bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for an unusual ZW/ZW’/ZZ sex-chromosome system in Scardinius erythrophthalmus (Pisces, Cyprinidae), as detected by cytogenetic and H-Y antigen analyses
Authors: Koehler M.R. , Neuhaus D. , Engel W. , Schartl M. , Schmid M.
Published: May 2008

Fifty-seven individuals of the European cyprinid fish species Scardinius erythrophthalmus were sexed by gonad histology, and their karyotypes were analyzed by Giemsa staining and C-banding. The chromosome number in somatic meta-phase plates was 2n = 50. Karyotypes of all gonadal male animals were identical, consisting of 48 small meta- or submetacentric chromosomes and a pair of large metacentric chromosomes (ZZ males). Of the 33 gonadal females, 16 had a karyotype similar to the males’ (ZW females) and 17 had a heteromorhic pair of chromosomes, including a large metacentric Z chromosome and a small acrocentric W chromosome (ZW females). H-Y antigen typing with cells obtained from a variety of tissues revealed that the homogametic ZZ males were H-Y negative and the heterogametic ZW females were H-Y positive in all tissues tested. In contrast, ZW’ females showed no expression of the H-Y antigen in somatic cells but were H-Y positive in ovarian cells. These results suggest that the ZW/ZW7ZZ sex chromosomes of S. erythrophthalmus represent an unusual system of sex determination and that H-Y antigen expression is coupled with the heterogametic sex. Whether the ZW individuals are indeed heterogametic females or actually sex-reversed ZZ males, in which chromosomal sex determination is overruled by external factors, is discussed.
Filling the gaps in the porcine linkage map: isolation of microsatellites from chromosome 18 using flow sorting and SINE-PCR
Authors: Ellegren H. , Basu T.
Published: May 2008

Flow-sorted chromosome 18 material from the pig (SSC18) was amplified with SINE-PCR to generate DNA for molecular cloning. An SSC18-enriched library was constructed and subsequently screened with a (CA)15 probe to identify polymorphic microsatellites. Eleven unique micro-satellites were obtained, six of which constituted direct extensions of SINE poly(A) tracts. Eight primer pairs amplified polymorphic loci in unrelated pigs. The polymorphic markers were typed in a Swedish reference pedigree for porcine genome mapping, but only two of them (SO177 and SO179) mapped to SSC18. The remaining markers mapped to chromosomes 3, 4, 7, 9, and 11. Together with two markers from other sources (S0062 and sw787), a four-point linkage group on SSC18 could be established.
Regional assignment of the human 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase gene (HPD) to 12q24→qter by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Stenman G. , Röijer E. , Rüetschi U. , Dellsén A. , Rymo L. , Lindstedt S.
Published: May 2008

Using a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids, we have previously mapped the gene (HPD, previously called PPD) encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase to the distal half of the long arm of human chromosome 12, region q14→qter. To obtain a genomic probe useful for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis we screened a human leukocyte genomic library and isolated a 13.4-kb phage clone, which by restriction fragment and sequence analyses was shown to contain exons 1–10 of HPD and approximately 2-kb upstream sequences. We now report the subregional localization of HPD to 12q24→qter based on two color FISH analysis employing this clone.
Isolation and mapping of the human EIF4A2 gene homologous to the murine protein synthesis initiation factor 4A-II gene Eif4a2
Authors: Sudo K. , Takahashi E. , Nakamura Y.
Published: May 2008

We report isolation of human cDNA highly homologous to murine Eif4a2, a gene for one of the protein-synthesis initiation factors involved in the binding of mRNA to the ribosome. This cDNA, which encodes a 407-amino-acid protein, belongs to a highly-conserved gene family, the DEAD-box gene family. The human homologue of Eif4a2 was expressed in all normal tissues examined, but in variable amounts, being highly expressed in skeletal muscle and ovary, and less abundantly in liver, kidney, and pancreas. Furthermore, we have localized the human EIF4A2 to chromosome 18p11.2 by fluorescent in situ hybridization.
Rat 5S rDNA spacer sequences and chromosomal assignment of the genes to the extreme terminal region of chromosome 19
Authors: Suzuki H. , Sakurai S. , Matsuda Y.
Published: May 2008

Fragments of the spacer region of genes for rat 5S ribosomal RNA (rDNA), which are tandemly repeated, were amplified by PCR with primers specific to the two ends of the coding region for 5S rRNA. Two amplified fragments of ∼1.6 kb were subcloned and sequenced. The spacer sequences showed a high degree of sequence identity to each other (99.2%) but substantial divergence from those of analogous mouse clones. The homologous regions in the mouse clones were interrupted by the duplication or deletion of small segments of DNA. A 12-mer, 5-GGCTCTTGGGGC-3’, thought to be responsible for efficient transcription, was located from position -33 to position -22 in the rat 5S clones. The genes were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization with cloned fragments of rat 5S rDNA as probe. The genes were localized exclusively in a single telomeric region of chromosome 19.
Detection of triplet repeat sequences in yeast artificial chromosomes using oligonucleotide probes: application to the SCA1 region in 6p23
Authors: Nemani M. , Bellanné-Chantelot C. , Cohen D. , Cann H.M.
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we describe labeling and hybridization conditions for oligonucleotide probes that detect human triplet repeat sequences in yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). Restriction digests of YACs containing the CAG repeat sequence of the SCA1 gene were used as positive controls. Several hybridization mixtures and temperatures and two different labeling techniques were tested in order to determine optimal conditions. CAG, CGG, AGG, and ATT repeat sequences were mapped on YACs from a contig in 6p23, where SCA1 is located.
Suppression of Lck protooncogene expression in murine somatic cell hybrids between T lymphoma cells and fibroblasts
Authors: Oikawa T. , Yamada T. , Kubota Y. , Kondoh N. , Hitomi Y. , Uchiumi F. , Yamamoto T.
Published: May 2008

Somatic cell hybrids were obtained by cell fusions between Lck-positive EL4 mouse T lymphoma cells and Lck-negative B82 mouse fibroblasts or S194 mouse plasmacytoma cells to examine negative control of lck gene expression in the resulting hybrids. Western blot analysis using a monoclonal antibody against the Lck protein showed a marked decrease in p56lck expression in B82 × EL4 (BEL) hybrids. In contrast to BEL hybrids, the level of p56lck was not changed significantly in S194 × EL4 (SEL) hybrids and was approximately one-half of that seen in EL4 cells. Diminished expression of the Lck protein in BEL hybrids paralleled downregulation of lck mRNA, which was exclusively transcribed from the distal promoter in EL4 cells. It is unlikely that the suppression was simply a consequence of chromosome segregation critical for lck gene expression, since BEL hybrids retained the EL4-derived lck gene and most of the chromosomes from both parental cells. The results from treatment of BEL hybrids with actinomycin D or cycloheximide suggested that suppression of lck gene expression in the hybrids might not be due to posttranscriptional control. DNA methylation status in the lck distal promoter and the coding regions did not appear to correlate with the expression of the gene. Our results suggest that negative control of lck gene expression differs between fibroblasts and B cells, in that lck gene expression in T cells can be shut down by transfer of a putative repressor factor or factors in fibroblasts but not in B cells.
Microsatellite mapping of the deletion in patients with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP): new molecular tools for the study of the region 17p12→p11 and for diagnosis
Authors: LeGuern E. , Ravise R. , Gouider R. , Gugenheim M. , Lopes J. , Bouche P. , Agid Y. , Brice A.
Published: May 2008

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal dominant peripheral neuropathy characterized by recurrent episodes of nerve palsies. We have analyzed 11 microsatellite markers from chromosome 17p12→p11 in nine French families with HNPP. The three microsatellites D17S839 (afm200yb12), D17S955 (afm317yg1), and D17S921 (afm91xh12) were localized in the deleted region. In allele segregation analyses, the microsatellite D17S793 (afm165zd4) detected two chromosome 17-linked loci, one of which was deleted in HNPP patients. Using these STR markers, we found that the deletion coincided with the CMT1A/HNPP monomer unit in eight of the nine families. In the remaining pedigree, the deletion lay between the centromeric microsatellite D17S805 (afm234tal) and the telomeric marker D17S922 (afm197xh6), which flank the CMTIA monomer unit. Comparison of these data with the available genetic and physical maps of 17p12→p11 shows that this region, which is frequently subject to rearrangement-inducing diseases, such as Smith-Magenis syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A, and HNPP, presents recombination hot spots. Finally, this study demonstrates the usefulness of the D17S122 (RM11GT) and D17S921 (afm191xh12) microsatellites as tools for the molecular diagnosis of HNPP.
Karyotypic patterns of seven species of molossid bats (Molossidae, Chiroptera)
Authors: Morielle-Versute E. , Varella-Garcia M. , Taddei V.A.
Published: May 2008

G- and C- banding patterns of seven species of the bat family Molossidae, Eumops glaucinus, E. perotis, Molossops abrasus, M. temminckii, Molossus ater, M. molossus, and Nyctinomops laticaudatus, were identified. Comparisons among the karyotypes of these species showed extensive homologies between E. perotis, M. ater, M. molossus, M. abrasus, and N. laticaudatus, demonstrating inter- and intrageneric conservatism, and a lesser degree of homologies in M. temminckii and E. glaucinus, reflecting intrageneric variation. Chromosomal variation was due to inversions, Robertsonian rearrangements, translocations, and variations in the location of constitutive heterochromatin and nucleolus organizer regions. The chromosome corresponding to No. 5 in the M. ater karyotype is discussed. We suggest that the Nyctinomops and Molossops karyotypes represent the primitive condition and that Molossus and Eumops have derived karyotypes.
Physical mapping of SOD1 to bovine chromosome 1
Authors: Schmutz S.M. , Cornwell D. , Moker J.S. , Troyer D.L.
Published: May 2008

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) was mapped to cattle chromosome 1q12→q14 by in situ methods. Both traditional in situ hybridization using tritium and a new technique, direct in-situ single copy PCR (DISC-PCR), were used in two separate laboratories. Both human and bovine SOD1 clones were tritium labeled for radioactive in situ hybridization. A primer pair based on the bovine SOD1 gene (Barendse et al., 1994b) was used for the DISC-PCR procedure. The map location of SOD1 is close to collagen 6A1. SOD1 is a potentially important type 1 anchor locus in the region where the gene for horns in cattle was recently mapped (Georges et al., 1993; Schmutz et al., 1995).
Demonstration of homoeologies between human and lemur chromosomes by chromosome painting
Authors: Apiou F. , Rumpler Y. , Warter S. , Vezuli A. , Dutrillaux B.
Published: May 2008

Human-specific probes for chromosomes 3, 7, 9, 14, 19, and 21 were used to paint chromosomes of three lemur species: Eulemur fulvus mayottensis, E. macaco macaco, and Lemur catta. Chromosomes 1 and 3 of E. f. mayottensis are homoeologous to human chromosomes 3,9, 14, and 21 as previously suggested by chromosome banding. Probes for human chromosomes 7 and 19 produced unexpectedly strong signals in the centromeric regions of all lemur chromosomes, suggesting that sequences homologous to nonrepeated sequences of the human genome have been amplified during the formation of constitutive heterochromatin in lemurs.
Assignment of the gene for beta-casein (CSN2) to 4q13→q21 in humans and 3p13→p12 in chimpanzees
Authors: McConkey E.H. , Menon R. , Williams G. , Baker E. , Sutherland G.R.
Published: May 2008

The human beta-casein gene (CSN2) has been mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization to human chromosome 4q13→q21 and to the homologous chimpanzee chromosome at 3p13→p12. This confirms the presence of a pericentric inversion that distinguishes the two species, as first observed by chromosomal banding studies.
Colcemid increases the frequency of chromosome abnormalities in human sperm
Authors: Márquez C. , Egozcue J. , Martorell M.R. , Moreno V. , Templado C.
Published: May 2008

The effect of Colcemid on the frequency and type of chromosomal abnormalities in human sperm was investigated. Using the human sperm and zona-free hamster egg fusion technique, penetrated eggs were cultured in the presence or absence of Colcemid. We used two different times of Colcemid treatment: standard Colcemid treatment (Colcemid-5 h) or long Colcemid treatment (Colcemid-17 h). Each Colcemid series had its own control series without Colcemid, thus ensuring that Colcemid was the only significant variable. A total of 771 sperm karyotypes from one normal donor was analyzed: 286 in the Colcemid-5 h series, 262 in the Colcemid-17 h series, and 223 in the two control series. In both Colcemid series there was a significant increase in the frequencies of hypohaploidy vs. hyperhaploidy (9.4% and 7.3% vs. 2.4% and 1.1%, for the Colcemid-5 h and Colcemid-17 h series, respectively), in contrast to those obtained in the control series, in which the frequencies of hypohaploidy and hyperhaploidy were close to the 1:1 relationship (4.9% vs. 4.0%) expected from nondisjunction. There was a significant increase in the frequency of structural abnormalities in both Colcemid series (16.1% and 14.5 % for the Colcemid-5 h and Colcemid-17 h series, respectively) compared to the control series (6.3%). These results suggest that Colcemid significantly increases the frequency of hypohaploidy and unstable structural aberrations in human sperm.
Translocation, t(17;22)(q22;q13), in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a new tumor-associated chromosome rearrangement
Authors: Pedeutour F. , Simon M.P. , Minoletti F. , Barcelo G. , Terrier-Lacombe M.J. , Combemale P. , Sozzi G. , Ayraud N. , Turc-Carel C.
Published: May 2008

A translocation, t(17;22)(q22;ql 3), was identified in two cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DP). They bring to four the number of DP cases characterized by an identical t(17;22)(q22;q13), which can be considered as a new tumor-associated chromosome rearrangement. To date, this translocation has been found only in DP and its juvenile form, giant-cell fibroblastoma. This finding has two major consequences. First, it casts light on the development and significance in DP of ring chromosomes which consistently harbor sequences derived from chromosomes 17 and 22. Second, the identification of this new chromosome marker, and eventually of the underlying molecular rearrangement, should help to classify DP, a soft-tissue tumor of still uncertain cell origin. In addition, it could be used to differentiate DP from truly benign or malignant entities, in order that this tumor of intermediate malignancy could be adequately managed.
The human HCLS1 gene maps to chromosome 3q13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Egashira M. , Kitamura D. , Watanabe T. , Niikawa N.
Published: May 2008

The human HSI gene (HCLS1, hematopoietic cell-specific Lyn substrate 1) expressed in human hematopoietic cells encodes a major substrate of protein-tyrosine kinase, p75HS1. This intracellular protein is involved in the signal transduction pathways that initiate at the antigen receptors of both B and T lymphocytes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using a 2.0-kb cDNA and an 8.0-kb genomic DNA clone of HCLS1 as probes revealed that the gene maps to 3q13.
Mapping of the metalloproteinase gene matrilysin (MMP7) to human chromosome 11q21→q22
Authors: Knox J.D. , Boreham D.R. , Walker J.-A. , Morrison D.P. , Matrisian L.M. , Nagle R.B. , Bowden G.T.
Published: May 2008

The matrix metalloproteinase, matrilysin, is thought to play an important role in the early steps of tumor progression. We determined the chromosome location of the matrilysin gene (MMP7) by Southern and PCR analysis of two different panels of somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes. Matrilysin maps to the region, 11q21→q22, adding MMP7 to the cluster of matrix metalloproteinase genes that have already mapped to this region.
Deletion of the SRY region on the Y chromosome detected in bovine gonadal hypoplasia (XY female) by PCR
Authors: Kawakura K. , Miyake Y.-I. , Murakami R.-K. , Kondoh S. , Hirata T.-l. , Kaneda Y.
Published: May 2008

In 6 sterile heifers which were female in appearance and in genital organs, all tissues derived from blood, skin, spleen and kidney had a single 60, XY type of metaphase plate. Although the SRY gene was detected by PCR in normal bull, it was not detected in normal cow or in 3 60, XY cases studied.
Cloning, expression, and mapping of CKAPI, which encodes a putative cytoskeleton-associated protein containing a CAP-GLY domain
Authors: Watanabe T.K. , Shimizu F. , Nagata M. , Kawai A. , Fujiwara T. , Nakamura Y. , Takahashi E. , Hirai Y.
Published: May 2008

From a human fetal-brain cDNA library we isolated a novel cDNA clone encoding a protein containing a CAP-GLY domain that is highly conserved among several cytoskeleton-associated proteins. The CAP-GLY domain is thought to be essential for their association with microtubules. The cDNA, designated CKAPI (for cytoskeleton-associated protein I, glycine motif) contained an open reading frame of 579 nucleotides encoding 193 amino acids. Northern-blot analysis revealed expression of three transcripts, 1.0, 3.4, and 4.6 kb in size, in all tissues examined. The 1.0-kb transcript was significantly higher in brain and heart than in other tissues. This gene was mapped by FISH to chromosome bands 19q13.11→q13.12.
Synteny conservation between parts of human chromosome 4q and bovine and ovine chromosomes 6
Authors: Lanneluc I. , Mulsant P. , Saidi-Mehtar N. , Elsen J.-M.
Published: May 2008

Booroola Merino sheep are characterized by a high ovulation rate attributable to the presence of the FecB allele of the FEC gene. This gene, which has been assigned to sheep chromosome 6, is linked to the gene for EGF, which in man is located on the long arm of chromosome 4 (HSA 4q). To increase the number of known markers on sheep chromosome 6, we used comparative mapping data from sheep, man, and cattle. In our study, we show a synteny between EGF and the genes PDHA2 and FGF5 (from HSA 4q) and microsatelhtes ILSTS018, ILSTS090, and ILSTS093 (from bovine chromosome 6) in sheep. We also show that the conservation between HSA 4q and sheep chromosome 6 is disrupted between EGF and FGF2.
Effects of 5-azacytidine on the centromeric region of human fibroblasts studied by CREST staining and in situ hybridization on cytokinesis-blocked cells
Authors: Cimini D. , Tanzarella C. , Degrassi F.
Published: May 2008

Several interphase methodologies have been applied in this study to investigate whether chemically induced undercondensation of the pericentromeric region of human fibroblast chromosomes promotes structural or numerical aberrations at the cell cycles following treatment. To achieve this aim, the effects of the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) were studied on cytokinesis-blocked binucleated fibroblasts. This approach allowed the distribution of whole chromosomes or chromosome fragments in the daughter nuclei and micronuclei of treated cells to be followed, since the daughter nuclei of a single mitosis are maintained in one cytoplasm by treatment with the actin inhibitor cytochalasin B. Antikineto-chore staining and in situ hybridization with an α-satellite probe capable of detecting all human centromeres on 5-azaC-induced micronuclei in binucleated fibroblasts indicated that the predominant effect of the chemical is to induce micronuclei lacking centromeres, suggestive of induced chromosome aberrations. Double in situ hybridization with alphoid and classical satellite DNA probes specific for chromosome 1 on binucleated fibroblasts was used to discriminate induced aneuploidy from breakage effects in the target area of hybridization. The results showed that undercondensation of the pericentromeric heterochromatin of human fibroblast chromosomes by treatment with 5-azaC produces structural chromosome aberrations involving the classical satellite DNA, whereas there was no evidence that the chemical induced chromosomal aneuploidy.
SOX20, a new member of the SOX gene family, is located on chromosome 17p13
Authors: Meyer J. , Wirth J. , Held M. , Schempp W. , Scherer G.
Published: May 2008

SOX genes share a high sequence identity with the HMG box present in the testis determining gene SRY. We have identified a HMG box-like sequence motif on six contiguous cosmids, which cross-hybridize to a SOX9 cDNA probe. A data base search revealed a high similarity of the deduced amino acid sequence to the human SOX 12 and the murine Sox 16 HMG domains. The cosmids were assigned to chromosome 17p13 by FISH analysis.
Identification of a Core Set of 58 Gene Transcripts With Broad and Specific Expression in the Microvasculature
Authors: Wallgard Elisabet , Larsson Erik , He Liqun , Hellström Mats , Armulik Annika , Nisancioglu Maya H. , Genove Guillem , Lindahl Per , Betsholtz Christer
Published: May 2008

Objective—

Pathological angiogenesis is an integral component of many diseases. Antiangiogenesis and vascular targeting are therefore promising new therapeutic principles. However, few endothelial-specific putative drug targets have been identified, and information is still limited about endothelial-specific molecular processes. Here we aimed at determining the endothelial cell-specific core transcriptome in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Analysis of publicly available microarray data identified a mixed vascular/lung cluster of 132 genes that correlated with known endothelial markers. Filtering against kidney glomerular/nonglomerular and brain vascular/nonvascular microarray profiles separated contaminating lung markers, leaving 58 genes with broad and specific microvascular expression. More than half of these have not previously been linked to endothelial functions or studied in detail before. The endothelial cell-specific expression of a selected subset of these,
Eltd1
,
Gpr116
,
Ramp2
,
Slc9a3r2
,
Slc43a3
,
Rasip1
, and
NM_023516
, was confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and/or immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions—

We have used a combination of publicly available and own microarray data to identify 58 gene transcripts with broad yet specific expression in microvascular endothelium. Most of these have unknown functions, but many of them are predicted to be cell surface expressed or implicated in cell signaling processes and should therefore be explored as putative microvascular drug targets.
Development and Validation of a Simple Conversion Model for Comparison of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Volumes Measured on CT and Gradient Recalled Echo MRI
Authors: Burgess Richard E. , Warach Steven , Schaewe Timothy J. , Copenhaver Brittany R. , Alger Jeffry R. , Vespa Paul , Martin Neil , Saver Jeffrey L. , Kidwell Chelsea S.
Published: May 2008

Background and Purpose—

Gradient recalled echo MRI (GRE) has been shown to be as accurate as CT for the detection of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, because of the differences in the signal parameter being detected, apparent hemorrhage size is expected to vary by imaging modality, with GRE providing larger volumes attributable to susceptibility effects.

Methods—

Image data from patients participating in 3 ICH studies were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with acute ICH were included if (1) concurrent MRI and CT were performed within 72 hours of symptom onset, and (2) each modality was performed within 240 minutes of each other. ICH volumes were calculated using a semiautomated image analysis program. The least squares method was used to develop a conversion equation based on a linear regression of GRE volume on CT volume.

Results—

Thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. MRI was performed first in 18, CT first in 18. Mean hemorrhage volume was 25.2cc (range 0.1 to 83.9cc) on CT and 32.7cc (range 0.1 to 98.7cc) measured on GRE. A linear relationship defined by CT Volume=GRE Volume*0.8 (Spearman’s correlation coefficient=0.992,
P
<0.001) was derived.

Conclusions—

Acute ICH volumes as measured on GRE pulse sequences are consistently larger than CT volumes. A simple mathematical conversion model has been developed: CT volume=0.8*GRE volume. This formula can be used in studies using both imaging modalities, across different studies, or to track ICH growth over time independent of imaging modality in an individual patient.
Schooling in the Shadow of Death
Authors: Bajaj Monisha
Published: May 2008

This article explores how Zambian youth encounter HIV/AIDS in their schools and communities, and presents ways in which they demonstrate their agency in creating new language, identities, and self-conceptions in response to these encounters. Utilizing qualitative interviews, participant observation, and student diaries, this study suggests that the role and delivery of schooling must be re-examined given high teacher mortality, teacher misinformation, and young people's exposure to the disease outside of schools. Students' diverse experiences in and outside of school shape their knowledge and beliefs about HIV/AIDS in a time when all social institutions in Zambia have been affected by the disease.
Fabricating, Testing, and Modeling of Advanced Grid Stiffened Fiber Reinforced Polymer Tube Encased Concrete Cylinders
Authors: Guoqiang Li  , Velamarthy Ravi C.
Published: May 2008

In a previous study [1], a new confinement device — an advanced grid stiffened (AGS) composite tube, which was made of a lattice of interlaced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) ribs that was wrapped by a FRP skin — was used to encase concrete cylinders. The test results showed that the AGS tube confined concrete cylinders displayed a considerable positive or constructive composite action due to the mechanical interlocking between the grid skeleton and the concrete core. In order to better understand and design this type of novel structures, an in-depth study is needed. In this present study, a pin-guided system assisted by a collapsible mandrel was developed to filament wind the AGS tubes automatically. A `building-block' test was conducted to reveal the step-by-step development of the composite action. After that, the effect of the rib thickness, skin thickness, and bay area on the structural behavior was evaluated experimentally. The numerical analysis was conducted using the ANSYS finite element software package by considering the nonlinear behavior of concrete and a non-associative Drucker—Prager plasticity criterion. Some new findings include (1) the grid skeleton is more effective in confining the concrete core than the skin; (2) with the same amount of FRP materials, AGS tubes have a much higher confinement efficiency than laminated FRP tubes with zero bay area; (3) thickening the ribs is more effective than widening the ribs; and (4) the finite element analysis procedure, along with the parameters taken, is reliable in modeling and designing this type of cylinders.
Detection of Structural Damage in Medium Density Fiberboard Panels using Neural Network Method
Authors: Way Long  , Rice Robert W.
Published: May 2008

This research assessed the feasibility of using a neural network to detect low levels of damage in small samples of medium density fiberboard (MDF). The neural network was a three-layer back-propagation network. The undamaged stress wave frequency spectrum patterns were trained by the neural network. The trained patterns were then compared to stress waves patterns taken from MDF samples loaded to various percentages of their estimated failure load. In this experiment, if an application load is below the proportional limit, a small change in wave patterns occurs. The neural network has the unique ability to train data to recognize spectral patterns and has been used with success for the detection of structural damage.
The Politics of Industrial Relations in Australia in 2007
Authors: Hall Richard
Published: May 2008

Industrial Relations proved to be one of the dominant issues in the 2007 federal election campaign with the Government at first defending, and then moderating, their Work Choices legislation. The Labor Opposition benefited greatly from the successful Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) campaign against Work Choices and established a significant electoral advantage on the issue. Labor introduced its own IR policy alternative under the banner `Forward with Fairness' and then spent a good deal of 2007 trying to sell its policy to business. The final policy adopted by Labor, and set to become law over the next few years, represents something of a calculated political compromise. When the detail of the policy is considered the influence of the Work Choices laws is still very much apparent.
Wages and Wage Determination in 2007
Authors: Watts Martin J. , Mitchell William
Published: May 2008

In 2007 money wages rose marginally faster than in 2006 but there was no evidence of generalized wage pressures arising from skill shortages. The Reserve Bank raised interest rates twice during the year, further reducing housing affordability. The Fair Pay Commission decision in July temporarily restored the real wages of the lowest paid, but there was further compression of the lower deciles of the wage distribution. With petrol prices continuing to rise, household living standards are under threat, particularly those of workers reliant on the wage adjustment through the Commission whose next decision will not be operational until October 2008. The election of the Labor Government in November led to speculation as to extent to which the Work Choices legislation would be amended.
Industrial Legislation in 2007
Authors: Sutherland Carolyn , Riley Joellen
Published: May 2008

The Howard government's draconian Work Choices laws will soon be history. A change of government at the 2007 federal election means that Australian industrial relations legislation will continue to be a turbulent field, for some time yet. This review provides an account of the last piece of industrial legislation passed by the Howard government, to introduce a `Fairness Test' in an attempt to ameliorate public concern about the patent unfairness of some aspects of the Work Choices laws. The same Act made some changes to the way in which `prohibited content' is regulated in workplace agreements. We also provide a brief summary of some of the more significant State manoeuvres in what remains to them of the field of industrial relations law.
Major Tribunal Decisions in 2007
Authors: Catanzariti Joseph , Brown Simon
Published: May 2008

Despite relatively low levels of industrial disputation in 2007, the AIRC delivered some significant decisions in relation to the `genuine operational reasons' exclusion to the unfair dismissal jurisdiction, and secret ballots for protected industrial action. However, arguably the most significant decisions in 2007 came from the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Federal Court of Australia. These decisions illustrate that the common law contract of employment provides (increasingly) robust protections to employees from workplace injustices. This article examines recent developments in relation to the implied duties of good faith and of mutual trust and confidence. It also considers the prevalence of workplace policies in modern workplace relations and the circumstances in which workplace polices might give rise to enforceable contractual obligations and common law remedies for breach.
Australian Unions in 2007
Authors: Oliver Damian
Published: May 2008

Australian unions will remember 2007 as the year that their `Your Rights at Work' campaign contributed to the defeat of the Coalition Government. Industrial relations dominated the election campaign and remained at the centre of public policy and media debates throughout the year. Employers used the Howard government's Work Choices legislation to refuse to bargain with unions and to prevent lawful industrial action. Union officials and members were prosecuted for unlawful industrial action. In response, unions conducted a highly resourced and professional campaign aimed at changing the government and repealing Work Choices. However, the Australian Labor Party under new leader Kevin Rudd announced it would keep certain contentious aspects of Work Choices. Notwithstanding the defeat of the Coalition, barriers remain to unions' future growth and strength.
Why has the British National Minimum Wage had Little or No Impact on Employment?
Authors: Metcalf David
Published: May 2008

A century has passed since the first call for a British national minimum wage (NMW). The NMW was finally introduced in 1999. It has raised the real and relative pay of low wage workers, narrowed the gender pay gap and now covers around 1-worker-in-10. The consequences for employment have been extensively analysed using information on individuals, areas and firms. There is little or no evidence of any employment effects. The reasons for this include: an impact on hours rather than workers; employer wage setting and labour market frictions; offsets via the tax credit system; incomplete compliance; improvements in productivity; an increase in the relative price of minimum wage-produced consumer services; and a reduction in the relative profits of firms employing low paid workers.
Governing Adolescent Drinking
Authors: Järvinen Margaretha , Østergaard Jeanette
Published: May 2008

This article examines the relationship between the drinking habits of Danish adolescents and the upbringing ideals and alcohol rules of their parents. It is based on three different data sets: a survey of 2,000 Danish young people born in 1989, a survey with the parents of these young people, and two waves of focus group interviews (in all 28) with adolescents aged 14 to 16. The study demonstrates that there is a sharp contrast between the views of the adolescents and the findings from the two surveys. Although the young people themselves are of the opinion that parental control has no positive effect and that drinking habits within reasonable limits can best be developed through trial and error, the survey data reveal a strong relationship between parents' attitudes and rules and their children's binge drinking. The more lenient the parents' attitudes and rules are, the more the children tend to binge drink.
Increasing the On-Task Homework Behavior of Youth With Behavior Disorders Using Functional Behavioral Assessment
Authors: Hawkins Renee O. , Axelrod Michael I.
Published: May 2008

Research has shown a positive correlation between time spent on homework and learning. However, students often engage in off-task behaviors to escape the demands of homework. Youth with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) are especially likely to engage in off-task behaviors. Effective interventions to increase on-task behavior during homework are needed to increase students' academic success. Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) procedures may be helpful for intervention planning; however, there has been limited research on use of FBA with youth with EBD experiencing poor academic performance or task completion problems. In the current study, FBA methods were used to identify the contingencies maintaining the off-task behavior of four youth with behavior problems. Effects of interventions based on functional hypotheses were compared to the effects of interventions not linked to such hypotheses. Discussion focuses on utility of FBA procedures for developing and implementing effective interventions for youth with EBD.
Contextualized emotional images in children's dreams: Psychological adjustment in conditions of military trauma
Authors: Helminen Elisa , Punamäki Raija-Leena
Published: May 2008

This study examines the impact of military trauma on contextualized emotional images in children's dreams, and the function of the intensity and valence of the emotional images in protecting mental health from negative trauma impact. Participants were 345 Palestinian children and adolescents (aged 5—16 years) belonging to high trauma (Gaza) and non-trauma (Galilee) groups. They reported nocturnal dreams using a seven-night dream diary. The results show, as hypothesized, that the dreams of children exposed to severe military trauma incorporated more intense and more negative emotional images. High intensity and low negative, and high positive emotional images in dreams may protect children's mental health. Children in the trauma group showed relatively fewer post-traumatic symptoms if their dreams incorporated intensive and positive emotional images. Similarly, personal exposure to military trauma was not associated with anxiety and aggressiveness among children whose dreams had low negative valence, or with lower anxiety when dreams had intensive emotional images. The emotional qualities of dreams are discussed as possible indicators of children processing their traumatic experiences.
An analysis of self-concept among Ethiopian immigrant and Israeli-born children and adolescents
Authors: Tannenbaum Michal
Published: May 2008

This article reports a study comparing self-concept among 114 immigrant children and adolescents of Ethiopian origin in Israel and among 164 native-born Israelis, including an exploration of how age, gender, and first-language proficiency affect various dimensions of this construct. For the younger children (aged 8—9 years), self-concept was found to be higher among the native-born than among children of Ethiopian origin, while for junior high school children (aged 14—15 years), results were reversed. Findings are interpreted and discussed in light of the complex immigration history and the ongoing integration difficulties faced by members of the Ethiopian community, and related to different coping mechanisms adopted by participants at different ages. Ethiopian adolescents appear to cling more to their peer group, compared with younger children who seem to be more affected by the immediate family circle. Gender differences were found mainly regarding physical self-concept, in favor of boys. Self-rates of language proficiency appeared to be associated with several aspects of self-concept. Finally, and given the unique circumstances of the interaction between Ethiopian immigrants and Israeli society, findings emerge as relevant to the context of refugees, for whom the gap with the host culture is often wider than that encountered by voluntary migrants. Several recommendations related to language, family, and intergroup relations are included.
Behaviour difficulties and cognitive function in children born very prematurely
Authors: Bayless Sarah , Pit-ten Cate Ineke M. , Stevenson Jim
Published: May 2008

Children born very prematurely are at risk of low average IQ and behaviour difficulties throughout childhood and adolescence. Associations among preterm birth, IQ and behaviour have been reported; however, the nature of the relationship among these outcomes is not fully understood. Some studies have proposed that the consequences of preterm birth, such as low average IQ, mediate the association between preterm birth and later behaviour difficulties. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among preterm birth, IQ and childhood behaviour problems, by testing mediation and moderation models. We assessed a UK sample of 69 very preterm (< 32 weeks gestational age) and 70 term born children aged between 6 and 12 years on an abbreviated IQ test. Parental behaviour ratings were obtained using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Mediation and moderation models were tested using hierarchical regression analyses. The findings indicate that IQ mediates the relationship between birth status and emotional behaviour problems. Furthermore, the results indicate that birth status moderates the relationship between IQ and behavioural difficulties, i.e., that the relationship between low IQ and behaviour problems is most pronounced for the preterm children. The findings highlight the importance of considering indirect effects in the study of outcome after very preterm birth.
Modalities of anger expression and the psychosocial adjustment of early adolescents in eastern Cuba
Authors: Sanz Martinez Yuri Arsenio , Schneider Barry H. , Santana Gonzáles Yorkys , Soteras de Toro Maria del Pilar
Published: May 2008

Culture influences the acceptability of the overt expression of anger. In many cultures, overt expression of anger is considered legitimate for males but not for females. We explored the implications of anger expression among early adolescents in Cuba, expecting that overt, explosive expression of anger would be particularly maladaptive in a society that is collectivistic by virtue of both its cultural heritage and ideology. Given the sharp gender-role distinctions in traditional Latin American society, we expected to find more overt expression of anger by males. However, the analyses revealed no significant gender differences in anger expression. Overt expression of anger was significantly associated with multiple measures of maladjustment. Evidence that the inhibition of anger is associated with maladjustment was not as consistent, but holding anger in was linked with internalizing difficulties. Sociometric data indicated that early adolescents who demonstrate control of their anger are highly accepted and considered as leaders.
Affection, virtue, pleasure, and profit: Developing an understanding of friendship closeness and intimacy in western and Asian societies
Authors: Gummerum Michaela , Keller Monika
Published: May 2008

The development of friendship understanding has rarely been explored from a cross-cultural perspective. In this study, children and adolescents from Iceland, China, Russia, and the former East Germany were investigated in one longitudinal and three cross-sectional samples. Children from three different Chinese ecologies were interviewed to account for within-culture variation. Participants were interviewed about friendship closeness and intimacy at ages 7, 9, 12, and 15 years. Their statements were scored according to (a) structural—developmental stages and (b) content aspects of friendship reasoning. Results reveal that the development of friendship reasoning of participants from all societies could be captured by the cognitive—structural stages and content categories developed in western cultures. At the same time, distinct cultural differences emerged, especially between the Russian and Chinese participants, on the one hand, and the Icelandic and East German participants, on the other hand. The within-China analyses reveal little differences for the content aspects of friendship understanding between the three ecologies, but differences in the cognitive—structural aspects of friendship reasoning were found.
Poverty and maternal responsiveness: The role of maternal stress and social resources
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Boxhill Louise , Pinkava Michael
Published: May 2008

One of the main reasons poverty is bad for children's development is because it reduces maternal responsiveness. This study addresses a heretofore unanswered question: why do low-income children experience diminished maternal responsiveness compared with their more affluent counterparts? In addition, we examine this question among a largely neglected population, young adolescent ( M = 13.1 years), rural low- and middle-income, white children. These families all reside in small towns and rural areas in North America. The negative association between poverty and maternal responsiveness is mediated by the combination of heightened maternal stress and diminished social networks.
Replication and extension of Little et al.'s (2003) forms and functions of aggression measure
Authors: Fite Paula J. , Stauffacher Kirstin , Ostrov Jamie M. , Colder Craig R.
Published: May 2008

The goal of the current study was to replicate the confirmatory factor analysis of Little et al.'s (2003) aggression measure in an American sample of 69 children (mean age = 12.93 years; SD = 1.27). Although an exact replication of the original model could not be estimated given the small sample, a modified model representing a conceptual replication provided a good fit to the data. Findings suggest that this child self-reported aggression measure can be used with American samples to distinguish four domains of aggressive behavior (relational, overt, instrumental, and reactive).
Prosocial and antisocial behavior in preadolescence: Teachers' and parents' perceptions of the behavior of girls and boys
Authors: Veenstra René , Lindenberg Siegwart , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , De Winter Andrea F. , Verhulst Frank C. , Ormel Johan
Published: May 2008

There has been recent emphasis on the importance of investigating prosocial and antisocial behavior simultaneously owing to doubts about whether examining one automatically gives information about the other. However, there has been little empirical research into this question. The present study (based on a large population sample of preadolescents, N = 2,230) simultaneously examines prosocial and antisocial behavior, explicitly including the possibility that children might show prosocial behavior according to one informant and antisocial behavior according to another. When parents and teachers agreed in their judgments, children were distinctly profiled and differed clearly in effortful control, intelligence, academic performance, and several peer nominations and family characteristics. The correlates were more rater-specific for children that were prosocial according to one informant and antisocial according to the other informant. Teachers and parents used different context-dependent criteria for judging children to be prosocial or antisocial. Academic performance and peer relations were related to the teacher's judgment of prosocial and antisocial behavior. By contrast, children's being problematic at home (and thus causing stress for the parents) was related to the parents' judgment.
Working with interpreters in pre-sentence report interviews
Authors: de Vries Aggie
Published: May 2008

The National Probation Service, Lincolnshire has been using increasing numbers of foreign language interpreters in the assessment and management of offenders. This article reports on a small-scale study that was conducted as part of the Diploma of Probation Studies at De Montfort University into how interpreters are used in pre-sentence report (PSR) interviews in the Lincolnshire probation area. It analyses three case studies and draws conclusions for an improvement of practice when working with interpreters.
British drugs policy: Problematizing the distinction between legal and illegal drugs and the definition of the `drugs problem'
Authors: Boland Philip
Published: May 2008

This article draws upon an extensive literature review of the social and medical sciences, official documents and various websites to critically re-evaluate the basis of British drugs policy. The article problematizes the rationale for criminalizing certain substances and questions the distinctions created between legal and illegal drugs; in so doing, the article argues that the definition of the `drugs problem' is the real problem. It shows that the debate on illegal drugs is filled less with factual truths and more with misinformation which creates public fear and provides a questionable basis for public policy. The article questions current thinking regarding the drugs/crime relationship and concludes by exploring some implications for policy and practice.