bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Teacher and Parental Acceptance and Behavioral Control, School Conduct, and Psychological Adjustment Among School-Going Adolescents in India
Authors: Parmar Parminder , Rohner Ronald P.
Published: May 2010

This study explored the relationship between Indian adolescents’ perceptions of their teachers’ and parents’ (mothers’ and fathers’) acceptance and behavioral control, students’ conduct in school, and students’ psychological adjustment. A sample of 217 high school students in India was enrolled in the study. Results showed that the students perceived their teachers, mothers, and fathers to be warm and accepting, but boys experienced more teacher acceptance than girls. Boys also experienced more maternal acceptance than girls. Both boys and girls perceived teachers as well as parents to be firm in behavioral control. Teachers reported both genders to be well behaved, though girls tended to be somewhat better behaved than boys. Both boys and girls self-reported minor psychological adjustment problems, though the more caring students perceived both their teachers and parents to be, the better was their psychological adjustment. In addition, the less controlling girls (but not boys) perceived their teachers and parents to be, the better was their psychological adjustment. Regarding school conduct, only perceived paternal and maternal—but not teacher—acceptance were associated with boys’ behavior in school. For girls, however, both teachers’ and parents’ acceptance and behavioral control were significantly correlated with school conduct, though only perceived teacher acceptance made a unique contribution to their school behavior.
Establishing the Validity of the Personality Assessment Inventory Drug and Alcohol Scales in a Corrections Sample
Authors: Patry Marc W. , Magaletta Philip R. , Diamond Pamela M. , Weinman Beth A.
Published: May 2010

Although not originally designed for implementation in correctional settings, researchers and clinicians have begun to use the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) to assess offenders. A relatively small number of studies have made attempts to validate the alcohol and drug abuse scales of the PAI, and only a very few studies have validated those scales in nonclinical correctional samples. The current study examined evidence of convergent and discriminant validity for the substance abuse scales on the PAI in a large, nonclinical sample of offenders. The net sample for the current study consisted of 1,120 federal inmates. Both the drug abuse and alcohol scales showed good convergent validity through high correlations with relevant proximal and distal indicators of substance use across multiple measures from several data sources. Discriminant validity was established as neither scale showed any “erroneous” correlations after controlling for the other scale. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
From Scientific Theory to Classroom Practice
Authors: Dommett Eleanor J. , Devonshire Ian M. , Plateau Carolyn R. , Westwell Martin S. , Greenfield Susan A.
Published: May 2010

The importance of neuroscience in education is becoming widely recognized by both neuroscientists and educators. However, to date, there has been little effective collaboration between the two groups, resulting in the spread of ideas in education poorly based on neuroscience. For their part, educators are often too busy to develop sufficient scientific literacy, and neuroscientists are put off collaborations with risk of overinterpretation of their work. We designed and led a successful 6-month collaborative project between educators and neuroscientists. The project consisted of a series of seminars on topics chosen by both parties such as the neuroscience of attention, learning, and memory and aimed to create a dialog between the two. Here, we report that all teachers found the seminars relevant to their practice and that the majority felt the information was presented in an accessible manner. Such was the success of the project that teachers felt there were direct changes in their classroom practice as a consequence and that the course should be more widely available. We suggest that this format of co-constructed dialog allows for lucrative collaborations between neuroscientists and educators and may be a step to bridging the waters that separate these intrinsically linked disciplines.
A Minimax Stochastic Optimal Control for Bounded-uncertain Systems
Authors: Ying Z.G.
Published: May 2010

A minimax stochastic optimal control strategy for bounded-uncertain stochastic systems is proposed. The minimax dynamical programming equation for an uncertain stochastic control system is firstly derived based on the optimality principle and Itô differential rule. A new type of bang-bang constraint on the bounded uncertain disturbance is proposed to form a class of minimax stochastic optimal control problems. Then the worst disturbance and minimax optimal control are obtained for the bang-bang-type uncertain system under stochastic excitations. According to this method, the quasi linear control law is obtained for linear stochastic systems with bounded uncertainty and the state-dependent quasi Riccati equation is derived from the minimax dynamical programming equation. Furthermore, a minimax stochastic optimal control strategy for uncertain stochastic quasi Hamiltonian systems is developed based on the stochastic averaging method and minimax dynamical programming equation. The worst disturbance and minimax optimal control for the stochastically averaged system are obtained by the similar procedure. The proposed and developed minimax stochastic optimal control strategies are illustrated with an example of a single-degree-of-freedom uncertain stochastic control system.
Stability of Up-milling and Down-milling Operations with Variable Spindle Speed
Authors: Xinhua Long  , Balachandran B.
Published: May 2010

In this article, a stability treatment is presented for up-milling and down-milling processes with a variable spindle speed (VSS). This speed variation is introduced by superimposing a sinusoidal modulation on a nominal spindle speed. The VSS milling dynamics is described by a set of delay differential equations with time varying periodic coefficients and a time delay. A semi-discretization scheme is used to discretize the system over one period, and the infinite-dimensional transition matrix is reduced to a finite-dimensional matrix over this period. The eigenvalues of this finite-dimensional matrix provide information on VSS milling stability with respect to control parameters, such as the axial depth of cut and the nominal spindle speed. The stability charts obtained for VSS milling operations are compared with those obtained for constant spindle speed milling operations, and the benefits of VSS milling operations are discussed.
Approximate Stability Analysis and Computation of Solutions of Nonlinear Delay Differential Algebraic Equations with Time Periodic Coefficients
Authors: Deshmukh Venkatesh
Published: May 2010

Approximate stability analysis of nonlinear delay differential algebraic equations (DDAEs) with periodic coefficients is proposed with a geometric interpretation of evolution of the linearized system. Firstly, a numerical algorithm based on direct integration by expansion in terms of Chebyshev polynomials is derived for linear analysis. The proposed algorithm is shown to have deeper connections with and be computationally less cumbersome than the solution of the underlying semi-explicit system via a similarity transformation. The stability of time periodic DDAE systems is characterized by the spectral radius of a “monodromy matrix”, which is a finite-dimensional approximation of a compact infinite-dimensional operator. The monodromy matrix is essentially a map of the Chebyshev coefficients (or collocation vector) of the state from the delay interval to the next adjacent interval of time. The computations are entirely performed with the original system to avoid cumbersome transformations associated with the semi-explicit form of the system. Next, two computational algorithms, the first based on perturbation series and the second based on Chebyshev spectral collocation, are detailed to obtain solutions of nonlinear DDAEs with periodic coefficients for consistent initial functions.
An Exploratory Study of Substance Use and Misuse Among College Students With and Without ADHD and Other Disabilities
Authors: Janusis Grace M. , Weyandt Lisa L.
Published: May 2010

Objective: The present study investigated potential differences between college students with and without disabilities (including ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, executive functioning disorder, and learning, mental health, vision, hearing, and physical/chronic disabilities) regarding self-reported substance use and misuse, perceived stress, and sensation seeking. Method: Students responded to a Stimulant Survey Questionnaire (SSQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS), and items from the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Results: The hypotheses were part supported as MANOVA results revealed that students with disabilities provided significantly lower ratings on the SSS and also reported lower alcohol and marijuana use. Students with ADHD were more likely to use or misuse prescription stimulant medication but were less likely to use alcohol than did students without ADHD. Conclusion: Students with disabilities compared to those without disabilities differed on levels of sensation seeking and alcohol and marijuana use.
Career Decision Making and Intention: a Study of Hospitality Undergraduate Students
Authors: Chuang Ning-Kuang , Dellmann-Jenkins Mary
Published: May 2010

This study determined factors influencing undergraduate hospitality students’ career intentions in the hospitality industry. A total of 360 hospitality students completed a survey that assessed career decision making, expected outcomes, and items focused on academic-related decisions and demographic background. Logistic regression analysis revealed that career intentions in hospitality were significantly associated with students’ gender, work experience, transfer status, and outcome expectations in the industry. Rewards most frequently reported by students focused on intrinsic outcomes of the industry (opportunities for career accomplishment and self-fulfillment). Implications are discussed for education and industry along with suggestions for future research.
The antecedents of ‘sovereignty as responsibility’
Authors: Glanville Luke
Published: May 2010

Notions of ‘sovereignty as responsibility’ and ‘the responsibility to protect’ are often fra-med as radical departures from the ‘traditional’ conception of sovereignty. Many assume that sovereignty has, until recently, entailed only rights and not responsibilities. In con-trast, this article argues that sovereign authority has been understood to involve varied and evolving responsibilities since it was first articulated in the 16th and 17th centuries. It then traces the historical emergence of the tension between the right of sovereign states to be self-governing and free from outside interference and their responsibility to secure the safety of their populations. It cautions against a simplified story of ‘traditional’ sovereignty which reifies supposedly concrete and ahistorical rights of sovereigns while casting sovereign responsibilities as a morally abstract and late-arriving challenge.
Social benefits of a tangible user interface for children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions
Authors: Farr William , Yuill Nicola , Raffle Hayes
Published: May 2010

Tangible user interfaces (TUIs) embed computer technology in graspable objects. This study assessed the potential of Topobo, a construction toy with programmable movement, to support social interaction in children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Groups of either typically developing (TD) children or those with ASC had group play sessions with Topobo and with LEGOTM. We recorded the extent and sequence of different categories of play during these sessions. For both participant groups, there were more social forms of play with Topobo than with LEGOTM. More solitary play occurred for LEGOTM and more parallel play occurred with Topobo. Topobo was also associated with more time in onlooker and cooperative play in TD. Finally, we observed differences in play sequences between TD and ASC children, and discuss how different play materials might produce specific patterns of play in these two groups.
Persistence to medical treatment of osteoporosis in women at three different clinical settings - A historical cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Dorthe S. , Langdahl Bente L. , Sørensen Ole H. , Sørensen Henrik A. , Brixen Kim T.
Published: May 2010

Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess persistence with bisphosphonates and raloxifene and to identify determinants of adherence (patient age, level of information, educational status, etc.) among women with osteoporosis in three different clinical settings in Denmark. Methods: We compared persistence to therapy in three historical cohorts of women diagnosed with osteoporosis starting therapy between January 1999 and January 2004. The study comprised 878 patients treated and followed at Odense University Hospital, 285 patients diagnosed and followed at the Hellerup Osteoporosis Clinic (private practice), and 343 patients diagnosed at Aarhus University Hospital and followed by the referring general practitioner. Data on persistence and possible confounders were collected using a mailed questionnaire. Reminders were issued after 1—2 months to non-respondents. Results: Persistence at 2 years as estimated from Kaplan—Meyer analysis was 0.87, 0.84 and 0.88 in the three cohorts, respectively. There were no significant differences between the clinics. Level of persistence was not related to patient assessment of the adequacy of the clinical information provided by the prescribing doctor, presence of prior fractures or a family history of osteoporosis. However, patients who read the information leaflet on their osteoporosis medication tended to be more persistent with treatment (p < 0.09). Conclusions: Women’s persistence with bisphosphonates and raloxifene was surprisingly high and similar between treating centres. This may be due to a high level of public information available on osteoporosis in Denmark.
Prevalence of sunburn and sun-related behaviour in the Danish population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Køster Brian , Thorgaard Camilla , Philip Anja , Clemmensen Inge H.
Published: May 2010

Background: In Denmark, the incidence of melanoma has been increasing since the 1960s. Intermittent exposure to ultraviolet radiation and a history of sunburn and sunbed use are known risk factors. We describe the association between use of protective measures, sun-related behaviour and experience of sunburn in the Danish population three months after the start of the campaign. Method: A population-based sample of 3,499 persons aged 15—59 years completed a questionnaire that included items on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. We examined the relations between sunburn and sun-related behaviour by logistic regression analysis. Results: Within the previous 12 months, 35% of the study population had experienced sunburn. Sunburn became less frequent with age (odds ratio (OR) 4.44; 15—19 vs. 50—59) and skin type (OR 2.57; I vs. III). Sunburn was negatively associated with shade and clothing and positively with use of sunscreens. We found no significant difference in sunscreen use between intentional tanners who experienced sunburn and those who did not. A larger fraction of unintentional tanners with sunburn than those who were not sunburnt had used sunscreen. Sunscreen was used to prolong the time spent in the sun by 66% of sunburnt people; however, we found no association between duration of sun exposure and sunscreen use. Conclusions: Future campaigns to reduce the prevalence of sunburn in the Danish population must especially target young persons and intentional tanning, and they should emphasize that sunscreen cannot be used to extend the time spent in the sun and that shade and clothing provide the best protection against sunburn.
Code-switching during parent—child reading interactions: Taking multiple theoretical perspectives
Authors: Kabuto Bobbie
Published: May 2010

This article uses multiple theoretical perspectives to understand the synergy that occurs between linguistically diverse parents and children during reading interactions. Through the detailed analysis of code-switching during book-sharing activities in a middle-class, bilingual home, we can observe how linguistically diverse parents support the development of reading competency in their children, provide rich language and linguistic experiences, and co-construct their children’s identities as a reader as they read together. Code-switching is therefore viewed as a cognitive, social, and cultural tool to support the learning of early biliterate readers by mediating reading transactions with the text. The insights from this study highlight how transactions with text in bilingual homes can be described through language syncretism, or integration and reinvention of language forms, as part of a holistic, natural approach to literacy learning.
Children’s spontaneous play in Writer’s Workshop
Authors: Lysaker Judith T. , Wheat Jennifer , Benson Emily
Published: May 2010

Research on the relationship between literacy and play has a rich history. Yet few studies have examined children's use of spontaneous play during literacy events as children are learning to read and write. This case study examines the use of play and the quality of playfulness in a kindergarten/first grade multiage classroom during Writer's Workshop. Data revealed children being playful in three ways: through the use of singing and chanting, the expression of intense emotion, and the use of pretend and fantasy. Children created a “third space' by infusing the academic environment with elements of their more playful social worlds. This “third space” functioned as a particular kind of Zone of Proximal Development, a comfortable, personally authentic and energized environment in which children learned to write.
Citizen satisfaction with private security guards in the Netherlands: Perceptions of an ambiguous occupation
Authors: van Steden Ronald , Nalla Mahesh K.
Published: May 2010

The employment of private security guards has increased in many European countries in recent decades and the Netherlands is no exception. However, despite large increases in the growth of the private security industry, little is known about how the public perceives agents of private policing and their role in crime prevention and enhancing the public’s sense of safety. In this paper we examine public perceptions of private security personnel. More specifically, we examine citizens’ attitudes toward the nature of security guards’ work, their relationship with public police, and their level of satisfaction with private police services. Findings suggest that, on the whole, Dutch citizens have mixed opinions about private security guards. Nonetheless, contrary to what is often assumed about the public image of private security, findings also suggest that respondents tend not to view the nature of security guards’ work and their professionalism in purely negative terms. Contact with security guards was a key predictor of satisfaction with guard services.
A Community-Based Hip-Hop Dance Program for Youth in a Disadvantaged Community in Ottawa: Implementation Findings
Authors: Beaulac Julie , Olavarria Marcela , Kristjansson Elizabeth
Published: May 2010

Participation in physical activity is important for the positive development and well-being of youth. A community— academic partnership was formed to improve access to physical activity for youth in one disadvantaged community in Ottawa, Canada. After consulting this community, a new hip-hop dance intervention was implemented. Adolescents aged 11 to 16 years participated in one of two 3-month sessions. A girls-only and a boys-and-girls format were offered both sessions. This article investigates the implementation of the intervention from the perspective of the youth participants, parents, staff, and researchers. Multiple methods were used, including document review, observation, questionnaire, focus groups, and interviews. Overall, the consistency and quality of program implementation were moderately satisfactory; however, important concerns were noted and this program appeared to be only partially delivered as planned. These findings will be discussed in terms of suggestions for improving the implementation of this intervention and similar recreation programs prioritizing disadvantaged communities.
Especially for Daughters: Parent Education to Address Alcohol and Sex-Related Risk Taking Among Urban Young Adolescent Girls
Authors: O'Donnell Lydia , Myint-U Athi , Duran Richard , Stueve Ann
Published: May 2010

This study evaluates the Especially for Daughters intervention, which aims to provide urban Black and Latino parents with information and skills to support their daughters in delaying sexual initiation and alcohol use. In a randomized field trial, 268 families with sixth-graders were recruited from New York City public schools and assigned either to the intervention, a set of audio CDs mailed home; an attention-controlled condition (print materials); or controls. Girls completed classroom baseline and three follow-up surveys, and telephone surveys were conducted with parents. At follow-up, girls in the intervention reported fewer sexual risks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.39, confidence interval [CI] = 0.17-0.88) and less drinking (AOR = 0.38, CI = 0.15-0.97, p < .05). Their parents reported greater self-efficacy to address alcohol and sex and more communication on these topics. This gender-specific parent education program was for communities with high rates of HIV, where early sexual onset is common and often fueled by alcohol.
Promoting Racial Equality, Parental Involvement, and Youth Engagement: An Interview With Dr. Gail Christopher
Authors: Head Carmen J.
Published: May 2010

With each passing decade, the United States has become a more racially and ethnically diverse nation. Many consider children our world’s greatest resource. Addressing unequal health outcomes and educational achievement in children of different races and economic backgrounds is paramount. Dismal projections on the increased rates of obesity chronic disease and HIV/AIDS among adults may become a reality if more actions are not taken to help curb their current growing trends among youth, particularly youth of color. Health, education, and supportive and safe living environments are necessary to appropriately develop the world’s future adults and leaders. Greater efforts must be made to ensure that the world’s future leaders are a true racial and ethnic representation of the world they serve.
The Impact of State Legislative Term Limits on the Competitiveness of Congressional Elections
Authors: Birkhead Nathaniel , Uriarte Gabriel , Bianco William
Published: May 2010

This study examines the impact of state legislative term limits on the candidacy decisions of challengers in U.S. House elections. Using data from 1996 to 2006, the authors show that the impact of term limits is mitigated by local political factors, such as an incumbent’s election margin. The larger the incumbent’s previous electoral margin, the lower the likelihood of facing a quality challenger. The authors also identify an unanticipated consequence of term limits: In incumbent races, term limits can generate a substitution effect; as termed out state legislators enter elections, other quality challengers from the same party stay out of the race, as they are unwilling to face a primary in addition to a general election fight. As a result, the increased number of termed out state legislators who seek Congressional office are offset by the reduced number of other quality challengers from nonlegislative offices, resulting in minimally more competitive Congressional elections.
Upper and Lower Extremity Motor Performance and Functional Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hebert Liesi E. , Bienias Julia L. , McCann Judith J. , Scherr Paul A. , Wilson Robert S. , Evans Denis A.
Published: May 2010

This report examines the relation of upper and lower extremity motor performance to functional impairment among 371 persons with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cognitive and motor performance tests were administered at 6-month intervals for up to 4 years. Motor performance was assessed using 3 lower extremity tests and 2 upper extremity tests. Functional impairment was measured at 3-month intervals using caregiver ratings of impairments in activities of daily living, mobility, and range of motion. Both lower and upper extremity performance were inversely related to functional impairments on all 3 scales (all Ps < .001), after controlling for age, sex, and level of cognitive impairment. This suggests that motor performance contributes to functional impairments in AD, independent of cognitive impairment. It is important to preserve motor performance in individuals with AD because it influences physical function throughout the course of the disease.
Evaluation of an Assessment Battery for Estimating Dementia Caregiver Needs for Health and Social Care Services
Authors: Marziali Elsa , McCleary Lynn , Streiner David L.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine a battery of questionnaires for assessing the personal resources and vulnerabilities of family caregivers of persons with dementia (Alzheimer or other). Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to obtain dementia caregiver responses to questionnaires that targeted caregiver stress response, physical/mental health status, self-efficacy, personality, and social support. Results: A personality factor (neuroticism) explained over 20% of the variance in caregiver mental health status and depression. With caregiver distress as the dependent variable, personality and self-efficacy accounted for 15% to 17% of the explained variance. Conclusions: The results suggest that measures of personality factors, self-efficacy, mental health status, and distress response could be used for assessing caregiver vulnerabilities and health service needs. This individualized approach could ensure allocation of multicomponent intervention programs that have been shown to be more effective in sustaining caregiver role functions.
Locked Down and Out: Crisis at Central High
Authors: Barron Ausbrooks Carrie Y.
Published: May 2010

This case study is designed for preservice school administrators enrolled in principalship and school law courses in educational administration. It describes an incident in which a school’s crisis management and communication protocol were challenged. One day, through a series of unanticipated events, an assistant principal is engulfed in a test of her ability to apply contingency planning during a school shooting incident involving a student and a police officer. She is the only school administrator on the scene and must simultaneously deal with the media, parents, community, and school district politics when ensuring student safety.
Selecting the “Best Applicant(s)” With Limited Options and Policy Constraints
Authors: Kyle Ingle William , Rutledge Stacey A.
Published: May 2010

This case study examines issues related to teacher hiring and accountability policies, including the adequate yearly progress and highly qualified teacher provisions of the No Child Left Behind act. The focus of the case study is the nexus among findings from the teacher-quality research, realities of teacher labor markets, and accountability policies. Opportunities for discussion of leadership decisions at the school and district levels are provided. The details described in this case study are developed for use in personnel/instructional supervision courses.
Taking One’s Principles Seriously: A Teacher Confronts Controversy
Authors: Hare William
Published: May 2010

A teacher faces hostility from certain colleagues who view his decision to attend a controversial lecture as tantamount to the repudiation of the principle of inclusive education and the rights of students with disabilities. The teacher sees the proposed boycott of the lecture as a form of censorship threatening freedom of inquiry and critical thinking about contested ideas. The case invites students to reflect on the ethical issues involved and to consider what qualities are required in educational leaders.
JAK2 V617F impairs hematopoietic stem cell function in a conditional knock-in mouse model of JAK2 V617F–positive essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Li Juan , Spensberger Dominik , Ahn Jong Sook , Anand Shubha , Beer Philip A. , Ghevaert Cedric , Chen Edwin , Forrai Ariel , Scott Linda M. , Ferreira Rita , Campbell Peter J. , Watson Steve P. , Liu Pentao , Erber Wendy N. , Huntly Brian J. P. , Ottersbach Katrin , Green Anthony R.
Published: May 2010

The JAK2 V617F mutation is found in most patients with a myeloproliferative neoplasm and is sufficient to produce a myeloproliferative phenotype in murine retroviral transplantation or transgenic models. However, several lines of evidence suggest that disease phenotype is influenced by the level of mutant JAK2 signaling, and we have therefore generated a conditional knock-in mouse in which a human JAK2 V617F is expressed under the control of the mouse Jak2 locus. Human and murine Jak2 transcripts are expressed at similar levels, and mice develop modest increases in hemoglobin and platelet levels reminiscent of human JAK2 V617F–positive essential thrombocythemia. The phenotype is transplantable and accompanied by increased terminal erythroid and megakaryocyte differentiation together with increased numbers of clonogenic progenitors, including erythropoietin-independent erythroid colonies. Unexpectedly, JAK2V617F mice develop reduced numbers of lineage−Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells, which exhibit increased DNA damage, reduced apoptosis, and reduced cell cycling. Moreover, competitive bone marrow transplantation studies demonstrated impaired hematopoietic stem cell function in JAK2V617F mice. These results suggest that the chronicity of human myeloproliferative neoplasms may reflect a balance between impaired hematopoietic stem cell function and the accumulation of additional mutations.
Binary image representation of a ligand binding site: its application to efficient sampling of a conformational ensemble
Authors: Sung Edon , Kim Sangsoo , Shin Whanchul
Published: May 2010

Background

Modelling the ligand binding site of a protein is an important component of understanding protein-ligand interactions and is being actively studied. Even if the side chains are restricted to rotamers, a set of commonly-observed low-energy conformations, the exhaustive combinatorial search of ligand binding site conformers is known as NP-hard. Here we propose a new method, ROTAIMAGE, for modelling the plausible conformers for the ligand binding site given a fixed backbone structure.

Results

ROTAIMAGE includes a procedure of selecting ligand binding site residues, exhaustively searching rotameric conformers, clustering them by dissimilarities in pocket shape, and suggesting a representative conformer per cluster. Prior to the clustering, the list of conformers generated by exhaustive search can be reduced by pruning the conformers that have near identical pocket shapes, which is done using simple bit operations. We tested our approach by modelling the active-site inhibitor binding pockets of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -13. For both cases, analyzing the conformers based on their pocket shapes substantially reduced the 'computational complexity' (10 to 190 fold). The subsequent clustering revealed that the pocket shapes of both proteins could be grouped into approximately 10 distinct clusters. At this level of clustering, the conformational space spanned by the known crystal structures was well covered. Heatmap analysis identified a few bit blocks that combinatorially dictated the clustering pattern. Using this analytical approach, we demonstrated that each of the bit blocks was associated with a specific pocket residue. Identification of residues that influenced the shape of the pocket is an interesting feature unique to the ROTAIMAGE algorithm.

Conclusions

ROTAIMAGE is a novel algorithm that was efficient in exploring the conformational space of the ligand binding site. Its ability to identify 'key' pocket residues also provides further insight into conformational flexibility with specific implications for protein-ligand interactions.
Acetic acid increases the phage-encoded enterotoxin A expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wallin-Carlquist Nina , Cao Rong , Márta Dóra , da Silva Ayla Sant'Ana , Schelin Jenny , Rådström Peter
Published: May 2010

Background

The effects of acetic acid, a common food preservative, on the bacteriophage-encoded enterotoxin A (SEA) expression and production in Staphylococcus aureus was investigated in pH-controlled batch cultures carried out at pH 7.0, 6.5, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, and 4.5. Also, genomic analysis of S. aureus strains carrying sea was performed to map differences within the gene and in the temperate phage carrying sea.

Results

The sea expression profile was similar from pH 7.0 to 5.5, with the relative expression peaking in the transition between exponential and stationary growth phase and falling during stationary phase. The levels of sea mRNA were below the detection limit at pH 5.0 and 4.5, confirmed by very low SEA levels at these pH values. The level of relative sea expression at pH 6.0 and 5.5 were nine and four times higher, respectively, in the transitional phase than in the exponential growth phase, compared to pH 7.0 and pH 6.5, where only a slight increase in relative expression in the transitional phase was observed. Furthermore, the increase in sea expression levels at pH 6.0 and 5.5 were observed to be linked to increased intracellular sea gene copy numbers and extracellular sea- containing phage copy numbers. The extracellular SEA levels increased over time, with highest levels produced at pH 6.0 in the four growth phases investigated. Using mitomycin C, it was verified that SEA was at least partially produced as a consequence of prophage induction of the sea-phage in the three S. aureus strains tested. Finally, genetic analysis of six S. aureus strains carrying the sea gene showed specific sea phage-groups and two versions of the sea gene that may explain the different sea expression and production levels observed in this study.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the increased sea expression in S. aureus caused by acetic acid induced the sea-encoding prophage, linking SEA production to the lifecycle of the phage.
Trends in sexually transmitted infections in the Netherlands, combining surveillance data from general practices and sexually transmitted infection centers
Authors: van den Broek Ingrid VF , Verheij Robert A , van Dijk Christel E , Koedijk Femke DH , van der Sande Marianne AB , van Bergen Jan EAM
Published: May 2010

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) care in the Netherlands is primarily provided by general practitioners (GPs) and specialized STI centers. STI surveillance is based on data from STI centers, which show increasing numbers of clients. Data from a GP morbidity surveillance network were used to investigate the distribution in the provision of STI care and the usefulness of GP data in surveillance.

Methods

Data on STI-related episodes and STI diagnoses based on ICPC codes and, for chlamydia, prescriptions, were obtained from GP electronic medical records (EMRs) of the GP network and compared to data from STI centers from 2002 to 2007. Incidence rates were estimated for the total population in the Netherlands.

Results

The incidence of STI-consultations and -diagnoses increased substantially in recent years, both at GPs and STI centers. The increase in consultations was larger than the increase in diagnoses; Chlamydia incidence rose especially at STI centers. GPs were responsible for 70% of STI-related episodes and 80-85% of STI diagnoses. STI centers attract relatively younger and more often male STI-patients than GPs. Symptomatic STIs like Herpes genitalis and genital warts were more frequently diagnosed at GPs and chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis at STI centers.

Conclusions

GPs fulfill an important role in STI care, complementary to STI centers. Case definitions of STI could be improved, particularly by including laboratory results in EMRs. The contribution of primary care is often overlooked in STI health care. Including estimates from GP EMRs can improve the surveillance of STIs.
The production of fluorescent transgenic trout to study in vitro myogenic cell differentiation
Authors: Gabillard Jean-Charles , Rallière Cécile , Sabin Nathalie , Rescan Pierre-Yves
Published: May 2010

Background

Fish skeletal muscle growth involves the activation of a resident myogenic stem cell population, referred to as satellite cells, that can fuse with pre-existing muscle fibers or among themselves to generate a new fiber. In order to monitor the regulation of myogenic cell differentiation and fusion by various extrinsic factors, we generated transgenic trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) carrying a construct containing the green fluorescent protein reporter gene driven by a fast myosin light chain 2 (MlC2f) promoter, and cultivated genetically modified myogenic cells derived from these fish.

Results

In transgenic trout, green fluorescence appeared in fast muscle fibers as early as the somitogenesis stage and persisted throughout life. Using an in vitro myogenesis system we observed that satellite cells isolated from the myotomal muscle of transgenic trout expressed GFP about 5 days post-plating as they started to fuse. GFP fluorescence persisted subsequently in myosatellite cell-derived myotubes. Using this in vitro myogenesis system, we showed that the rate of muscle cell differentiation was strongly dependent on temperature, one of the most important environmental factors in the muscle growth of poikilotherms.

Conclusions

We produced MLC2f-gfp transgenic trout that exhibited fluorescence in their fast muscle fibers. The culture of muscle cells extracted from these trout enabled the real-time monitoring of myogenic differentiation. This in vitro myogenesis system could have numerous applications in fish physiology to evaluate the myogenic activity of circulating growth factors, to test interfering RNA and to assess the myogenic potential of fish mesenchymal stem cells. In ecotoxicology, this system could be useful to assess the impact of environmental factors and marine pollutants on fish muscle growth.
Endothelial dysfunction of resistance vessels in female apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Cola Maine S , Gava Agata L , Meyrelles Silvana S , Vasquez Elisardo C
Published: May 2010

Background

The effects of hypercholesterolemia on vasomotricity in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE) mice, a murine model of spontaneous atherosclerosis, are still unclear. The studies were mostly performed in conductance vessels from male mice fed a high-fat diet. In the present study, we evaluated the endothelial function of resistance vessels from normal C57BL/6 (C57) and hypercholesterolemic (ApoE) female mice in both normal and ovariectomized conditions.

Methods

Twenty week-old C57 and ApoE mice underwent ovariectomy or sham surgery and were studied 30 days later. The vascular reactivities to norepinephrine (NE, 10-9 to 2 × 10-3 mol/L), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10-10 to 10-3 mol/L) were evaluated in the isolated mesenteric arteriolar bed through dose-response curves.

Results

ACh-induced relaxation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in ApoE compared with C57 animals, as indicated by both the maximal response (37 ± 4% vs. 72 ± 1%) and the LogEC50 (-5.67 ± 0.18 vs. -6.23 ± 0.09 mol/L). Ovariectomy caused a significant impairment in ACh-induced relaxation in the C57 group (maximal response: 61 ± 4%) but did not worsen the deficient state of relaxation in ApoE animals (maximal response: 39 ± 5%). SNP-induced vasorelaxation and NE-induced vasoconstriction were similar in ApoE and C57 female mice.

Conclusion

These data show an impairment of endothelial function in the resistance vessels of spontaneously atherosclerotic (ApoE-deficient) female mice compared with normal (C57) female mice. The endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic animals was so marked that ovariectomy, which impaired endothelial function in C57 mice, did not cause additional vascular damage in ApoE-deficient mice.
Comparison of T-cell receptor repertoire restriction in blood and tumor tissue of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Ochsenreither Sebastian , Fusi Alberto , Wojtke Susanne , Busse Antonia , Nüssler Natascha C , Thiel Eckhard , Keilholz Ulrich , Nagorsen Dirk
Published: May 2010

Several immunotherapeutic approaches rely on antigen-specific T-cells. Restrictions in the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire were reported as indicator of anti-tumor cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response in various tumor entities. It is unclear yet whether a TCR restriction in peripheral blood mirrors the tumor compartment. We compared the expression of TCR Vβ-families for the quantification of TCR repertoire alterations in blood and tissue samples from patients with colorectal carcinoma. Blood samples from patients with colorectal carcinoma and healthy volunteers and tissue samples of normal colonic mucosa and colorectal carcinoma were analyzed. Relative Vβ-family quantification was performed based on quantitative reverse transcribed PCR. Standard deviation and average mean of the single families were determined. Two variables describing the degree of Vβ-repertoire restriction were defined. Forty-eight blood samples and 37 tissue samples were analyzed. TCR repertoire restriction was higher in blood of tumor patients than in blood of healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference in the degree of TCR repertoire restriction was found between carcinoma and unaffected colon tissue. We found no corresponding elevated TCR families among the different compartments blood, normal colon, and carcinoma tissue of the same patient. In conclusion, we observed a repertoire restriction in peripheral blood as well as in tumor tissue of cancer patients. However, in tumor tissue, repertoire alterations were comparable to normal mucosa, suggesting compartment-specific TCR distribution rather than alterations due to tumor-T-cell interaction questioning the presence of highly restricted clonal T-cell expansions in colorectal cancer as they have been described in other, assumingly more immunogenic tumor entities.
Sudden deterioration due to intra-tumoral hemorrhage of ependymoma of the fourth ventricle in a child during a flight: a case report
Authors: Mahdavi Ali , Baradaran Nima , Nejat Farideh , El Khashab Mostafa , Monajemzadeh Maryam
Published: May 2010

Introduction

To the best of our knowledge, the association between air travel and intra-tumoral hemorrhage in pediatric populations has never been described previously.

Case presentation

We report the case of a two-and-a-half-year-old Caucasian, Iranian boy with a hemorrhaging brain tumor. He had a posterior fossa midline mass and severe hydrocephalus. He had been shunted for hydrocephalus four weeks earlier and was subsequently referred to our center for further treatment. The hemorrhage occurred in an infra-tentorial ependymoma, precipitated by an approximately 700-mile air journey at a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet.

Conclusions

A pre-existing intra-cranial mass lesion diminishes the ability of the brain to accommodate the mild environmental disturbances caused by hypercarbia, increased venous pressure and reduced cerebral blood flow during long air journeys. This is supported by a literature review, based on our current knowledge of physiological changes during air travel.
Potent anti-tumor activity of telomerase-dependent and HSV-TK armed oncolytic adenovirus for non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Ju-Feng , Wei Fang , Wang Hui-Ping , Li Hui-Ming , Qiu Wei , Ren Peng-Kang , Chen Xia-Fang , Huang Qian
Published: May 2010

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer related mortality, any improvements in therapeutic strategies are urgently required. In this study we generated a novel 'suicide gene' armed oncolytic adenoviral vector and investigated its antitumor effect both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Since the up-regulated expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is a hallmark of alltypes of NSCLC, we chose hTERT promoter to transcriptionally control E1A gene expression to obtain adenoviral replication in NSCLC. In order to further enhance anti-tumor effect of this oncolytic adenoviral vector, we inserted a 'suicide gene' i.e. Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSV-TK) into oncolytic adenoviral vector to engineer a novel armed oncolytic adenoviral vector 'Ad.hTERT-E1A-TK'.

Results

Ad.hTERT-E1A-TK efficiently killed different types of tumor cells including two types of NSCLC cells in vitro, causing no damage to normal primary fibroblasts. Furthermore, Ad.hTERT-E1A-TK infection combined with administration of prodrug gancyclovir (GCV) resulted in more potent cytotoxicity on NSCLC cells, and synergistically suppressed human NSCLC tumor growth in nude mice.

Conclusion

The results from this study showed that Ad.hTERT-E1A-TK/GCV could be a potent but safe anti-tumor strategy for NSCLC biotherapy.
A Review of metabolic staging in severely injured patients
Authors: Aller Maria-Angeles , Arias Jose-Ignacio , Alonso-Poza Alfredo , Arias Jaime
Published: May 2010

An interpretation of the metabolic response to injury in patients with severe accidental or surgical trauma is made. In the last century, various authors attributed a meaning to the post-traumatic inflammatory response by using teleological arguments. Their interpretations of this response, not only facilitates integrating the knowledge, but also the flow from the bench to the bedside, which is the main objective of modern translational research. The goal of the current review is to correlate the metabolic changes with the three phenotypes -ischemia-reperfusion, leukocytic and angiogenic- that the patients express during the evolution of the systemic inflammatory response. The sequence in the expression of multiple metabolic systems that becomes progressively more elaborate and complex in severe injured patients urges for more detailed knowledge in order to establish the most adequate metabolic support according to the evolutive phase. Thus, clinicians must employ different treatment strategies based on the different metabolic phases when caring for this challenging patient population. Perhaps, the best therapeutic option would be to favor early hypometabolism during the ischemia-reperfusion phase, to boost the antienzymatic metabolism and to reduce hypermetabolism during the leukocytic phase through the early administration of enteral nutrition and the modulation of the acute phase response. Lastly, the early epithelial regeneration of the injured organs and tissues by means of an oxidative metabolism would reduce the fibrotic sequelae in these severely injured patients.