bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caught between the ethnic sides: Children growing up in a divided post-war community
Authors: Ajdukovic Dean , Biruski Dinka Corkalo
Published: July 2008

The war-related process of disintegration of a highly integrated and multi-ethnic community is described using a series of studies done in the city of Vukovar (Croatia) as a case example. After analyzing the key points of the community social breakdown , the three roots of ongoing ethnic division are explored: the feelings of being betrayed by important others at life-important situations; massive suffering and traumatization; and lack of compassion and acknowledgment of the victimhood. These also influence the inner dynamic of the divided community in which the strong social norm is not to cross the ethnic lines in public. When the schools became divided after the war so that the Serb and Croat children started going to separate schools, opportunity to meet each other across the ethnic lines became and remained severely limited. The implications for children that grow up in an ethnically divided community are documented in a study of children's and parental inter-ethnic attitudes and behaviors. The study included 1,671 students aged 12 to 16 and their parents. It showed that the children had more out-group biases and negative attitudes, and were more likely to choose discriminative behaviors towards their peers from the ether ethnic group. Consequences for the future community inter-ethnic relations in the post-war societies and life limitations the children face are discussed.
Efficacy of a school-based primary prevention program for coping with exposure to political violence
Authors: Slone Michelle , Shoshani Anat
Published: July 2008

A paradigm conceptualizing resilience as factors moderating between political violence exposure and psychological distress administered in a 7-year research project yielded a profile of factors promoting Israeli children's coping in conflict conditions. Three factors — social support mobilization, selfefficacy, and meaning attribution — were incorporated into a school-based primary intervention program. In a repeated measures design, the study assessed pre to post-test modifications in the three resilience factors and psychological distress in a primary and control intervention condition and the interaction of actual political violence exposure on distress reduction. Results validated modification only of the mobilization of support factor, but nonetheless confirmed the primary program's efficacy in moderating psychological distress particularly among children with low actual political violence exposure, who showed greater distress increases in the control condition. Findings reinforce the educational system's role in promoting resilience among children in conflict environments.
Begin with the children: What research on Sesame Street's international coproductions reveals about using media to promote a new more peaceful world
Authors: Cole Charlotte F. , Labin Daniel B. , del Rocio Galarza Maria
Published: July 2008

For nearly four decades, Sesame Workshop has brought the joy of learning to the world's youngest citizens through the introduction of locally-produced coproductions of the preschool television series, Sesame Street. Many of these television shows have been specifically designed to forward important prosocial messages directly linked to the complex socio-political backdrop in which they are created. Focusing on recent projects in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Kosovo, this article reviews research on the educational effectiveness of these initiatives and highlights the ways in which study results provide information on best practices for media projects designed for children living in regions of conflict. The paper also reviews the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches and provides practical information on how difficult issues have been presented in an age-appropriate and culturally-relevant manner. By acknowledging the challenges inherent to producing media designed to effect attitudinal and behavior changes in places mired in ongoing conflict, these studies, when examined as a group, provide emerging evidence of the need for increasingly direct and specific media intervention efforts. Presenting these studies in light of the projects that they evaluate and the related socio-political circumstances offers a body of evidence suggesting the educational value of these media efforts and indicating a need for further study in this field.
Child Health Promotion and Protection Among Mexican Mothers
Authors: Gallagher Martina Raquel , Gill Sara , Reifsnider Elizabeth
Published: July 2008

For numerous reasons, children of Mexican descent experience many health disparities. One strategy for addressing these disparities is to increase health promotion and protection behaviors that mothers use with their preschool children. Limited literature is available on such practices used by mothers of Mexican descent with their healthy preschool children. This study explored child health promotion and protection practices used by mothers of Mexican descent. A naturalistic design, guided by Spradley's ethnographic interview techniques, was selected for this study. The sample included 9 Mexican-descent mothers from an urban U.S. community with healthy preschool children. Despite significant challenges, participants promoted and protected the health of their preschool children by al cuidado (taking care) and by being al pendiente (being mindful) of balancing the health of their children's bodies, minds, and souls. Understanding these mothers' approaches allows the creation of culturally sensitive health programs that can build on existing maternal strengths.
Predictors of Job Satisfaction for Rural Acute Care Registered Nurses in Canada
Authors: Penz Kelly , Stewart Norma J. , D'Arcy Carl , Morgan Debra
Published: July 2008

This study examines predictors of job satisfaction among rural acute care registered nurses. The data are from a cross-sectional national survey, which was part of a larger project, The Nature of Nursing Practice in Rural and Remote Canada. This analysis suggests that a combination of individual, workplace, and community characteristics are interrelated predictors of job satisfaction for rural acute care nurses. There were nine variables that accounted for 38% of the total variance in job satisfaction. Four variables alone (available and up-to-date equipment and supplies, satisfaction with scheduling and shifts, lower psychological job demands, and home community satisfaction) explained 33% of the variance. Recruitment and retention strategies in rural areas must acknowledge that rural nurses' work lives and community lives are inextricably intertwined. Attention to these issues will help ensure high-quality working environments and a continued commitment to quality nursing care in the rural hospital settings in Canada.
Postoperative Pain Management Outcome in Chinese Inpatients
Authors: Qu Shen  , Sherwood Gwen D. , McNeill Jeanette A. , Zheng Li
Published: July 2008

In the absence of pain management outcome reports representing mainland China, the purposes of this study were to describe the outcome of postoperative pain management and the relationship between patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in an indigenous Chinese population. From a sample of 388 second-day-postoperative inpatients, 304 (78%) reported pain in the past 24 hours and were enrolled in the study. Mean ratings for pain were moderate to severe. Patients reported mild to moderate pain-related interference with mood and physical activities. There were significant differences on worst pain intensity and pain interference with daily activity in the past 24 hours for different types of surgery. Top-ranked nonpharmacologic methods for managing pain were tolerating pain, changing positions, and family support. As measured by the Pain Management Index, 60.2% of patients were inadequately treated for pain, yet patients reported high satisfaction with pain management. Patient satisfaction, however, was inversely and significantly correlated with pain intensity. Study results indicate a need for standardized policies and guidelines about pain management and education among providers and for patients and families to overcome the suboptimal pain outcomes among this Chinese population.
Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Identify Aspects Influencing Condom Use Among Korean College Students
Authors: Young Mi Kwon  , Eun Ja Yeun  , Hee Young Kim  , Mi Sun Youn  , Ju Yeon Cho  , Hee Joo Lee
Published: July 2008

Increasing condom use requires an understanding of the influencing factors. Previous research has used psychosocial theories such as the social cognitive theory and health belief to explain AIDS risk factors and condom use. However, it is still difficult to effectively predict the multidimensional factors associated with condom use. The present study utilizes the transtheoretical model to investigate condom use among college students by examining stages of change for condom use and measuring decisional balance and self-efficacy for each stage. The aim was to identify the variables affecting condom use so as to provide scientific data that would aid the development of effective strategies for increasing condom use.
Qigong Improving Physical Status in Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Tsai Yi-Kuei , Chen Hsing-Hsia , Lin I-Hsin , Yeh Mei-Ling
Published: July 2008

Regular exercise has been shown to benefit its practitioners and prevent and control diseases. Muscle/Tendon Change Classic (MTCC) qigong, characterized by simple, slow, and full-body exercise, is appropriate for the middle-age population. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the MTCC qigong program in improving physical status for middle-aged women. A quasi-experimental design was used. The experimental group ( n = 37) received an 8-week MTCC qigong program, whereas the control group ( n = 34) received none. Physiological parameters of muscular performance, body composition, and bone strength were measured before and after the program. The average age was 49 ± 4.13 years for the experimental group and 50 ± 4.74 years for the control group. The demographic characteristics were homogeneous between the two groups. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in muscular endurance, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index at the completion of 8-week MTCC qigong program. The MTCC qigong could improve muscle endurance and body composition but not bone strength for middle-aged women, thereby demonstrating the qigong practice has certain health-preserving effects on women in this stage of life.
Predictors of Work Engagement Among Medical-Surgical Registered Nurses
Authors: Simpson Michelle R.
Published: July 2008

This descriptive, cross-sectional study examines the relationship of job satisfaction, turnover cognitions, job search behavior, and nurse demographics to work engagement among a sample of 167 registered nurses employed on medical and/or surgical units within six hospitals. Professional status, interaction, and thinking of quitting together explain 46%, F(3,160) = 47.546, p < .001, of the variance in work engagement. Additionally, the job satisfaction components of professional status and interaction are shown to significantly moderate the relationship between thinking of quitting and work engagement ( t = 1.96, p < .05). Results suggest improvements in work environment processes that are consistent with professional status and interaction at work, such as integration of a professional nursing practice model and development and positioning of transformational leaders at every level of the organization, are needed.
Structural Changes and Planning of the Economy in Revolutionary Venezuela
Authors: Nakatani Paulo , Herrera Rémy
Published: July 2008

This paper analyzes the structural changes during the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela, especially regarding the role of the State in production and macroeconomic policies. It examines the institutional changes needed in the transition towards a planned economy and a socialist society. It underlines both the contradictions to be solved after the defeated December 2007 Constitutional Reform referendum, and the urgent necessity of such changes to reach a more egalitarian society.
Analyzing the Impact of a Statewide Residence Restriction Law on South Carolina Sex Offenders
Authors: Barnes J.C. , Dukes Tony , Tewksbury Richard , De Troye Timothy M.
Published: July 2008

Recently, several states have enacted legislation that restricts sex offenders from living in close proximity to certain areas in an effort to counter recidivism and alleviate community safety concerns. The South Carolina Legislature is currently debating two pieces of legislation that would prohibit registered sex offenders from living in close proximity to schools, daycare centers, child recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and other areas where children are known to congregate. Given the recent emergence of residence restriction statutes, insufficient research has examined their impact on offenders, communities, and the criminal justice system. Using spatial analysis, four of the six South Carolina counties with the highest number of registered sex offenders are examined in relation to the effects of the two proposed statewide residence restriction laws. Implications concerning offender access to housing and treatment opportunities are discussed along with potential effects to local communities and the criminal justice system.
Logic and Dialectics in Social Science, Part I: Dialectics, Social Phenomena and Non-Equilibrium
Authors: Carchedi Guglielmo
Published: July 2008

This article develops a new dialectical method of social research. Contrary to the Hegelian tradition, it extracts this method from Marx's own work by taking a class—determined perspective of social phenomena. Contrary to formal logic it stresses social reality's dynamism by focusing on social phenomena's contradictory nature. It starts by setting out the three principles upon which dialectical logic rests. It then examines individual phenomena as potential social phenomena. On this basis, it identifies the building block of society, the relation that ensures the reproduction of society while accounting for the recurrent attempts at its supersession. Both reproduction and supersession require both an objective and a subjective element. The article examines them in the light of this new approach and argues that society's movement towards its own supersession is the tendential one.
Introduction and Overview: Actors, Obstacles and Social Change in European and Asian State Capitalist Societies
Authors: Pollard Vincent Kelly
Published: July 2008

The social history of state capitalist analysis emerged at least four decades before the Bolshevik-led October Revolution. Despite this analytic tradition, epistemic communities using state capitalist analyses have interacted sporadically. Differences in language, locale and political commitments have contributed to the lack of sustained exchange. Sensitive to future social change in formerly Marxist-Leninist systems and elsewhere, contributors to this issue of Critical Sociology have applied complementary and competing state capitalist analyses to the pre-1917 Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China (PRC), post-communist Russia and the PRC in the reform period. The contributing authors are convinced that clarifying the legacy of state capitalist analysis is a prerequisite for the success of social movements seeking to realize their preferred futures in Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Setting the stage, the introductory essay also suggests issues for continuing debate.
Increasing Prevalence of Pneumococcal Serotype 19A Among US Children
Authors: Eiland Lea S.
Published: July 2008

The incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in children has drastically decreased since the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the United States in 2000. However, epidemiology studies are now finding that non-vaccine serotypes are emerging and are associated with multidrug resistance. Specifically, the incidence of the non-vaccine serotype 19A causing invasive pneumococcal disease has increased over the past few years. Several studies from various areas of the United States report changes in serotypes and antimicrobial resistance associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive disease, such as meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia. Evidence regarding the 19A isolate emergence in otitis media and mastoiditis is now being identified and detailed. Practitioners must be aware of this evolving pneumococcal organism and the potential clinical impact in children.
Serum Ferritin: Deceptively Simple or Simply Deceptive? Lessons Learned From Iron Therapy in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kovesdy Csaba P. , Lee Grace H. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: July 2008

Iron is an essential micronutrient that is indispensable for erythropoesis. Correct assessment of iron stores is needed both for the diagnosis of iron deficiency and to direct iron replacement therapies. Serum ferritin is a commonly employed measure to assess iron stores, yet there are caveats that influence its accuracy as a diagnostic tool. While low ferritin levels are specific for iron deficiency, high levels can be the result of inflammation, liver disease, or malignancies and could be independent of iron stores. Optimal anemia management involves administration of adequate amounts of iron. The right dose of iron that allows optimal erythropoesis yet avoids oxidative stress is a matter of ongoing debate, especially when using imperfect diagnostic tools such as serum ferritin to direct therapy. Data from hemodialysis patients are presented to illustrate the challenges one faces when trying to achieve the best possible therapeutic benefit from iron-replacement therapy.
A Comparative Review of Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents
Authors: Metzger Nicole L. , Francis Kerry E. , Voils Stacy A.
Published: July 2008

Erythropoiesis stimulating agents have been used for more than a decade in patients with chronic kidney disease, malignancy, and other disease states where anemia is common. Recently, several clinical trials have questioned the safety and efficacy of these agents. Thrombosis and increase in tumor progression as well as a potential increase in mortality have been noted in some trials and have generated growing concern regarding whether these agents should remain on the US market. Subsequently, reimbursement from some payers for erythropoiesis stimulating agent administration has become somewhat restrictive. We address the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics of erythropoiesis stimulating agents as well as emerging regulatory issues pertaining to the administration of erythropoiesis stimulating agents.
Identifying Girls With the Inattentive Type
Authors: Zambo Debby
Published: July 2008

Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has come a long way since its early description as a moral and behavioral deficit. ADHD has various subtypes, each with comorbid disabilities. Despite these advances, gaps remain in identifying and understanding girls with ADHD, especially when they have the inattentive-type ADHD. This article synthesizes what is known about girls with ADHD, and it is directed toward teachers, counselors, and psychologists who work with girls in school settings. To accomplish this goal, ADHD is examined with a low-resolution lens, then from two higher resolution lenses. The low-resolution lens uses identification criteria per the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The first high-resolution lens looks at how girls with ADHD differ from boys with ADHD; the second high-resolution lens looks at how girls with ADHD differ from their nonidentified female peers. A case is made for using the two finer-grained lenses to identify and intervene with girls.
Interpersonal Competence Configurations, Behavior Problems, and Social Adjustment in Preadolescence
Authors: Farmer Thomas W. , Estell David B. , Hall Cristin M. , Pearl Ruth , Van Acker Richard , Rodkin Philip C.
Published: July 2008

This study examines interpersonal competence configurations in relation to students' concurrent behavior problems and social risks for later adjustment difficulties. Participants are 648 (345 girls, 303 boys) fourth-grade students (65% White, 6.9% African American, 19.5% Hispanic, 4.6% Asian, and 4.0% Other) from the suburbs of a major Midwestern city. Competence and risk configurations are identified using cluster analytic procedsures with teacher ratings of interpersonal competence. Four distinct risk configurations are identified: Multi-Risk, Tough, Unengaged (boys); and Low-Academic (girls). These configurations are differentially related to the subscales and total problem scores on the Teacher Report Form and to social adjustment variables that have been shown to be linked to poor outcomes in adolescence. Implications for intervention development and future research needs are discussed.
Relative Extremism and Relative Moderation
Authors: Warwick Paul V.
Published: July 2008

This article investigates the ways in which parties stake out left—right positions that deviate from the mean positions of their supporters. Previous research has shown that parties tend to adopt positions that are more extreme than those of their supporters, but there are at least two arguments that also imply the presence of relative moderation—a tendency for moderate parties to be more moderate than their supporters. Using surveys covering 34 countries compiled by the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems, this investigation shows that parties in coalitional systems display both phenomena.
The Contract with America and Conditional Party Government in State Legislatures
Authors: Clucas Richard A.
Published: July 2008

This study tests two theories of legislative leadership by comparing the power of majority-party leaders in states where the Republican Party adopted a state-level version of “The Contract with America” in 1994, with that of leaders in states where no contract was adopted. Using a nationwide survey of legislators to rank power, the study finds that the lower house leaders in contract states were stronger in 1995, as were those from states in which the public was ideologically polarized along partisan lines. The results provide support for conditional party government theory while expanding our knowledge of state legislative politics.
Clear Cell Change in Colonic Polyps
Authors: Eloy Catarina , Lopes José M. , Faria Gil , Moreira Herculano , Brandão Abílio , Silva Teresa , Carneiro Fátima
Published: July 2008

In this study, the pathogenesis of clear cell change in colorectal epithelial lesions was studied. A total of 4 cases of clear cell change (1 hyperplasic polyp and 3 adenomas) were characterized using histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. All lesions developed in the left colon. In all, 1 adenoma with clear cell dysplastic glands progressed to adenocarcinoma without clear cell change. Clear cell cytoplasmatic vacuoles were negative for glycogen and mucins (MUC 2, MUC 5AC). Ki-67 LI in clear cell adenoma components was lower than in common adenoma components of the same dysplasia grades (while p53 and β-catenin were similarly expressed). Ultrastructural features of clear cell change showed features of lipid-like material. Clear cell change is found in hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions of the colon and is not due to the accumulation of glycogen or mucins. A degenerative nature of clear cell change is suggested by the demonstration of lipid-like material in the vacuoles of clear cells.
Myositis Ossificans Associated With Subclinical Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Report of a Case
Authors: Onoda Naoyoshi , Yamazoe Sadaaki , Tanaka Tomoaki , Ishikawa Tetsuro , Wakasa Kenichi , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: July 2008

A 56-year-old healthy man noticed a stony-hard mass gradually grown in his neck for more than a 6-year period. Examinations revealed 2 additional calcified masses at the esophageal hiatus and retroperitoneum. The cut-surface of the operative specimens showed fibrous and mucinous appearance with many calcified islands. Microscopically, the lesion showed a gradual transform from the central immature area with fibroblasts and mucinous matrix, to the peripheral mature area with woven bone and osteoclasts (zoning phenomenon), which was compatible with the features of mature myositis ossificans. Myositis ossificans is an isolated, benign, nonneoplastic disease typically found in adolescence, after traumatic episode. Similar lesions have been found in the major musculature of patients with increased bleeding tendency. In the present case, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was found to be associated and was suggested to be involved in initiating myositis ossificans. Still, it is extremely rare to observe lesions in these sites synchronously.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex With Polycystic Kidney Disease of the Adult Type: the TSC2/ADPKD1 Contiguous Gene Syndrome
Authors: Bisceglia Michele , Galliani Carlos , Carosi Illuminato , Simeone Anna , Ben-Dor David
Published: July 2008

Although different diseases, tuberous sclerosis complex and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease have been seen in association, the molecular basis of this being the proximity of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 and polycystic kidney disease 1 genes on the same chromosome (16p13.3). Therefore, the classic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease renal phenotype may occur in the context of tuberous sclerosis complex disease as a result of large deletions involving both the polycystic kidney disease 1 and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 genes. This is known as the tuberous sclerosis complex 2/autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease 1 contiguous gene syndrome. The criteria for this condition are fulfilled when renal lesions typical for classic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease phenotype are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex phenotype. We present a new case of the sporadic form of this genetic disorder. The diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex in this patient was established on the presence of major and minor features, and the diagnosis of ADPKD was based on the presence of numerous large roundish renal cysts lined by a nondescript tubular epithelium. Sporadic cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis complex do occur. Molecular analysis was not performed because the patient's parents refused permission.
Biotin-Rich Intranuclear Inclusions: Have You Checked Your Immunohistochemical Controls?
Authors: Bakkar Rania , Moore Grace , Martin Alvin , Alatassi Houda
Published: July 2008

Intranuclear biotin interacts with avidin-biotin-complex used for viral immunoperoxidase detection giving false-positive results.
Incidence of Melanocytic Lesions of the Conjunctiva in a Review of 10 675 Ophthalmic Specimens
Authors: Novais Gustavo A. , Fernandes Bruno F. , Belfort Rubens N. , Castiglione Enzo , Cheema Devinder P. , Burnier Miguel N.
Published: July 2008

During the study period, 10 675 human ophthalmic specimens were received at The Henry C. Witelson Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory and Registry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Of those, 271 were conjunctival lesions (2.5%), with 101 being classified as melanocytic: 50 (49.5%) nevi, 36 (35.6%) primary acquired melanoses, and 15 (14.9%) melanomas. After exclusion of referred cases, 85 lesions were included in the study: 44 (51.7%) nevi, 33 (38.8%) primary acquired melanoses, and 8 (9.4%) melanomas. The most prevalent location was the bulbar conjunctiva. Conjunctival melanomas were most commonly found in an older age group than primary acquired melanosis or nevi. Conjunctival nevi were subdivided into compound (32.9%), subepithelial (16.4%), and junctional (2.3%). Primary acquired melanosis were further classified into primary acquired melanosis with atypia (8.2%) and primary acquired melanosis without atypia (30.5%). Primary acquired melanoses was the predisposing lesion in 75% of the cases of melanoma. In our sample, referral bias could alter the distribution of conjunctival pigmented lesions, with a shift toward the malignant end.
IgG 4-Positive Sclerosing Cholangitis Following Autoimmune Pancreatitis With Deranged CA19.9
Authors: Ong Seok L. , Garcea Guiseppe , Puls Florian , Richards Cathy , Mulcahy Kevin , Grant Allister , Dennison Ashley R. , Berry David P.
Published: July 2008

Sclerosing cholangitis is an autoimmune condition characterized by lymphocytic infiltration within the biliary epithelium leading to multifocal stricturing of the biliary tree. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is the most common type encountered clinically. However, a similar process may occur in conjunction with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), known as AIP-associated sclerosing cholangitis (AIP-SC). This subtype is associated with an elevated IgG4 level and the presence of a number of autoantibodies. AIP-SC shows good response to steroid treatment, distinguishing it clinically from PSC. The authors report a case of AIP-SC in a patient who had previously undergone a biliary bypass for AIP-induced chronic pancreatitis. The presentation of jaundice and grossly elevated tumor marker, CA19.9, raised the concern of malignancy. The uncertainty of the diagnosis was resolved when AIP-SC was confirmed on liver biopsy, with a concomitantly elevated serum IgG4 level. The disease went into remission with steroid treatment.
Primary Capillary Hemangioblastoma of Bone: Report of a Case Arising in the Sacrum
Authors: Panelos John , Beltrami Giovanni , Capanna Rodolfo , Franchi Alessandro
Published: July 2008

Capillary hemangioblastoma (CHB) is a benign, highly vascularized tumor that generally occurs in the central nervous system either in the setting of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease or, more often, as a solitary sporadic lesion that is increasingly recognized in extraneural sites. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with low back pain and a well-demarcated lytic lesion of the sacrum, which at histological and ultrastructural examination was indistinguishable from central nervous system CHB. The patient had no signs of VHL disease and died of another cause with no evidence of disease 57 months after curettage of the lesion. To our knowledge, this is the second case of CHB reported to occur in bone.
Histopathological Aspects of Neurocryptococcosis in HIV-Infected Patients: Autopsy Report of 45 Patients
Authors: Klock Clóvis , Cerski Marselle , Goldani Luciano Z.
Published: July 2008

The authors describe the histopathological necropsy findings of 45 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—infected patients with neurocryptococcosis. Systemic cryptococcosis with involvement of multiple organs such as spleen, liver, and lungs was present in all patients. Predominant diffuse meningoencephalitis predominantly in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and mid-brain, with minimal inflammatory infiltrate was seen in 30 AIDS patients (70%). We frequently observed in those patients the presence of multiple gelatinous pseudocysts with abundant Cryptococcus neoformans in the Virchow-Robin spaces and adjacent brain caused by the dissemination of the meningeal infection along the perivascular spaces. Isolated meningeal and cerebral involvement with minimal inflammatory infiltrate with numerous fungal organisms, and occasionally with granulomatous reaction and necrosis, was seen in 15 patients (30%). In addition to involvement of multiple organs by C. neoformans, HIV-infected patients with clinical manifestations of neurocryptococcosis frequently present a widespread involvement of the brain.
E-selectin and Sialyl Lewis X Expression Is Associated With Lymph Node Metastasis of Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Jia Wei  , Lifang Cui  , Fangfang Liu  , Yu Fan  , Ronggang Lang  , Feng Gu  , Xiaojing Guo  , Ping Tang  , Li Fu
Published: July 2008

To investigate the possible roles of E-selectin and its ligand, Sialyl Lewis X, in lymph node metastasis of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast, 100 cases of invasive micropapillary carcinoma and 97 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma were analyzed immunohistochemically for the expression of E-selectin and Sialyl Lewis X, along with CD34, to measure the microvessel density of invasive micropapillary carcinoma. We found that the number of E-selectin—positive vessels was greater in invasive micropapillary carcinoma than in invasive ductal carcinoma, and it was significantly correlated with the histological grade, the number of positive lymph nodes, and the microvessel density of invasive micropapillary carcinoma. The Sialyl Lewis X expression of invasive micropapillary carcinoma was higher than that of invasive ductal carcinoma, which was also associated with lymph node metastasis. In invasive micropapillary carcinoma, the Sialyl Lewis X expression was predominantly in the stroma-facing surface of the cell clusters and the adjacent stroma, while in invasive ductal carcinoma it was largely intracytoplasmic or intercellular. These findings suggested that E-selectin and Sialyl Lewis X might play an important role in lymph node metastasis in invasive micropapillary carcinoma. The expression pattern of Sialyl Lewis X in invasive micropapillary carcinoma suggested that the reversal of cell polarity of invasive micropapillary carcinoma might be as an important factor for the morphogenesis and possibly the pathogenesis, especially their higher rates of lymph node metastasis.
Massive Localized Lymphedema With Unusual Presentations: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bogusz Agata M. , Hussey Sean M. , Kapur Payal , Yan Peng  , Tunc Gokaslan S.
Published: July 2008

Massive localized lymphedema is a benign soft tissue lesion that usually presents as a large mass in morbidly obese adults. The diagnosis may be challenging as it can mimic other lesions, including well-differentiated liposarcoma. We report 2 cases of massive localized lymphedema with unusual presentation. The first case is a recurrent massive localized lymphedema in the right thigh of a 40-year-old morbidly obese woman. In addition to typical massive localized lymphedema features such as prominent edema and vascular proliferation in the adipose tissue, we observed prominent and abundant multinucleated stromal floret-like giant cells, arborizing network of capillaries, and areas of hyalinized collagen. Our second case is in a rare location (scrotum extending into penile soft tissue) in an overweight 55-year-old male. This lesion exhibits striking smooth muscle hyperplasia. Lack of staining by antibodies against murine double minute 2 protein and cyclin dependent kinase 4 and absence of high mobility group AT- hook 2 transcription factor rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization support our diagnosis of massive localized lymphedema in both cases.
Synaptic Plasticity from Visual Cortex to Hippocampus: Systems Integration in Spatial Information Processing
Authors: Tsanov Marian , Manahan-Vaughan Denise
Published: July 2008

The adult cerebral cortex possesses the remarkable ability to change its neuronal connectivity through experience, a phenomenon termed “synaptic plasticity.” Synaptic plasticity constitutes a cellular mechanism that is thought to underlie information storage and memory formation in the brain, and represents a use-dependent long-lasting increase or decrease in synaptic strength. Recent findings, that the adult visual cortex undergoes dynamic synaptic plasticity that is driven by active visual experience, suggest that it may be involved in information processing that could contribute to memory formation. The visual cortex provides a crucial sensory input to the hippocampus, and is a key component for the creation of spatial memories. An understanding of how visual cortical neurons respond with synaptic plasticity to visual experience, and whether these responses influence the induction of hippocampal plasticity, is fundamental to our understanding of the neuronal mechanisms and functional consequences of visuospatial information processing. In this review, we summarize recent findings with regard to the expression of dynamic synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex and how this plasticity may influence information processing in the hippocampus.
Cognitive Role of Neurogenesis in Depression and Antidepressant Treatment
Authors: Perera Tarique D. , Park Sungshic , Nemirovskaya Yelena
Published: July 2008

The discovery of newborn neurons in the adult brain has generated enormous interest over the past decade. Although this process is well documented in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb, the possibility of neuron formation in other brain regions is under vigorous debate. Neurogenesis within the adult hippocampus is suppressed by factors that predispose to major depression and stimulated by antidepressant interventions. This pattern has generated the hypothesis that impaired neurogenesis is pathoetiological in depression and stimulation of newborn neurons essential for effective antidepressant action. This review critically evaluates the evidence in support of and in conflict with this theory. The literature is divided into three areas: neuronal maturation, factors that influence neurogenesis rates, and function of newborn neurons. Unique elements in each of these areas allow for the refinement of the hypothesis. Newborn hippocampal neurons appear to be necessary for detecting subtle environmental changes and coupling emotions to external context. Thus speculatively, stress-induced suppression of neurogenesis would uncouple emotions from external context leading to a negative mood state. Persistence of negative mood beyond the duration of the initial stressor can be defined as major depression. Antidepressant-induced neurogenesis therefore would restore coupling of mood with environment, leading to the resolution of depression. This conceptual framework is provisional and merits evaluation in further experimentation. Critically, manipulation of newborn hippocampal neurons may offer a portal of entry for more effective antidepressant treatment strategies.NEUROSCIENTIST 14(4):326–338, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408317242
Substantiation and Adverse Appeal Outcomes
Authors: Fakunmoju Sunday Bolanle
Published: July 2008

Little is known about the influence of evidentiary and case characteristics on adverse appeal outcomes for substantiated cases of maltreatment. This article, therefore, reports on a sample of adverse appeal outcomes during a 2-year period. Using Drake's Harm/Evidence model to examine the adverse outcomes, the study describes differences between substantiated cases that were “modified” versus “overturned” during appeal, as well as differences in their evidentiary characteristics across different types of maltreatment. Content analysis and logistic regression analysis of administrative data were used to predict overturned versus modified outcome. Overall, child neglect, substantiated cases that did not meet basic evidentiary standards, and cases that were deemed as not credible were more likely to be overturned in comparison to being modified. A substantiation assessment framework (SAF) is developed and implications of Drake's Harm/Evidence model for investigating maltreatment as well as for understanding judicial decision making in appealed cases of maltreatment is highlighted.
Cell Phones and the Measurement of Child Neglect
Authors: Lefever Jennifer Burke , Howard Kimberly S. , Lanzi Robin Gaines , Borkowski John G. , Atwater Jane , Guest Kristi Carter , Ramey Sharon L. , Hughes Kere ,   Centers for the Prevention of Child Neglect
Published: July 2008

Two multisite studies were conducted to assess the feasibility of using cell phone interviews (the Parent-Child Activities Interview) to learn more about the quality of daily parenting among high-risk mothers, including child neglect. In Study 1, 45 primiparous teenage mothers with 3- to 9-month-old infants were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: one received frequent cell phone interviews and the other group less frequent interviews over their home telephone. Relationships among paper-and-pencil surveys of parenting (gathered in person) and a Parenting Essentials score (coded from the phone interviews) were significantly correlated. In Study 2, adolescent and adult mothers and their first-born children ( n = 544) completed 2 observations of parenting in their home as well as a series of 3 PCA calls at ages 4 and 8 months. Parenting Essentials coded from the interviews were significantly related to observed measures of parenting at both time points. The Parent-Child Activities Interview shows promise as a reliable and valid measure of parenting, capturing frequent and detailed information about daily parenting practices. Cell phones may prove useful in intervening with mothers at risk of suboptimal parenting and child neglect.
Changing Residential Preferences across Income, Education, and Age
Authors: Clark William A. V.
Published: July 2008

Residential preferences and their role in creating and maintaining residential segregation are a subject of intense interest in ongoing debates about race and residential sorting in U.S. metropolitan areas and are central in work based on the Schelling tolerance models of residential selection. This study examines how residential preferences change across income, education, and age and provides new information on how race and socioeconomic status interact to create patterns of preference in particular locations. In general, African-Americans with increasing income show a distinct shift to greater willingness to live in integrated settings but also a distinct shift to own-race selections with second choices for neighborhood composition. Whites' unwillingness to move to African-American neighborhoods of more than 50% other race exacerbates the tendency to separate. Socioeconomic status plays a similar role for other ethnic groups. These findings parallel those from agent-based modeling about the low probability of achieving substantial mixing of racial and ethnic groups.
Description of Symptom Severity in Heart Failure
Authors: Landrum Laurie
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this article is to critically analyze research that describes symptom severity in heart failure. Medline, CINAHL, Psych Info, and Science Direct databases (2000 to July 2006) were searched to locate published studies that described or defined symptom severity or like terms in heart failure. A total of 323 publications were initially reviewed, from which 21 articles (6.51%) were selected based on the inclusion criteria for this article. Multiple terms are used synonymously, and inappropriately at times, to describe symptom severity. Rarely, symptom severity is adequately defined or fully described. Varying instruments and methods are used to measure symptom severity. The literature includes inappropriate measurement methods of symptom severity. Symptom severity should be clearly defined, differentiated from related terms, and measured appropriately. Comparisons across studies are impeded when terms are not clearly defined or inappropriately measured.
How Firms' Foreign Tax Credit Limitation Affects the Amount of Foreign Assets Deployed
Authors: Billings B. Anthony , Mougoué Mbodja , Musazi Buagu
Published: July 2008

There is a paucity of research evidence regarding the likely long-term economic consequences of firms' foreign tax credit (FTC) status on asset deployment between the United States and foreign locations. The existing literature primarily focuses on income, not asset, shifting with respect to FTC status. The authors empirically show that after allowing for adjustment costs through Tobin's quotient, assets shift in a direction opposite to the traditional income shift for U.S. multinational corporations with prolonged binding FTC limitation. Regression results for approximately 261 U.S. multinational corporations with various years of missing data for the 1997 through 2003 period indicate that the amount of foreign asset allotment is an increasing function of the duration of firms' FTC limitation spell (cumulative number of the sampled years the firm is FTC limited) for firms in or greater than equilibrium Tobin's quotient.
Merit-Based Scholarship ``Over-Awards'' and Home Prices
Authors: Campbell Noel D. , Smith Frank
Published: July 2008

Some Georgia school systems award more HOPE scholarships than their academic achievement predicts, creating a geographically determined benefit that will be compounded into local real estate values. Using a two-stage regression methodology, we test to see if these scholarship ``over-awards'' are capitalized into local home prices. Our evidence supports the hypothesis. We argue that potential homeowners view HOPE eligibility percentages as an indicator of access to state resources, and this access is capitalized into home prices.
What Moves Partisanship?
Authors: MacDonald Jason A. , Franko William W.
Published: July 2008

We consider how state political environments can alter the party identification and political behavior of individuals. Using panel data well-suited to assess the influence of migration on individual-level phenomena, we find that migrants alter their party identifications toward the majority party of their new states. Applying the estimates from this analysis to the 2000 presidential election suggests that individual-level change can alter presidential election outcomes in states if migration patterns meet certain conditions.
Manual Stimulation of the Suprahyoid-Sublingual Region Diminishes Polynnervation of the Motor Endplates and Improves Recovery of Function After Hypoglossal Nerve Injury in Rats
Authors: Evgenieva Emilia , Schweigert Patrick , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Pavlov Stoyan , Grosheva Maria , Angelova Srebrina , Streppel Michael , Irintchev Andrey , Skouras Emmanouil , Kuerten Stefanie , Sinis Nektarios , Dunlop Sarah , Radeva Victoria , Angelov Doychin N.
Published: July 2008

Background. Using the rat facial nerve axotomy model, the authors recently showed that manual stimulation of denervated whiskerpad muscles reduced the posttransectional polyinnervation at the neuromuscular junctions and promoted full recovery of vibrissal whisking. Objective. Prompted by implications for rehabilitation therapy, the authors examined whether manual stimulation of denervated supra- and infrahyoid muscles would also improve recovery after unilateral lesion on the hypoglossal nerve. Methods. Adult rats underwent transection of the right hypoglossal nerve. Half of the animals received no postoperative treatment, and the other half were subjected to daily manual stimulation of the suprahyoid/sublingual region for 2 months. Recovery was assessed by measuring the angle of tongue-tip deviation from the midline, degree of collateral axonal branching at the lesion site (counts after retrograde labeling with 2 fluorescent dyes), synaptic input to the hypoglossal motoneurons using synaptophysin immunocytochemistry, tongue-muscles motor representation in the cerebral cortex after c-Fos immunocytochemistry, and portion of polyinnervated neuromuscular junctions. Results. In animals receiving manual stimulation, the tongue-tip deviation was 37.0 ± 49.37°, whereas values in control nonstimulated rats were significantly higher (50.1 ± 9.01°; P < .05; mean ± SD). Improved recovery was not associated with reduced collateral axonal branching; there were also no differences in tongue-muscles representation in the motor cortex. However, manual stimulation restored the total synaptic input to levels in intact animals and reduced the proportion of polyinnervated neuromuscular junctions compared with nonstimulated animals. Conclusion. The data show that manual stimulation of denervated muscles improves functional outcome following peripheral nerve injury. This suggests immediate potential for enhancing clinical rehabilitation strategies.