bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing spatial attributes of forest landscape values: an internet-based participatory mapping approach
Authors: Beverly Jennifer L. , Uto Kinga , Wilkes Justin , Bothwell Peter
Published: March 2008

We designed and developed an internet mapping application to collect data on the locations of forest landscape values across a 2.4 million hectare study area in the province of Alberta, Canada. Four communities in the study area were surveyed and 8053 point locations were mapped for 10 different value types. Importance weights of landscape values were determined through a ranking exercise. Nearest-neighbour and second-order spatial point pattern analysis (K functions) suggested that all value types were significantly clustered across the study area. Recreational, wilderness, existence, and biological diversity values exhibited maximum clustering at larger spatial scales in comparison with educational, economic, historic or cultural, and spiritual values. Maximum clustering was positively related to mean road density and negatively related to mean distance to water, which suggests that landscape features influence the spatial pattern of values by acting as focal points or attractors for values. An applied use of the data for values hotspot detection and community protection zoning in forest fire management planning is presented.
Preliminary survey of clonal variation in rooting of Allanblackia floribunda leafy stem cuttings
Authors: Atangana A. R. , Khasa D. P.
Published: March 2008

Clonal and cutting stem morphology variations in rooting ability were simultaneously examined in Allanblackia floribunda Oliv. using leafy stem cuttings in two experiments. The hypothesis tested is that clonal variation in rooting percentage is due to variation in cutting morphology. Each of the four replicate blocks used per experiment consisted of 18 treatments from two crossed factors, diameter or length × clone, making a total of n = 216 cuttings (3 cutting lengths (3, 4, and 5 cm) or diameters (2, 3, and 4 mm) × 6 stumps (clones) × 12 cuttings, as each experimental unit consisted of 12 cuttings). The cuttings were used for rooting in nonmist propagators. No clone × cutting diameter and clone × cutting length interactions (P = 0.293 and 0.513, respectively) on rooting percentage were found at the end of the study. Highly significant and significant clonal variations in rooting percentage were noted throughout the experiments. Results from this study reject the hypothesis being tested. Finally, further work should be done on the effects of physiological status of the cuttings and clonal variation in this species.
Institutional determinants of profitable commercial forestry enterprises among First Nations in Canada
Authors: Trosper Ronald , Nelson Harry , Hoberg George , Smith Peggy , Nikolakis William
Published: March 2008

This paper uses survey information to examine several common assertions about the institutional prerequisites for successful profitability when a First Nation enters an economic enterprise either independently or in joint effort with an outside firm. In the winter of 2004–2005, we interviewed managers on both the First Nations and private sides of joint ventures and other business alliances in Canada, to determine what affected their recent profitability experience. We gathered information on the ages, sizes, and activities of the firms. We also gathered information about the firms’ management structures and relationship with the First Nation, and the characteristics of the government of the First Nation. With a sample size of 40 firms that responded, we found that several institutional characteristics affected profit positively: strong separation of management from band governance, participation in management planning, and the use of staggered terms in band council elections. We found that the likelihood of profitability decreased if the band had been in third party management as well as if there was formal participation of elders or hereditary chiefs in decision making. We offer interpretations of these results.
EXTENDED DOUBLE-COMPLEX LINEAR SYSTEMS AND NEW DOUBLE INFINITE-DIMENSIONAL HIDDEN SYMMETRIES FOR THE EINSTEIN–KALB–RAMOND THEORY
Authors: GAO YA-JUN
Published: February 2008

By using a so-called extended double (ED)-complex method, the previously found doubleness symmetry of the dimensionally reduced Einstein–Kalb–Ramond (EKR) theory is further exploited. A 2d × 2d matrix double-complex H-potential is constructed and the field equations are written in a double-complex formulation. A pair of ED-complex Hauser–Ernst-type linear systems are established. Based on these linear systems, explicit formulations of new double hidden symmetry transformations for the EKR theory are given. These symmetry transformations are verified to constitute double infinite-dimensional Lie algebras, each of which is a semidirect product of the Kac–Moody [Formula: see text] and Virasoro algebras (without center charges). These results demonstrate that the EKR theory under consideration possesses richer symmetry structures than previously expected, and the ED-complex method is necessary and more effective.
Perceptual evaluation of tone-reproduction operators using the Cornsweet--Craik--O'Brien illusion
Authors: Akyüz Ahmet Oğuz , Reinhard Erik
Published: February 2008

High dynamic-range images cannot be directly displayed on conventional display devices, but have to be tone-mapped first. For this purpose, a large set of tone-reproduction operators is currently available. However, it is unclear which operator is most suitable for any given task. In addition, different tasks may place different requirements upon each operator. In this paper we evaluate several tone-reproduction operators using a paradigm that does not require the construction of a real high dynamic-range scene, nor does it require the availability of a high dynamic-range display device. The user study involves a task that relates to the evaluation of contrast, which is an important attribute that needs to be preserved under tone reproduction.
A versatile paradigm for scan chain diagnosis of complex faults using signal processing techniques
Authors: Tzeng Chao-Wen , Yang Jheng-Syun , Huang Shi-Yu
Published: February 2008

Scan chains are popularly used as the channels for silicon testing and debugging. However, they have also been identified as one of the culprits of silicon failure more recently. To cope with this problem, several scan chain diagnosis approaches have been proposed in the past. The existing methods, however, suffer from one common drawback—that is, they rely on fault models and matching heuristics to locate the faults. Such a paradigm may run into difficulty when the fault under diagnosis does not match the fault model exactly, for example, when there is a bridging between a flip-flop and a logic cell, or the fault is temporal and only manifests itself intermittently. In light of this, we propose in this article a more versatile model-free paradigm for locating the faulty flip-flops in a scan chain, incorporating a number of signal processing techniques, such as filtering and edge detection. These techniques performed on the test responses of the failing chip under diagnosis directly can effectively reveal the fault location(s) in a scan chain. As compared to the previous works, our approach is better capable of handling intermittent faults and bridging faults, even under nonideal conditions, for example, when the core logic is also faulty. Experimental results on several real designs indicate that this approach can indeed catch some nasty faults that previous methods could not catch.
Combinatorial auctions with tractable winner determination
Authors: Gottlob Georg , Greco Gianluigi
Published: February 2008

Some recent advances in the identification of tractable classes of combinatorial auctions are discussed. In particular, the work of [Gottlob and Greco 2007] is illustrated, where a research question raised in [Conitzer et al. 2004] is solved by showing that the class of structured item graphs is not efficiently recognizable (i.e., deciding the membership of instances is NP-hard), and where this difficulty is overcome trough a different approach based on the notion of hypertree decomposition.
Effect of Reversible Inactivation of Superior Colliculus on Head Movements
Authors: Walton Mark M. G. , Bechara Bernard , Gandhi Neeraj J.
Published: February 2008

Because of limitations in the oculomotor range, many gaze shifts must be accomplished using coordinated movements of the eyes and head. Stimulation and recording data have implicated the primate superior colliculus (SC) in the control of these gaze shifts. The precise role of this structure in head movement control, however, is not known. The present study uses reversible inactivation to gain insight into the role of this structure in the control of head movements, including those that accompany gaze shifts and those that occur in the absence of a change in gaze. Forty-five lidocaine injections were made in two monkeys that had been trained on a series of behavioral tasks that dissociate movements of the eyes and head. Reversible inactivation resulted in clear impairments in the animals’ ability to perform gaze shifts, manifested by increased reaction times, lower peak velocities, and increased durations. In contrast, comparable effects were not found for head movements (with or without gaze shifts) with the exception of a very small increase in reaction times of head movements associated with gaze shifts. Eye-head coordination was clearly affected by the injections with gaze onset occurring relatively later with respect to head onset. Following the injections, the head contributed slightly more to the gaze shift. These results suggest that head movements (with and without gaze shifts) can be controlled by pathways that do not involve SC.
On the Efficient Broadcasting of Heterogeneous Services over Band-Limited Channels: Unequal Power Allocation for Wavelet Packet Division Multiplexing
Authors: Murroni Maurizio
Published: February 2008

Multiple transmission of heterogeneous services is a central aspect of broadcasting technology. Often, in this framework, the design of efficient communication systems is complicated by stringent bandwidth constraint. In wavelet packet division multiplexing (WPDM), the message signals are waveform coded onto wavelet packet basis functions. The overlapping nature of such waveforms in both time and frequency allows improving the performance over the commonly used FDM and TDM schemes, while their orthogonality properties permit to extract the message signals by a simple correlator receiver. Furthermore, the scalable structure of WPDM makes it suitable for broadcasting heterogeneous services. This work investigates unequal error protection (UEP) of data which exhibit different sensitivities to channel errors to improve the performance of WPDM for transmission over band-limited channels. To cope with bandwidth constraint, an appropriate distribution of power among waveforms is proposed which is driven by the channel error sensitivities of the carried message signals in case of Gaussian noise. We address this problem by means of the genetic algorithms (GAs), which allow flexible suboptimal solution with reduced complexity. The mean square error (MSE) between the original and the decoded message, which has a strong correlation with subjective perception, is used as an optimization criterion.
Feeding Our Immune System: Impact on Metabolism
Authors: Wolowczuk Isabelle , Verwaerde Claudie , Viltart Odile , Delanoye Anne , Delacre Myriam , Pot Bruno , Grangette Corinne
Published: February 2008

Endogenous intestinal microflora and environmental factors, such as diet, play a central role in immune homeostasis and reactivity. In addition, microflora and diet both influence body weight and insulin-resistance, notably through an action on adipose cells. Moreover, it is known since a long time that any disturbance in metabolism, like obesity, is associated with immune alteration, for example, inflammation. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on how nutrients-derived factors (mostly focusing on fatty acids and glucose) impact the innate and acquired immune systems, including the gut immune system and its associated bacterial flora. We will try to show the reader how the highly energy-demanding immune cells use glucose as a main source of fuel in a way similar to that of insulin-responsive adipose tissue and how Toll-like receptors (TLRs) of the innate immune system, which are found on immune cells, intestinal cells, and adipocytes, are presently viewed as essential actors in the complex balance ensuring bodily immune and metabolic health. Understanding more about these links will surely help to study and understand in a more fundamental way the common observation that eating healthy will keep you and your immune system healthy.
Convergence Theorems of Fixed Points for a Finite Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Cho Yeol J. e. , Kang Shin Min , Qin Xiaolong
Published: February 2008

We modify the normal Mann iterative process to have strong convergence for a finite family nonexpansive mappings in the framework of Banach spaces without any commutative assumption. Our results improve the results announced by many others.
Expression of HER2 and Estrogen Receptor α Depends upon Nuclear Localization of Y-Box Binding Protein-1 in Human Breast Cancers
Authors: Fujii Teruhiko , Kawahara Akihiko , Basaki Yuji , Hattori Satoshi , Nakashima Kazutaka , Nakano Kenji , Shirouzu Kazuo , Kohno Kimitoshi , Yanagawa Takashi , Yamana Hideaki , Nishio Kazuto , Ono Mayumi , Kuwano Michihiko , Kage Masayoshi
Published: March 2008

In our present study, we examined whether nuclear localization of Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) is associated with the expression of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), hormone receptors, and other molecules affecting breast cancer prognosis. The expression of nuclear YB-1, clinicopathologic findings, and molecular markers [EGFR, HER2, estrogen receptor (ER)α, ERβ, progesterone receptor, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), phosphorylated Akt, and major vault protein/lung resistance protein] were immunohistochemically analyzed. The association of the expression of nuclear YB-1 and the molecular markers was examined in breast cancer cell lines using microarrays, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses. Knockdown of YB-1 with siRNA significantly reduced EGFR, HER2, and ERα expression in ERα-positive, but not ERα-negative, breast cancer cell lines. Nuclear YB-1 expression was positively correlated with HER2 (P = 0.0153) and negatively correlated with ERα (P = 0.0122) and CXCR4 (P = 0.0166) in human breast cancer clinical specimens but was not correlated with EGFR expression. Nuclear YB-1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall (P = 0.0139) and progression-free (P = 0.0280) survival. In conclusion, nuclear YB-1 expression might be essential for the acquisition of malignant characteristics via HER2-Akt–dependent pathways in breast cancer patients. The nuclear localization of YB-1 could be an important therapeutic target against not only multidrug resistance but also tumor growth dependent on HER2 and ERα. [Cancer Res 2008;68(5):1504–12]
CDC25A Phosphatase: a Rate-Limiting Oncogene That Determines Genomic Stability
Authors: Ray Dipankar , Kiyokawa Hiroaki
Published: March 2008

CDC25A is a critical regulator of cell cycle progression and checkpoint response. Overexpression of this cyclin-dependent kinase phosphatase occurs often in human cancers. Our recent genetic studies in the mouse indicate that restricting CDC25A can limit tumorigenesis induced by the HER2/neu-RAS oncogenic pathway without compromising normal cell division or viability. These findings offer a sound foundation to justify development of CDC25A inhibitors for antitumor therapy. [Cancer Res 2008;68(5):1251–3]
EpCAM and α-Fetoprotein Expression Defines Novel Prognostic Subtypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Taro , Forgues Marshonna , Wang Wei , Kim Jin Woo , Ye Qinghai , Jia Huliang , Budhu Anuradha , Zanetti Krista A. , Chen Yidong , Qin Lun-Xiu , Tang Zhao-You , Wang Xin Wei
Published: March 2008

The heterogeneous nature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the lack of appropriate biomarkers have hampered patient prognosis and treatment stratification. Recently, we have identified that a hepatic stem cell marker, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), may serve as an early biomarker of HCC because its expression is highly elevated in premalignant hepatic tissues and in a subset of HCC. In this study, we aimed to identify novel HCC subtypes that resemble certain stages of liver lineages by searching for EpCAM-coexpressed genes. A unique signature of EpCAM-positive HCCs was identified by cDNA microarray analysis of 40 HCC cases and validated by oligonucleotide microarray analysis of 238 independent HCC cases, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of an additional 101 HCC cases. EpCAM-positive HCC displayed a distinct molecular signature with features of hepatic progenitor cells including the presence of known stem/progenitor markers such as cytokeratin 19, c-Kit, EpCAM, and activated Wnt-β-catenin signaling, whereas EpCAM-negative HCC displayed genes with features of mature hepatocytes. Moreover, EpCAM-positive and EpCAM-negative HCC could be further subclassified into four groups with prognostic implication by determining the level of α-fetoprotein (AFP). These four subtypes displayed distinct gene expression patterns with features resembling certain stages of hepatic lineages. Taken together, we proposed an easy classification system defined by EpCAM and AFP to reveal HCC subtypes similar to hepatic cell maturation lineages, which may enable prognostic stratification and assessment of HCC patients with adjuvant therapy and provide new insights into the potential cellular origin of HCC and its activated molecular pathways. [Cancer Res 2008;68(5):1451–61]
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein–1δ: A Novel Osteoclast Stimulating Factor Secreted by Renal Cell Carcinoma Bone Metastasis
Authors: Kominsky Scott L. , Abdelmagid Samir M. , Doucet Michele , Brady Kelly , Weber Kristy L.
Published: March 2008

Approximately 30% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) develop bone metastasis, which is characterized by extensive osteolysis leading to severe bone pain and pathologic fracture. Although the mechanism of RCC-induced osteolysis is unknown, studies of bone metastasis have shown that tumor-induced changes in bone remodeling are likely mediated by alterations in the bone microenvironment. Here, we report the discovery of a novel osteoclast stimulatory factor secreted by RCC bone metastasis (RBM). Through microarray analysis, we found expression of the chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-1δ (MIP-1δ), to be increased in RBM versus patient-matched primary RCC tissues and confirmed this finding by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, MIP-1δ expression in RBM tissues was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in human bone marrow, suggesting a potential alteration of the bone microenvironment. The receptors for MIP-1δ, CCR1 and CCR3, were expressed in both osteoclast precursors and mature, bone-resorbing osteoclasts as shown by qRT-PCR and Western analysis. In functional studies, MIP-1δ stimulated chemotaxis of two osteoclast precursor cell types: murine bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) and RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, MIP-1δ treatment of murine calvaria caused increased bone resorption as determined by measurement of released calcium. Correspondingly, MIP-1δ significantly enhanced osteoclast formation and activity in response to RANKL in both BM-MNC and RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that MIP-1δ expression is increased in RBM relative to RCC and bone marrow, and may promote RBM-induced osteolysis by stimulating the recruitment and differentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts. [Cancer Res 2008;68(5):1261–6]
Allogeneic Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor–Secreting Tumor Immunotherapy Alone or in Sequence with Cyclophosphamide for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Pilot Study of Safety, Feasibility, and Immune Activation
Authors: Laheru Dan , Lutz Eric , Burke James , Biedrzycki Barbara , Solt Sara , Onners Beth , Tartakovsky Irena , Nemunaitis John , Le Dung , Sugar Elizabeth , Hege Kristen , Jaffee Elizabeth
Published: March 2008

Purpose: The combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy has not been examined in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. We conducted a study of two granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor–secreting pancreatic cancer cell lines (CG8020/CG2505) as immunotherapy administered alone or in sequence with cyclophosphamide in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Experimental Design: This was an open-label study with two cohorts: cohort A, 30 patients administered a maximum of six doses of CG8020/CG2505 at 21-day intervals; and cohort B, 20 patients administered 250 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide i.v. 1 day before the same immunotherapy given as in cohort A. The primary objective was to evaluate safety and duration of immunity. Secondary objectives included time to disease progression and median overall survival.

Results: The administration of CG8020/CG2505 alone or in sequence with cyclophosphamide showed minimal treatment-related toxicity. Median survival values in cohort A and cohort B were 2.3 and 4.3 months, respectively. CD8+ T-cell responses to HLA class I–restricted mesothelin epitopes were identified predominantly in patients treated with cyclophosphamide + CG8020/CG2505 immunotherapy.

Conclusion: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor–secreting pancreatic cancer cell lines CG8020/CG2505 alone or in sequence with cyclophosphamide showed minimal treatment-related toxicity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Also, mesothelin-specific T-cell responses were detected/enhanced in some patients treated with CG8020/CG2505 immunotherapy. In addition, cyclophosphamide-modulated immunotherapy resulted in median survival in a gemcitabine-resistant population similar to chemotherapy alone. These findings support additional investigation of cyclophosphamide with CG8020/CG2505 immunotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval: Panitumumab for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Expressing Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma with Progression Following Fluoropyrimidine-, Oxaliplatin-, and Irinotecan-Containing Chemotherapy Regimens
Authors: Giusti Ruthann M. , Shastri Kaushikkumar , Pilaro Anne M. , Fuchs Chana , Cordoba-Rodriguez Ruth , Koti Kallappa , Rothmann Mark , Men Angela Yuxin , Zhao Hong , Hughes Monica , Keegan Patricia , Weiss Karen D. , Pazdur Richard
Published: March 2008

Purpose: To describe the Food and Drug Administration review and marketing approval considerations for panitumumab (Vectibix) for the third-line treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–expressing metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

Experimental Design: Food and Drug Administration reviewed a single, open-label, multicenter trial in which 463 patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–expressing metastatic colorectal cancer who had progressed on or following treatment with a regimen containing a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan were randomized (1:1) to receive best supportive care (BSC) with or without panitumumab (6 mg/kg every other week) administered until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Progression and response were confirmed by an independent review committee masked to treatment assignment. At progression, patients in the BSC-alone arm were eligible to receive panitumumab.

Results: Although median progression-free survival (PFS) was similar in both treatment arms (∼8 weeks), the mean PFS was ∼50% longer among patients receiving panitumumab than among those receiving BSC alone (96 versus 60 days, respectively) and the objective response rate in patients receiving panitumumab was 8%. However, no difference in overall survival was shown between the two study arms.

Conclusions: Panitumumab received accelerated approval based on improvement in PFS and an independently confirmed response rate of 8%, similar to that observed with other active agents at this advanced stage of disease. Confirmation of clinical benefit will be required for full approval.
Synergy of a Herpes Oncolytic Virus and Paclitaxel for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lin Shu-Fu , Gao Sizhi Paul , Price Daniel L. , Li Sen , Chou Ting-Chao , Singh Paramjeet , Huang Yu-Yao , Fong Yuman , Wong Richard J.
Published: March 2008

Purpose: Novel therapeutic regimens are needed to improve the dismal outcomes of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Oncolytic herpes simplex virus have shown promising activity against human ATC. We studied the application of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (G207 and NV1023) in combination with currently used chemotherapeutic drugs (paclitaxel and doxorubicin) for the treatment of ATC.

Experimental Design and Results: All four agents showed dose-response cytotoxicity in vitro for the human ATC cell lines KAT4 and DRO90-1. G207, combined with paclitaxel, showed synergistic cytotoxicity. Chou-Talalay combination indices ranged from 0.56 to 0.66 for KAT4, and 0.68 to 0.74 for DRO90-1 at higher affected fractions. Paclitaxel did not enhance G207 viral entry and early gene expression or G207 viral replication. Paclitaxel combined with G207 compared with single-agent treatment or controls showed significantly increased microtubule acetylation, mitotic arrest, aberrant chromatid separation, inhibition of metaphase to anaphase progression, and apoptosis. A single i.t. injection of G207 combined with biweekly i.p. paclitaxel injections in athymic nude mice bearing KAT4 flank tumors showed significantly reduced mean tumor volume (74 ± 38 mm3) compared with G207 alone (388 ± 109 mm3), paclitaxel alone (439 ± 137 mm3), and control (520 ± 160 mm3) groups at 16 days. There was no morbidity in vivo attributable to therapy.

Conclusions: Mechanisms of paclitaxel antitumoral activity, including microtubule acetylation, mitotic block, and apoptosis, were enhanced by G207, which also has direct oncolytic effects. Combination of G207 and paclitaxel therapy is synergistic in treating ATC and holds promise for patients with this fatal disease.
Urinary Kallikrein and Blood Pressure – Gender-Different Response to Potassium Supplementation in SHR
Authors: Oddo Elisabeth M. , De Luca Sarobe Verónica , Krmar Rafael , Martín Rodolfo S. , Ibarra Fernando R. , Arrizurieta Elvira E.
Published: March 2008

Aims: To test whether blood pressure is affected by potassium supplementation which modifies urinary kallikrein (UK) in SHR of either sex, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Design: In SHR and WKY blood pressure, renal function and hormonal profile were studied after 1% oral potassium supplementation starting at 4 weeks of age and throughout until 12 weeks of age. Results were compared with those of untreated SHR and WKY of either sex. Results: Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) started to rise in SHR and was significantly different at 6–8 weeks of age: 153.5 ± 7.9 versus 100 ± 5.6 in female and 157 ± 7.7 versus 98.4 ± 6.8 in male rats (p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressure increased progressively in female and male rats reaching 164.5 ± 4.8 and 204.5 ± 7.6, respectively, at 12 weeks of age. At this time systolic blood pressure was higher in male than in female SHR (p < 0.01) and UK activity (UKa; nkat/day/100 g body weight) was slightly lower in male SHR. After 1% oral potassium supplementation administered from 4 to 12 weeks of age, a decrease in systolic blood pressure was seen in male SHR: 204.5 ± 7.6 versus 173.5 ± 7.9 (p < 0.05); and 164.5 ± 4.8 versus 156.8 ± 5.5 in female rats (NS) at 12 weeks of age, concomitant with an increase in UKa, particularly in male rats (29.35 ± 1.92 versus 36.54 ± 2.61, p < 0.05). As expected, plasma aldosterone (pg/ml), increased markedly after potassium treatment from 129 ± 31.4 in untreated female and male SHR and WKY to 528 ± 180.7 in SHR and 473 ± 88.4 in WKY (p < 0.05 in both cases). After potassium supplementation, potassium excretion was significantly correlated with both aldosterone levels and UKa (p < 0.001 in both cases). No significantly concurrent changes in plasma renin activity were observed, but instead a significant decrease was seen in SHR (p < 0.01). The potassium blood pressure-lowering effect was blunted by aldosterone receptor antagonist treatment that also decreased UKa from 36.5 ± 2.61 to 19.5 ± 1.9, particularly in male SHR. No attempt was made in this experimental setting to block kallikrein or kinin receptors. Conclusions: UKa increases as a consequence of aldosterone stimulation by potassium load since an aldosterone receptor blockade abolishes UKa increment and blood pressure fall. These results further support the hypothesis that the kallikrein kinin system plays a role in blood pressure regulation and they also show a gender different response to potassium load in relation to UKa and blood pressure.
Homocysteine and C-Reactive Protein Are Not Markers of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Major Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Silbert Brendan , Evered Lisbeth , Scott David A. , McCutcheon Craig , Jamrozik Konrad
Published: March 2008

Background: Raised concentrations of plasma homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with vascular disease and have also been implicated as independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in population studies. Objectives: To investigate the association of plasma homocysteine and CRP with cognition in patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Cognition was assessed in 264 patients using a standard battery of neuropsychological tests. Patients were classified as having preexisting cognitive impairment (PreCI) by reference to a healthy control group or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) by reference to baseline test scores. Results: PreCI was present in 37.3% of patients, and POCD was present in 18.3, 12.1 and 13.6% of patients at 1 week, 3 months and 12 months postoperatively. On multivariate analysis neither homocysteine nor CRP were independently associated with cognition at any testing time but were strongly associated with age and left ventricular function. Conclusion: PreCI and POCD are present in a substantial proportion of patients undergoing CABG surgery but there is no independent association with either baseline homocysteine or CRP levels. It is possible that cognitive impairment may result from the vascular disease rather than a direct association with either homocysteine or CRP.
The Growth and Impact of Agricultural Tenancy in Jewish Palestine (III BCE-I CE)
Authors: Kloppenborg John
Published: March 2008

Although there is little evidence of private farm tenancy in the Tanak, examination of documents from the third century BCE to the early second century CE suggests that this economic system became an important instrument of agricultural exploitation in Jewish Palestine sometime in the third or second century BCE. The growth of large estates, the implementation of tenancy, and shifts from polyculture to export-oriented monoculture had important effects on the structure of labor, creating classes of underemployed day laborers (ergatai) and 'free' tenants, who made their first literary appearances in the Septuagint, the parables of Jesus, and the Mishnah. Il n'existe guère dans le Tanak d'attestations de 'métayage agricole indépendant'. Néanmoins, l'examen de documents datant du IIIe siècle av. J.-C. jusqu'au début du IIe après, suggère que ce système économique devint un important instrument dans l'exploitation des campagnes en Palestine juive au cours du IIIe ou IIe siècle av. J.-C. L'accroissement des grands domaines au détriment des petites exploitations, l'établissement de métairies et le passage d'une polyculture à une monoculture orientée vers l'exportation eurent des conséquences notables sur la structure du travail. Des catégories de journaliers sous-employés (ergatai) et de métayers 'libres' furent ainsi générées, dont les premières mentions apparaissent dans la version des Septante, les Paraboles de Jésus et la Mishnah.
Redefining social work standards in the context of globalization
Authors: Alphonse Mary , George Purnima , Moffatt Ken
Published: March 2008

English

Globalization impacts on all countries, adversely affecting developing countries such as India. Global and national standards for social work education should develop appropriate perspectives addressing the negative feelings of communities. The conception of 'self' as defined by the west needs to be seen in the context of communal relations of the east.

French

La mondialisation affecte toutes les nations, mais a un impact défavorable dans des pays en développement tels que l'Inde. Les normes mondiales et nationales de formation en travail social devraient développer des perspectives permettant d'en réduire les effets négatifs ressentis par les communautés. La conception du 'soi' (définie par l'occident) nécessite d'être vue dans le contexte des relations communales de l'orient.

Spanish

La globalización impacta a todos los países, afectado negativamente a naciones en desarrollo como la India. Los estÁndares globales y nacionales para la educación del Trabajo Social deberían desarrollar perspectivas para denunciar los efectos negativos que afectan a las comunidades. La concepción del "ser" (definida por el Occidente) necesita ser vista en el contexto de las relaciones comunales con el Oriente.
Reflections on social work's identity
Authors: Fargion Silvia
Published: March 2008

English

Can we identify common themes characterizing the social work profession across cultures? Using Italian social workers' representations of their profession three core issues are identified that recur in international debates. Reconciling contradictory elements might be one of the common characteristics of the social work project across different countries.

French

Peut-on identifier des thèmes communs caractérisant les professions sociales à travers les cultures? En utilisant les représentations des travailleurs sociaux italiens sur l'identité de leur profession j'identifie trois questions centrales récurrentes dans les débats internationaux. Réconcilier des éléments contradictoires peut être une des caractéristiques communes du projet du travail social à travers différents pays.

Spanish

Podemos identificar temas comunes que caracterizan la profesión del trabajo social en diferentes culturas? Utilizando las representaciones que hacen los trabajadores sociales italianos de su profesión, yo identifico tres asuntos principales que son recurrentes en debates internacionales. Reconciliar elementos contradictorios es probablemente una de las características mÁs comunes de los proyectos de trabajo social alrededor del mundo.
Treatment Effects on Speech Intelligibility and Length of Utterance in Children with Specific Language and Intelligibility Impairments
Authors: Yoder Paul , Camarata Stephen , Gardner Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

This purpose of this randomized group experiment was (a) to test the post-treatment (i.e., immediately after treatment) and follow-up (i.e., 8 months after the end of treatment) efficacy of a treatment designed to facilitate both sentence length and speech intelligibility (i.e., broad target recast), and (b) to explore whether pretreatment speech accuracy predicted response to treatment in children with severe phonological and expressive language impairment. The results support the conclusion that broad target recast facilitated follow-up speech intelligibility in children whose speech accuracy was relatively low prior to treatment.
Caregiver Descriptions of the Developmental Skills of Infants and Toddlers Entering Early Intervention Services
Authors: Scarborough Anita A. , Hebbeler Kathleen M. , Simeonsson Rune J. , Spiker Donna
Published: February 2008

The present study was conducted to describe the developmental skills of a national sample of infants and toddlers at entry into early intervention services. Caregivers were asked about their child's skills during a telephone interview. Summary values were derived from descriptions of motor, communication, independence, and cognitive skills. More children were reported with less than age-expected communication skills compared to other domains. Skill acquisition was related to select child and family characteristics. Among those entering early intervention between the ages of 12 and 32 months, 17.5% were reported to have near age-level skill in all domains and 50.3% were reported not to be near age level in any domain.
Comparison of Perpetration Characteristics Between Male Juvenile and Adult Sexual Offenders: Preliminary Results
Authors: Miranda Alexis O. , Corcoran Colette L.
Published: February 2008

This study investigated the characteristics of the sexual abuse perpetrated by 16 juvenile (JSO) and 19 adult sexual offenders (ASO). Data were collected from a randomly selected group of males who received psychotherapy services at a community agency. The results revealed significant differences between the JSOs and the ASOs on the number of committed offenses, length of sexual relationships maintained with victims, quality of these relationships, nature of the sexual acts committed, and presence of force during abuse incidents. The results show similarities and differences in the sexual abuse characteristics perpetrated by juveniles and adults.
Brief Report: Dimensions of Burnout in Professionals Working with Sex Offenders
Authors: Thorpe Geoffrey L. , Righthand Sue , Kubik Elizabeth K.
Published: February 2008

This report describes a brief questionnaire to investigate burnout potential in professionals working with sex offenders in clinical, forensic, and human services settings. The Professional Impact Questionnaire, a 31-item inventory with subscales assessing professional performance, coping strategies, and emotional reactions was tested initially with 17 clinicians who provide sex offender evaluations. In an altered format, the questionnaire was administered to 70 clinicians, jurists, and frontline caseworkers and their supervisors. The satisfactory psychometric properties of the original questionnaire were retained in the modified version with this new sample of respondents. Caseworkers reported significantly greater emotional distress than attorneys and judges. For all participants, negative emotional reactions were associated with a sense of impaired work performance. Using positive coping strategies was correlated with reporting relatively few adverse effects on professional functioning.
The Content of Sexual Fantasies for Sexual Offenders
Authors: Gee Dion G. , Devilly Grant J. , Ward Tony
Published: February 2008

Although the phenomenon of sexual fantasy has been extensively researched, little contemporary inquiry has investigated the content of sexual fantasy within the context of sexual offending. In this study, a qualitative analysis was used to develop a descriptive model of the phenomena of sexual fantasy during the offence process. Twenty-four adult males convicted of sexual offences provided detailed retrospective descriptions of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors before, during, and after their offences. Using Grounded Theory, a model was developed to elucidate the content and themes of sexual fantasy for sexual offenders, as well as the way fantasy content was used in the process of sexual offending. The Sexual Fantasy Content Model (SFCM) comprises of three highei--order (level 1) and five second-order (level 2) categories that describe the content of sexual fantasy across the offence process. The level 1 categories are general sexual fantasy, nonspecific offence fantasy, and offence-specific fantasy, whereas the level 2 categories included demographic, behavioral, relational, situational, and self-perceptual considerations. The strengths of the SFCM are discussed and its clinical implications are reviewed.
Strategic Behavior in Adolescent Sexual Offenses Against Children: Linking Modus Operandi to Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Leclerc Benoit , Tremblay Pierre
Published: February 2008

In this paper, the modus operandi of 103 adolescents involved in sexual offenses against children (12 year old or less) is analyzed. Modus operandi strategies were measured by the participants' responses to the Modus Operandi Questionnaire. Findings indicate that the degree of intrusiveness of the sexual behaviors committed by the adolescents is contingent on the participation of their victims during the sexual episodes. Moreover, the more strategic adolescents may be more likely to secure compliance. This study shows the relevance of analyzing adolescent modus operandi as purposeful behavior and discusses some implications of the findings for crime-commission or offending process models.
Statistical Adequacy of the Abel Assessment for Interest in Paraphilias
Authors: Fischer Lane , Smith Gillan
Published: February 2008

A review of the psychometric properties of the Abel Assessment for Interest in Paraphilias (AAIP) is presented. The data supporting the AAIP's history, purpose, data, reliability, validity, and norms are reported, with the conclusion that its use with adults is tenuous at best and its use with adolescents is as yet unsupported. Pragmatic concerns are noted, along with recommendations for further research.
Marxian value theory
Authors: Turner Terence
Published: February 2008

Marx's critique of political economy and analysis of the capitalist mode of production are grounded in more general ideas about human activity and social organization that, taken together, constitute an anthropology which is applicable in principle to all social systems and forms of social production, including those that do not involve the production and exchange of commodities. Marx's anthropology is built upon general notions of production, need, value, semiotic mediation, exploitation, alienation, the role of subjective activity and consciousness, and the structural properties of systems of social production as totalities. This article attempts to abstract the general forms and principles of these notions in terms applicable to non-commodity producing social systems. It identifies Marx's formulation of value theory as the most encompassing organizational framework of his anthropological ideas.
Predicting muscle forces of individuals with hemiparesis following stroke
Authors: Kesar Trisha M , Ding Jun , Wexler Anthony S , Perumal Ramu , Maladen Ryan , Binder-Macleod Stuart A
Published: February 2008

Background

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used to improve function in individuals with hemiparesis following stroke. An ideal functional electrical stimulation (FES) system needs an accurate mathematical model capable of designing subject and task-specific stimulation patterns. Such a model was previously developed in our laboratory and shown to predict the isometric forces produced by the quadriceps femoris muscles of able-bodied individuals and individuals with spinal cord injury in response to a wide range of clinically relevant stimulation frequencies and patterns. The aim of this study was to test our isometric muscle force model on the quadriceps femoris, ankle dorsiflexor, and ankle plantar-flexor muscles of individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Methods

Subjects were seated on a force dynamometer and isometric forces were measured in response to a range of stimulation frequencies (10 to 80-Hz) and 3 different patterns. Subject-specific model parameter values were obtained by fitting the measured force responses from 2 stimulation trains. The model parameters thus obtained were then used to obtain predicted forces for a range of frequencies and patterns. Predicted and measured forces were compared using intra-class correlation coefficients, r2values, and model error relative to the physiological error (variability of measured forces).

Results

Results showed excellent agreement between measured and predicted force-time responses (r2>0.80), peak forces (ICCs>0.84), and force-time integrals (ICCs>0.82) for the quadriceps, dorsiflexor, and plantar-fexor muscles. Themodel errorwas within or below the +95% confidence interval of thephysiological errorfor >88% comparisons between measured and predicted forces.

Conclusion

Our results show that the model has potential to be incorporated as a feed-forward controller for predicting subject-specific stimulation patterns during FES.
Pharmacogenomic and Pharmacokinetic Determinants of Erlotinib Toxicity
Authors: Rudin Charles M. , Liu Wanqing , Desai Apurva , Karrison Theodore , Jiang Xuemin , Janisch Linda , Das Soma , Ramirez Jacqueline , Poonkuzhali Balasubramanian , Schuetz Erin , Fackenthal Donna Lee , Chen Peixian , Armstrong Deborah K. , Brahmer Julie R. , Fleming Gini F. , Vokes Everett E. , Carducci Michael A. , Ratain Mark J.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

To assess the pharmacogenomic and pharmacokinetic determinants of skin rash and diarrhea, the two primary dose-limiting toxicities of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib.

Patients and Methods

A prospective clinical study of 80 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and ovarian cancer was performed. Detailed pharmacokinetics and toxicity of erlotinib were assessed. Polymorphic loci in EGFR, ABCG2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were genotyped, and their effects on pharmacokinetics and toxicities were evaluated.

Results

A novel diplotype of two polymorphic loci in the ABCG2 promoter involving −15622C/T and 1143C/T was identified, with alleles conferring lower ABCG2 levels associated with higher erlotinib pharmacokinetic parameters, including area under the curve (P = .019) and maximum concentration (P = .006). Variability in skin rash was best explained by a multivariate logistic regression model incorporating the trough erlotinib plasma concentration (P = .034) and the EGFR intron 1 polymorphism (P = .044). Variability in diarrhea was associated with the two linked polymorphisms in the EGFR promoter (P < .01), but not with erlotinib concentration.

Conclusion

Although exploratory in nature, this combined pharmacogenomic and pharmacokinetic model helps to define and differentiate the primary determinants of skin and gastrointestinal toxicity of erlotinib. The findings may be of use both in designing trials targeting a particular severity of rash and in considering dose and schedule modifications in patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities of erlotinib or similarly targeted agents. Further studies of the relationship between germline polymorphisms in EGFR and the toxicity and efficacy of EGFR inhibitors are warranted.