification and elimination from genomes and populations. Taking advantage of differences in the amount and distribution of the Long Interspersed Nuclear Element (LINE),helenainDrosophila melanogasterand D.simulans, we analyzed the DNA sequences of copies of this element in samples of various natural populations of these two species.

Results

In situhybridization experiments revealed thathelenais absent from the chromosome arms ofD. melanogaster, while it is present in the chromosome arms ofD. simulans, which is an unusual feature for a TE in these species. Molecular analyses showed that thehelenasequences detected inD. melanogasterwere all deleted copies, which diverged from the canonical element. Natural populations ofD. simulanshave several copies, a few of them full-length, but most of them internally deleted.

Conclusion

Overall, our data suggest that a mechanism that induces internal deletions in thehelenasequences is active in theD. simulansgenome.
Cell division in Escherichia colicultures monitored at single cell resolution
Authors: Roostalu Johanna , Jõers Arvi , Luidalepp Hannes , Kaldalu Niilo , Tenson Tanel
Published: April 2008

Background

A fundamental characteristic of cells is the ability to divide. To date, most parameters of bacterial cultures, including cell division, have been measured as cell population averages, assuming that all bacteria divide at a uniform rate.

Results

We monitored the division of individual cells in Escherichia coli cultures during different growth phases. Our experiments are based on the dilution of green fluorescent protein (GFP) upon cell division, monitored by flow cytometry. The results show that the vast majority of E. coli cells in exponentially growing cultures divided uniformly. In cultures that had been in stationary phase up to four days, no cell division was observed. However, upon dilution of stationary phase culture into fresh medium, two subpopulations of cells emerged: one that started dividing and another that did not. These populations were detectable by GFP dilution and displayed different side scatter parameters in flow cytometry. Further analysis showed that bacteria in the non-growing subpopulation were not dead, neither was the difference in growth capacity reducible to differences in stationary phase-specific gene expression since we observed uniform expression of several stress-related promoters. The presence of non-growing persisters, temporarily dormant bacteria that are tolerant to antibiotics, has previously been described within growing bacterial populations. Using the GFP dilution method combined with cell sorting, we showed that ampicillin lyses growing bacteria while non-growing bacteria retain viability and that some of them restart growth after the ampicillin is removed. Thus, our method enables persisters to be monitored even in liquid cultures of wild type strains in which persister formation has low frequency.

Conclusion

In principle, the approaches developed here could be used to detect differences in cell division in response to different environmental conditions and in cultures of unicellular organisms other than E. coli.