bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers' perceptions of policy influences on science instruction with culturally and linguistically diverse elementary students
Authors: Shaver Annis , Cuevas Peggy , Lee Okhee , Avalos Mary
Published: April 2007

This study asked elementary school teachers how educational policies affected their science instruction with a majority of English language learners. The study employed a questionnaire followed by focus group interviews with 43 third and fourth grade teachers from six elementary schools in a large urban school district with high populations of English language learners in the southeastern United States. Results indicate that teachers' opinions concerning all areas of policy evolved as the state enforced stronger measures of accountability during the 2‐year period of the study. Although relatively positive regarding standards, their opinions became increasingly negative regarding statewide assessment, and even more so toward accountability measured by reading, writing, and mathematics. The results suggest that it is important to understand how teachers perceive the influence of policies, particularly those relating to English language learners, as science accountability becomes more imminent across the states. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 725–746, 2007
Decolonizing methodologies and indigenous knowledge: The role of culture, place and personal experience in professional development
Authors: Chinn Pauline W.U.
Published: April 2007

This study reports findings from a 10‐day professional development institute on curricular trends involving 19 secondary mathematics and science teachers and administrators from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, the United States, and People's Republic of China. Participants explored the roles of culture, place, and personal experience in science education through writings and group discussions. Initially, Asian participants tended to view indigenous knowledge and practices more negatively than U.S. peers. After a presentation on indigenous Hawaiian practices related to place and sustainability, they evaluated indigenous practices more positively and critiqued the absence of locally relevant science and indigenous knowledge in their national curricula. They identified local issues of traffic, air, and water quality they would like to address, and developed lessons addressing prior knowledge, place, and to a lesser extent, culture. These findings suggested critical professional development employing decolonizing methodologies articulated by indigenous researchers Abbott and Smith has the potential to raise teachers' awareness of the connections among personal and place‐based experiences, cultural practices and values, and teaching and learning. An implication was the development of a framework for professional development able to shift science instruction toward meaningful, culture, place, and problem‐based learning relevant to environmental literacy and sustainability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1247–1268, 2007
Impact of Preoperative Planning Using Virtual Segmental Volumetry on Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yamanaka Junichi , Saito Shinichi , Fujimoto Jiro
Published: April 2007

Background

Accurate assessment of resection volume and vascular anatomy is mandatory in preoperative planning for safe and curative hepatectomy to treat cancer. Accordingly, we examined feasibility and accuracy of a preoperative three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scan based simulation in patients with impaired liver function undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Hepatectomy simulation software was programmed to reconstruct detailed 3D vascular structure and calculate liver volume based on hepatic circulation. In 113 patients with HCC, liver resection volume was estimated preoperatively by both simulation and conventional planimetry. For validation, predicted resection volumes were compared with actual resected specimen weights. The resection margin as estimated by the simulation was compared with the margin in the specimen.

Results

Simulation showed higher correlation and smaller discrepancy (r = 0.96; 9.3 ml) between predicted and actual liver resection volume than conventional planimetry (r = 0.74; 174 ml). Simulation showed correlation (p < 0.01) between estimated and actual segmental volume, which was not measurable by planimetry. Simulation showed a correlation (r = 0.84) between predicted and actual margin, with a difference of 1.6 mm.

Conclusions

Hepatectomy simulation in 3D predicted segmental liver volume and the resection margin accurately. This virtual method should contribute to preoperative planning to achieve safe, curative resection in HCC patients, whose hepatic function is compromised.
Extranodal Tumor Extension to Adjacent Organs Predicts a Worse Cause‐specific Survival in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Jikuzono Tomoo , Higashiyama Takuya , Takamura Yuuki , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Kuma Kanji , Miyauchi Akira
Published: April 2007

Background

We previously reported that massive extrathyroid extension has an independent prognostic value in patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma. However, tumor extension to adjacent organs can be observed not only in primary tumor but also in metastatic nodes. In this study we investigated the clinical significance of extranodal tumor extension to adjacent organs (nodal ex) in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

We classified all cases into three categories based on the degree of nodal ex: nodal ex0, no apparent extranodal tumor extension; nodal ex1, hard metastatic nodes with perinodal growth extending to adjacent organs, which require separation of the nodes from the organs; and nodal ex2, metastatic nodes with perinodal growth completely invading the adjacent organs and requiring excision of nodes together with these organs. We investigated the clinical significance of each grade in 1,692 patients who underwent initial surgery for papillary carcinoma between 1987 and 1995.

Results

The presence of nodal ex was significantly linked to various clinicopathological features such as male gender, N1b, large number of metastatic nodes, pT4a, and distant metastasis. On univariate analysis, patients with either nodal ex1 or ex2 showed significantly worse disease‐free and cause‐specific survival rates, although these rates did not differ between patients with nodal ex1 and those with nodal ex2. Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that nodal ex independently predicts worse cause‐specific survival of these patients.

Conclusions

Presence of nodal ex significantly reflects the biologically aggressive behaviors of papillary carcinoma and has a prognostic value, especially for cause‐specific survival of patients.
Study of Efficacy of Bilayer Mesh Device versus Conventional Polypropelene Hernia System in Inguinal Hernia Repair: Early Results
Authors: Chauhan Ashutosh , Tiwari Sangeeta , Gupta Ashok
Published: April 2007

Background

The Prolene hernia system (PHS) is a three‐dimensional mesh device that combines three approaches to hernia repair, but its high cost precludes its widespread use in developing countries. We describe our experience with an indigenous bilayer mesh device that works on a similar principle, and compare its efficacy with conventional PHS.

Materials and Methods

A total of 84 patients with unilateral/bilateral primary uncomplicated inguinal hernia were recruited for the study over a 1‐year period and randomized into two groups. Group 1, which consisted of 40 patients, received the indigenous device, and group 2, 44 patients, received conventional PHS. Mean operative time and the patients’ visual assessment scores (VAS) for pain were primary outcome measures. Patient were reviewed in out patients department at intervals of 3 months, and the incidence of complications and recurrence was noted. This was the secondary outcome measure.

Results

The two group were comparable in terms of age, type of hernia, and mean duration of follow‐up. The mean operative time was 32.1 min (± 5.5) and 33.25 (± 5.3) in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the mean VAS score was 2.25 and 2.27 in the respective groups. There was no statistically significant difference. Similarly, the was no significant difference in incidence of complications noted between the two groups (3/40 versus 4/44, respectively). There were no recurrences noted during the period of observation.

Conclusions

The indigenous bilayer device described in this study combines the advantages of two well‐publicized techniques of hernia repair: inlay repair and onlay repair. It offers the benefits of conventional PHS repair but is far less expensive and is quite suitable for routine use in centers like ours in a developing nation, where financial resources are a constraint.
Genetic approaches to human renal agenesis/hypoplasia and dysplasia
Authors: Sanna-Cherchi Simone , Caridi Gianluca , Weng Patricia L. , Scolari Francesco , Perfumo Francesco , Gharavi Ali G. , Ghiggeri Gian Marco
Published: April 2007

Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract are frequently observed in children and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. These conditions are phenotypically variable, often affecting several segments of the urinary tract simultaneously, making clinical classification and diagnosis difficult. Renal agenesis/hypoplasia and dysplasia account for a significant portion of these anomalies, and a genetic contribution to its cause is being increasingly recognized. Nevertheless, overlap between diseases and challenges in clinical diagnosis complicate studies attempting to discover new genes underlying this anomaly. Most of the insights in kidney development derive from studies in mouse models or from rare, syndromic forms of human developmental disorders of the kidney and urinary tract. The genes implicated have been shown to regulate the reciprocal induction between the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme. Strategies to find genes causing renal agenesis/hypoplasia and dysplasia vary depending on the characteristics of the study population available. The approaches range from candidate gene association or resequencing studies to traditional linkage studies, using outbred pedigrees or genetic isolates, to search for structural variation in the genome. Each of these strategies has advantages and pitfalls and some have led to significant discoveries in human disease. However, renal agenesis/hypoplasia and dysplasia still represents a challenge, both for the clinicians who attempt a precise diagnosis and for the geneticist who tries to unravel the genetic basis, and a better classification requires molecular definition to be retrospectively improved. The goal appears to be feasible with the large multicentric collaborative groups that share the same objectives and resources.
Space–time patterns during the establishment of a nonindigenous species
Authors: Tobin Patrick C.
Published: April 2007

Increasing rates of global trade and travel have the invariable consequence of an increase in the likelihood of nonindigenous species arrival, and some new arrivals are successful in establishing themselves. Quantifying the pattern of establishment of nonindigenous species across both spatial and temporal scales is paramount in early detection efforts, yet very difficult to accomplish. Previous work in epidemiology has proposed methods for assessing the space–time properties of emerging infectious diseases by quantifying the degree of space–time clustering between individual cases. I tested the applicability of one such method commonly used in epidemiology, the Knox test for space–time interaction, to analyze rare abundance data from an isolated, newly‐establishing gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar, population in Minnesota, USA, and incorporated a bootstrap approach to quantify the space–time pattern in a random process that can be used to compare with results from empirical data. The use of the Knox test in assessing the establishment phase of biological invasions could potentially serve as an early warning system against new invaders, particularly for those with a known history of a repeated number of arrivals.
A systems framework for understanding social settings
Authors: Tseng Vivian , Seidman Edward
Published: April 2007

In this paper, we argue that attempts to change social settings have been hindered by lack of theoretical advances in understanding key aspects of social settings and how they work in a dynamic system. We present a systems framework for understanding youths' social settings. We focus on three aspects of settings that represent intervention targets: social processes (i.e., patterns of transactions between two or more people or groups of people), resources (i.e., human, economic, physical, temporal resources), and organizationof resources (i.e., how resources are arranged and allocated). We postulate that these setting aspects are in dynamic transaction with each other, resulting in setting outcomes. Discussion focuses on the implications of our theoretical framework for setting intervention.
Developing operating principles for systems change
Authors: Behrens Teresa R. , Foster-Fishman Pennie G.
Published: April 2007

Based on an analysis of the articles in this special issue, the authors propose five operating principles for systems change work. These principles are: clarifying the purpose of the systems change; identifying whether the change is one to an existing system or the change is to create a new system; conceptualize the work as systems change from the beginning; use an eclectic approach; and be open to opportunities that emerge while also undertaking forma analysis to identify leverage points. The authors argue that the time is now ripe to develop such principles and encourage community change agents to engage in a dialogue to explore, revise, eliminate or expand on these principles.
Building capability throughout a change effort: leading the transformation of a police agency to community policing
Authors: Ford J. Kevin
Published: April 2007

This case describes a change effort to move a police agency to become a community policing organization. The community policing effort was seen as a means to make a transformational change to become a learning organization with the goal of improving the delivery of police services. The case describes the steps taken to meet the new vision of community policing as well as the steps taken to deal with the challenges or realities of trying to make change happen. The lens for this case is the leadership role across the stages of change (exploration, planning, implementation, monitoring and institutionalization) in building capacity within the organization to sustain the change effort. The capacity building focused on incorporating systems thinking into the mindset of the members of the organization, breaking down the command and control mindset by building a new norm around high involvement of committed teams, and developing skill sets to support continuous learning and improvement in order to align organizational systems. A key lesson learned is that effective leaders do not just prepare an organization prior to a change effort. They must have the patience to constantly build the capacity for change among organizational members throughout the various stages of the change effort.
Degradation and loss of forest land and land‐use changes in Sarawak, East Malaysia: a study of native land use by the Iban
Authors: Ichikawa Masahiro
Published: April 2007

Swidden agriculture, commercial logging and plantation development have been considered to be the primary common causes of degradation and loss of tropical rain forests in Southeast Asia. In this paper, I chose a part of northeastern Sarawak, East Malaysia as my case study area to analyze the changes in its land‐use characteristics. In the study area, as well as primeval forests, we see that land use began about 100 years ago by a native group called the Iban; commercial logging began in the 1960s, and the development of oil palm plantations began recently. I describe the changes in land use as well as their social and economic causes by referring to aerial photographs, literature surveys, interviews with government officers and the Iban, and observation of land use. My analysis of land use demonstrates that on “state land”, where commercial logging and oil palm plantation development are occurring, large areas of forest have been disturbed in a short period of time. The objective is to benefit economically in response to the social and economic conditions surrounding the study area. On the other hand, in the “Iban territory,” where the Iban practice their land use, land conversion has not occurred on a large scale and in a short period of time, even though the forest has been cut and agricultural fields have been created in response to social and economic conditions as well. They disperse small agricultural fields throughout their forest land. Therefore, the landscape of the “Iban territory” is based on secondary forest, composed of patches of forest in various stages and with several types of agricultural land. Today in Sarawak, monocrop plantations are rapidly expanding and little primeval forest remains. Given these conditions, the land‐use practices of natives such as the Iban will be evaluated from the viewpoint of ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. It could play an important role in providing habitats for natural wildlife.
On the relationship between the environmental history and the epidemiological situation of Argentine hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Polop Francisco , Provensal Cecilia , Scavuzzo Marcelo , Lamfri Mario , Calderón Gladys , Polop Jaime
Published: April 2007

The aim of this work was to establish the relationship between different Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF) epidemiological situations found at different sites and the related large‐scale environmental conditions. Large‐scale environmental records (vegetation index, temperature, precipitation and elevation) were obtained from a series of monthly NOAA satellite images and global databases considered suitable for modeling climatic and other environmental determinants of large‐scale biogeographical regions. The temporal variation in vegetation for cycles of winter‐summer showed a greater variation in the nonendemic region than in the other two regions. On the other hand, the average of the temporal variation in precipitation in cycles of spring–autumn was more different in the historic region than in the other two regions, and land surface temperatures in cycles of spring–autumn showed differences between the epidemic region and the other two regions. We found good separation among the epidemic, historic and nonendemic sites, with the greatest difference found between epidemic and nonendemic sites. The classification of sites showed a tendency for grouping according to the epidemiological situation, but there was some variation. It seems possible to establish a close relationship between the state of AHF incidence and the environmental history of sites suggesting the possibility of predicting epidemiological behavior using environmental conditions derived from satellite data.
Describing size‐related mortality and size distribution by nonparametric estimation and model selection using the Akaike Bayesian Information Criterion
Authors: Shimatani Kenichiro , Kawarasaki Satoko , Manabe Tohru
Published: April 2007

When we calculate mortality along a gradient such as size, dividing into size classes and calculating rates for every class often involves a trade‐off: fine class intervals produce fluctuating rates along the gradient, whereas broad ones may miss some trends within an interval. The same trade‐off occurs when we want to illustrate size distribution by a histogram. This paper introduces nonparametric methods, published in a statistical journal, into forest ecology, in which the fine‐class strategy is used in an extreme way: (1) a smoothly changing pattern is approximated by a fine step function, (2) the goodness‐of‐fit to the data and the smoothness along the gradient are formulated as a weighting sum within a Bayesian framework, (3) the Akaike Bayesian Information Criterion (ABIC) selects the weighting system that most appropriately balances the two demands, and (4) the values of the step function are optimized by the maximum likelihood method. The nonparametric estimates enable us to represent various patterns visually and, unlike parametric modeling, calculations do not demand the determination of a functional form. Mortality and size distribution analyses were conducted on 12‐year forest tree monitoring data from a 4 ha permanent plot in an old‐growth warm–temperate evergreen broad‐leaved forest in Japan. From trees of 11 evergreen species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 5 cm, we found three types of trend with increasing DBH: decreasing, ladle‐shaped and constant mortality. These patterns reflect variations in life history particular to each species.
Connectivity compensates for low habitat quality and small patch size in the butterflyCupido minimus
Authors: Binzenhöfer Birgit , Biedermann Robert , Settele Josef , Schröder Boris
Published: April 2007

Habitat size, habitat isolation and habitat quality are regarded as the main determinants of butterfly occurrence in fragmented landscapes. To analyze the relationship between the occurrence of the butterflyCupido minimusand these factors, patch occupancy of the immature stages in patches of its host plantAnthyllisvulnerariawas studied in the nature reserve Hohe Wann in Bavaria (Germany). In 2001 and 2002, 82A.vulnerariapatches were surveyed for the presence ofC. minimus larvae.The occurrence was largely affected by the size of the food plant patches. In a habitat model that uses multiple logistic regression, the type of management and habitat connectivity are further determinants of species distribution. Internal and temporal validation demonstrate the stability and robustness of the developed habitat models. Additionally, it was proved that the colonization rate ofC. minimuswas significantly influenced by the distance to the next occupiedAnthyllispatch. Concerning long‐term survival of (meta‐) populations in fragmented landscapes, the results show that lower habitat quality may be compensated by higher connectivity between host plant patches.
Seasonally different modes of seed dispersal in the prostrate annual, Chamaesyce maculata (L.) Small (Euphorbiaceae), with multiple overlapping generations
Authors: Ohnishi Yoshihiro , Suzuki Nobuhiko , Katayama Noboru , Teranishi Shin
Published: April 2007

The modes of seed dispersal in the prostrate annual, Chamaesyce maculata, with multiple overlapping generations were investigated. We found that C. maculata has two modes of seed dispersal; autochory in the summer and myrmecochory in the autumn. Seasonally different modes of seed dispersal have not been known in other plant species. The large proportion of seeds produced in the summer was positioned further than the expanse of the parent plants by automatic mechanical seed dispersal. Therefore, autochory would be effective for avoiding competition between parent and offspring plants. No autochory occurred in the seeds produced in the autumn. The seeds of C. maculata without an elaiosome were dispersed by seed‐collecting ants in the autumn. Although 18 ant species in total visited the plants of C. maculata at the 50 sites investigated, only two ant species, Tetramorium tsushimae and Pheidole noda frequently carried the seeds of C. maculata. The low frequency of seeds carried out of the nest by P. noda suggests that the workers of P. noda carry the seeds as food into their nest. So, P. noda might be a less effective seed disperser for C. maculata, corresponding to the effectiveness of seed dispersal by harvester ants. However, T. tsushimae ants frequently carried the seeds into and out of their nest, suggesting that T. tsushimae do not regard the seeds of C. maculata as a food resource. Thus, T. tsushimae may be an effective seed disperser for C. maculata.
Apolipoprotein E ε4 Genotype is Independently Associated with Increased Intima‐Media Thickness in a Recessive Pattern
Authors: Wohlin M. , Sundström J. , Lannfelt Lars , Axelsson Tomas , Syvänen A. C. , Andrén B. , Basu S. , Lind L.
Published: April 2007

Polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene have been associated with lipid levels, carotid intima media thickness (CCA‐IMT), inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Earlier findings suggested an association of the Apo E alleles with increased CCA‐IMT following a recessive pattern. Whether associations might be independent of C‐reactive protein (CRP), lipid levels and other CVD risk factors is not known. We investigated the relationships between Apo E (ε2, ε3 and ε4 alleles) and CCA‐IMT, measured by B‐mode ultrasound, in dominant and recessive models in a community‐based sample of 437 men 75 years of age. In men homozygous for the ε4 allele CCA‐IMT was significantly increased by 0.13 mm to 0.86 ± 0.16 mm compared to 0.73 ± 0.19 mm in non‐ ε4‐carriers (P = 0.0012) and 0.73 ± 0.21 mm in ε4 heterozygous (P = 0.0044) in unadjusted recessive models. The association between Apo E ε4 genotype and CCA‐IMT was independent of Apo E ε2 and Apo E ε3 alleles, CRP, lipid variables (TG, LDL, HDL) and other CVD risk factors (smoking, hypertension, body mass index, diabetes) (P = 0.018). No relations between Apo E genotype and CCA‐IMT were observed in dominant models. No significant associations between the Apo E ε2 and ε3 alleles and CCA‐IMT were found. In this study, men homozygous with the ApoE ε4 allele had thicker CCA‐IMT, independently of Apo E ε2 and ε3 alleles, CRP, lipid variables (TG, LDL, HDL) and other CVD risk factors (smoking, hypertension, body mass index, diabetes), suggesting CCA‐IMT to be modified by the ApoE ε4 genotype in a recessive pattern.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of EOE and EEO, Triacylglycerols Containing Elaidic and Oleic Fatty Acids
Authors: Adlof R. O. , List G. R.
Published: April 2007

Symmetrical and non‐symmetrical triacylglycerols (TAG) containing oleic (O; 9c‐18:1) and elaidic (E; 9t‐18:1) acids were required as part of a study relating the physical characteristics and functionality of trans‐containing TAG with the mouth feel, taste characteristics and related characteristics desired by consumers in frying oils and pastries. To replace the trans isomers in frying oils—a significant part of frying oils prepared by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils—without loss of the sensory properties desired by consumers, required the initiation of a study relating the structure of trans‐containing TAG with such characteristics as melting range, drop points, and other crystalline properties. Elaidic acid was esterified to trielaidin (EEE), and the EEE partially converted (glycerol/p‐toluenesulfonic acid) to a mixture containing ca. 40% DAG (the 1,3‐ and 1,2‐isomers). The DAG fraction was separated by silica gel chromatography, the 1,3‐dielaidylglycerol (1,3EE‐DAG) isomer isolated (structural purity >99%) by crystallization from acetone and esterified with oleic acid (O) to yield EOE. The 1(3)O‐MAG was purchased commercially and esterified with E acid to prepare OEE. Both syntheses yielded multi‐gram quantities of EOE and EEO, in 80–85% yields, and with structural purities >99%. Thus, by careful selection of the thermodynamically more‐stable MAG or DAG precursors, the symmetrical EOE and non‐symmetrical EEO isomers could be readily synthesized, and their drop point and melting point values determined.
A technique for calculating limb length inequality and epiphyseodesis timing using the multiplier method and a spreadsheet
Authors: Sanders James O. , Khoury Joseph G. , Kishan Shyam
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Limb length inequality and epiphyseodesis timing calculations are common in pediatric orthopedics. The multiplier method developed by Paley et al. has significantly simplified the calculation of ultimate limb length. The calculation of limb length inequality has also become very simple for congenital limb length inequalities. However, the equations for limb length inequality from acquired differences and epiphyseodesis timing are not simple, and are prone to arithmetic errors.

Methods

To limit these errors, we have developed a spreadsheet which finds the appropriate multipliers, solves the equations, and computes the predicted limb length inequality and the appropriate age for an epiphyseodesis.

Results

This method of using a spreadsheet and the multiplier calculations is quite simple and quick to use in practice. The calculations can be cut and pasted into computerized charts for future reference.

Conclusions

We recommend this method for clinical use and make it available for public use.
Flexible intramedullary nailing for unicameral cysts in children's long bones
Authors: Glanzmann Michael C. , Campos Lautaro
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of flexible intramedullary nailing for unicameral bone cysts in terms of function and osseous consolidation.

Methods

Twenty-two unicameral bone cysts in children's long bones were treated by flexible intramedullary nailing. In 13 cases the bone cyst was diagnosed in a traumatic event leading to a pathologic fracture. Fifteen patients were referred to our clinic after failed conservative treatment. In 16 patients the cyst was located in the humerus, and in 6 patients in the femur. Mean duration of follow-up after surgery was 24 months.

Results

According to Capanna's criteria healing was obtained in 20 cases with a mean time of 16 months. Sixteen cysts healed completely. Four lesions were classified as grade 2, meaning that residual radiolucencies were radiographically visible at the latest follow-up. Two recurrences of humeral cysts were seen at 16 and 18 months postoperatively. The complication rate was minimal.

Conclusion

Due to the immediate stabilization of the lesion aftercare becomes facile. This method allows prompt mobilization and early weight bearing without the necessity of a plaster cast. Further it prevents effectively the most common complication, a re-fracture or a pathologic fracture. Therefore we propose this surgical procedure as the treatment of choice for unicameral bone cysts in children's long bones.
The relation between cognitive factors and levels of pain and disability in chronic low back pain patients presenting for physiotherapy
Authors: Woby Steve R. , Roach Neil K. , Urmston Martin , Watson Paul J.
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which a number of distinct cognitive factors were differentially related to the levels of pain and disability reported by 183 chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients presenting for physiotherapy. After adjusting for demographics, the cognitive factors accounted for an additional 30% of the variance in pain intensity, with functional self‐efficacy (β=−0.40; P<0.001) and catastrophizing (β=0.21; P<0.01) both uniquely contributing to the prediction of outcome. The cognitive factors also explained an additional 32% of the variance in disability after adjusting for demographics and pain intensity (total R2=0.61). Higher levels of functional self‐efficacy (β=−0.43; P<0.001) and lower levels of depression (β=0.23; P<0.01) were uniquely related to lower levels of disability. Our findings clearly show that there is a strong association between cognitive factors and the levels of pain and disability reported by CLBP patients presenting for physiotherapy. Functional self‐efficacy emerged as a particularly strong predictor of both pain intensity and disability. In view of our findings it would seem that targeting specific cognitive factors should be an integral facet of physiotherapy‐based treatments for CLBP.
Screening social phobia in adolescents from general population: The validity of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) against a clinical interview
Authors: Ranta Klaus , Kaltiala-Heino Riittakerttu , Rantanen Päivi , Tuomisto Martti T. , Marttunen Mauri
Published: April 2007

Social phobia (SP) has onset during early adolescence, and is associated with significant impairment in social and educational functioning of adolescents. Therefore, valid and easy-to-use tools for screening and identification of SP among adolescent community populations are needed. We investigated both construct and discriminative validity, and screening properties of the 17-item Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) relative to SP diagnoses based on a semi-structured clinical interview (K-SADS-PL), in a sample of 752 12 to 17-year-old Finnish students from general population. The SPIN demonstrated good properties to differentiate adolescents with SP and those with sub-clinical SP symptoms (SSP), from adolescents without SP. The SPIN also differentiated adolescents with SP from those with depressive and disruptive disorders. In this sample 27% of participants scored above the previously suggested SPIN cut-off (15 points) for adolescent SP. We suggest using a somewhat higher cut-off score, 24 points, when using the SPIN as a screen for SP in general adolescent populations. This cut-off score resulted in a sensitivity of 81.2%, a specificity of 85.1%, a positive predictive value of 26.9%, and a negative predictive value of 98.6% in relation to the SP diagnosis in our sample. To screen for both SP and SSP, 19 points as a cut-off score produced satisfactory diagnostic efficiency statistics. The SPIN appears to have good properties for screening and identification of adolescent SP.
A study of the discriminative validity of a screening tool (MINI-SPIN) for social anxiety disorder applied to Brazilian university students
Authors: de Lima Osório Flávia , Crippa José Alexandre , Loureiro Sonia Regina
Published: April 2007

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the discriminative validity of MINI-SPIN (MS) as a screening tool for social anxiety disorder (SAD) in a group of Brazilian university students.

Method

SPIN was collectively applied to 2320 university students. Among them, 656 individuals who fulfilled the criteria for positive MS (N = 473) and negative MS (N = 183) were selected and divided into two groups. The selected subjects were interviewed by telephone using the SAD module of the SCID-IV, used as the gold standard. In order to check interrater reliability, a group of university students (N = 57) was reinterviewed by telephone by a second rater, and another group (N = 100) participated in a face-to-face interview.

Results

The Kappa coefficient among the telephone interviews was 0.80, and a coefficient of 0.84 (P < 0.001) was obtained between the telephone interview and the face-to-face one. For a cut-off score of 6, suggested in the original English version of the instrument, sensitivity was 0.94, specificity 0.46, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.58, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.92. For a cut-off score of 7, we observed an increase in the specificity and in the PPV (0.68 and 0.65) while the sensitivity and NPV (0.78 and 0.80) remained high.

Discussion/Conclusion

MS showed quite satisfactory psychometric qualities. The cut-off score of 6 seemed to be the most suitable to attest the tracking value of the tool. However, the cut-off score of 7 was the most suitable as a minimum parameter for the studied group, with psychometric values more similar to those of the original study.
Expression and functional role of formyl peptide receptor in human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kim Mi-Kyoung , Min Do Sik , Park Yoon Jeong , Kim Jae Ho , Ryu Sung Ho , Bae Yoe-Sik
Published: April 2007

We investigated the expression of formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and its functional role in human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We analyzed the expression of FPR by using ligand‐binding assay with radio‐labeled N‐formyl‐met‐leu‐phe (fMLF), and found that MSCs express FPR. FMLF stimulated intracellular calcium increase, mitogen‐activated protein kinases activation, and Akt activation, which were mediated by Gi proteins. MSCs were chemotactically migrated to fMLF. FMLF‐induced MSC chemotaxis was also completely inhibited by pertussis toxin, LY294002, and PD98059, indicating the role of Gi proteins, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase, and extracellular signal regulated protein kinase. N‐terminal fragment of annexin‐1, Anx‐1(2–26), an endogenous agonist for FPR, also induced chemotactic migration of MSCs. Thus MSCs express functional FPR, suggesting a new (patho)physiological role of FPR and its ligands in regulating MSC trafficking during induction of injured tissue repair.
Roles of ion channels and transporters in guard cell signal transduction
Authors: Pandey Sona , Zhang Wei , Assmann Sarah M.
Published: April 2007

Stomatal complexes consist of pairs of guard cells and the pore they enclose. Reversible changes in guard cell volume alter the aperture of the pore and provide the major regulatory mechanism for control of gas exchange between the plant and the environment. Stomatal movement is facilitated by the activity of ion channels and ion transporters found in the plasma membrane and vacuolar membrane of guard cells. Progress in recent years has elucidated the molecular identities of many guard cell transport proteins, and described their modulation by various cellular signal transduction components during stomatal opening and closure prompted by environmental and endogenous stimuli.
Transition metal transport
Authors: Krämer Ute , Talke Ina N. , Hanikenne Marc
Published: April 2007

Transition metal transporters are of central importance in the plant metal homeostasis network which maintains internal metal concentrations within physiological limits. An overview is given of the functions of known transition metal transporters in the context of the unique chemical properties of their substrates. The modifications of the metal homeostasis network associated with the adaptation to an extreme metalliferous environment are illustrated in two Brassicaceae metal hyperaccumulator model plants based on cross‐species transcriptomics studies. In a comparison between higher plants and unicellular algae, hypotheses are generated for evolutionary changes in metal transporter complements associated with the transition to multicellularity.
The dioxin (aryl hydrocarbon) receptor as a model for adaptive responses of bHLH/PAS transcription factors
Authors: Furness Sebastian G.B. , Lees Michael J. , Whitelaw Murray L.
Published: April 2007

This review examines the common theme of adaptive responses of bHLH/PAS proteins, using the dioxin receptor as a prototype. The bHLH/PAS family of transcriptional regulators are a group of key developmental and environmental stress sensing proteins. They employ a variety of post‐translational control mechanisms to regulate their transcriptional output. Amongst this family, the dioxin receptor is best known for its ability to elicit toxic responses to dioxin and dioxin like chemicals even though it mediates more benign adaptive responses to non‐toxic xenobiotics. We discuss what is known about dioxin receptor physiology, both adaptive and inherent, along with its molecular regulation and put this into the context of the wider bHLH/PAS family. We also raise the issue of its toxic responses, in particular the idea that it is the dysregulation of its poorly characterised housekeeping functions that leads to these outcomes.
Isoferroplatinum mineral assemblage in the northwestern Salair gold placer
Authors: Podlipsky M.Yu. , Nesterenko G.V. , Krivenko A.P.
Published: April 2007

Isoferroplatinum mineral assemblage has been first discovered in the Simonovsky Brook gold placer localized in the Egor’evskoe gold-bearing district (Salair Range). It includes isoferroplatinum (Pt3Fe) grains with inclusions of cuprorhodsite CuRh2S4, braggite (Pt,Pd)S, vysotskite PdS, high-Pt rhodarsenide (Rh,Pd,Pt)2As, keithconnite Pd3Te, hollingworthite RhAsS, Cu and Fe sulfides, basic plagioclase, magnetite, epidote, quartz, kaolinite, and leucoxene. The assemblage might have been produced from small gabbroid bodies widespread in the northwestern Salair region, including those of the Uralian platinum-bearing type, or from gabbroids of other complexes.
Bottom sediments and pore waters near a hydrothermal vent in Lake Baikal (Frolikha Bay)
Authors: Granina L.Z. , Klerkx J. , Callender E. , Leermakers M. , Golobokova L.P.
Published: April 2007

We discuss the redox environments and the compositions of bottom sediments and sedimentary pore waters in the region of a hydrothermal vent in Frolikha Bay, Lake Baikal. According to our results, the submarine vent and its companion nearby spring on land originate from a common source. The most convincing evidence for their relation comes from the proximity of stable oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions in pore waters and in the spring water. The isotope composition indicates a meteoric origin of pore waters, but their major- and minor-element chemistry bears imprint of deep water which may seep through permeable faulted crust. Although pore waters near the submarine vent have a specific enrichment in major and minor constituents, hydrothermal discharge at the Baikal bottom causes a minor impact on the lake water chemistry, unlike the case of freshwater geothermal lakes in the East-African Rift and North America.
Isotopic composition (H, O, Cl, Sr) of ground brines of the Siberian Platform
Authors: Alexeev S.V. , Alexeeva L.P. , Borisov V.N. , Shouakar-Stash O. , Frape S.K. , Chabaux F. , Kononov A.M.
Published: April 2007

New data on the geochemistry and isotopic composition of chloride brines of the Siberian Platform are presented. The distribution of stable isotopes (2H, 18O, and 37Cl) in brines of the Tunguska, Angara-Lena, western part of the Yakutian and Olenek artesian basins and 87Sr/86Sr in brines of the western part of the Olenek artesian basin was studied in the context of the problem of genesis of highly mineralized groundwaters. Results of the study and comparative analysis of the geochemical and isotopic peculiarities of the Siberian Platform brines conform to the theory of brine formation through the interaction of connate waters with enclosing rocks.
Interpretation of chaotic jointing near fault planes: a new approach
Authors: Seminsky K.Zh. , Burzunova Yu.P.
Published: April 2007

We suggest a new approach to study apparently chaotic jointing near faults of different geometries. It implies matching jointing stereograms to standard patterns developed for strike-slip, reverse, thrust, and normal faulting. The standard patterns correspond to joint triplets that regularly initiate in small rock volumes under second-order stress fields during the formation of fault zones. The approach was tested for the cases of failure in bedrock and unconsolidated sediments and showed up as an efficient tool for investigating the origin, structure, and evolution of faults.
The behavior of heavy minerals in lithostream
Authors: Akulov N.I. , Agafonov B.P.
Published: April 2007

This study is concerned with the eolian deposits on the Baikal shore. It has been established that (1) the eolian sands are distinctly divided into two sequences: Khuzhir (Late Pleistocene) and Peschanka (Holocene); (2) the ilmenite enrichment of the sands is due to the removal of sand grains (containing mainly light minerals) by strong winds up the shore, first, from a dewatered beach zone, and then, from zones of psammitic-material transition. This leads to the concentration of ilmenite and other heavy minerals, first, within the beach zone, and then, within the zones of prevailing eolian-sand transition. The accumulation-transition zones are most enriched in heavy minerals, including ilmenite; (3) the ilmenite content in the study Ti-ore placer deposit shows a high correlation (R = 0.89) with the total content of heavy minerals.
Performance evaluation of spherical parallel platforms for humanoid robots
Authors: Saltaren Roque J. , Sabater Jose M. , Yime Eugenio , Azorin Jose M. , Aracil Rafael , Garcia Nicolas
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a simple methodology for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the performance of spherical parallel platforms. The quaternion formulation is used to represent the possible rotations, showing the workspace as a three-dimensional (3-D) solid object. The singularities of the platform intersect graphically with its workspace, allowing a graphical study of the mechanism kinematics. The performance criterion considered here has been the local dexterity of the manipulator. This methodology has been used to study and analyze three known orientation parallel platforms: 3-RRR, 3-UPU-wrist, and 2-UPS-1-RU. The objective of this study is to analyze the ability of these platforms to be utilized as mechanisms for the neck and shoulders of humanoid robots. Finally, the forces on actuators in some typical motions for neck and shoulder are plotted.
Duncan Haldane (9 May 1947 – 22 August 2006)
Authors: Page David
Published: April 2007

Duncan Haldane, a member of the Council of the Royal Asiatic Society, who died in August after a long battle with cancer, was an Arabist, a broadcaster, an arts administrator and a teacher, who made his mark in many different fields.
The Armenian Episcopacy in Mamluk Jerusalem in the Aftermath of the Council of Sis (1307)
Authors: la Porta Sergio
Published: April 2007

From the earliest days of Christianity in Armenia, Jerusalem was an important centre of pilgrimage, culture, and faith. An Armenian hierarchy free from the authority of the Imperial Greek church had existed in Jerusalem possibly from the time of Justinian and an Armenian episcopacy from the time of the Arab conquests. According to Armenian tradition, first recorded in M. Č‘amč‘ian's History of the Armenians, in 1311 Bishop Sargis of Jerusalem (sed. 1281–1313) dramatically changed the nature of that office, when he declared himself and his entire charge independent of both the spiritual overlordship of the Catholicossate of Sis and the political protection of the Armenian kingdom founded in Cilicia. The catalyst for the rupture was the Cilician Church's decision in favour of union with Rome taken with the encouragement of the Armenian monarchy at the Council of Sis in 1307. According to Č‘amč‘ian, Bishop Sargis, rejecting the Armenian kingdom's demands of obedience, turned to the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt and received from him an edict declaring that henceforth the Armenian bishop of Jerusalem would be able to exercise full Patriarchal rights, namely, the ability to appoint bishops and to use the red patriarchal seal to ratify documents.
The Story of Sayf al-Mulūk in South Asia
Authors: Shackle Christopher
Published: April 2007

Seyf-el-Mulook answered him, May God (whose name be exalted!) make it [thy country] ever to be honoured by thy rule, O King! And the King Faghfoor Shah said, Nought hath brought thee hither save some affair that hath occurred to thee; and whatever thing thou desirest to obtain from my country, I will accomplish it for thee.

Most English readers may not remember the story these lines from Edward Lane's translation relate to, but the sub-Biblical language in which the exotically named characters converse should be enough to site the story of Sayf al-Mulūk in the magically Oriental world of the Thousand and One Nights as it was conceived in the Victorian imagination.
Inscribed Oil lamps and other Kharoṣṭhī Inscriptions from Gandhāra
Authors: Khan M. Nasim
Published: April 2007

Inscribed lamps are rarely found in the region of ancient Gandhāra: just one each from Malakand, Taxila; Jamal Garhi and Chatpat site, two from Swat. To this list can be added another lamp, also found at Swat, which is presently in a private collection in England. To this we can add three more such lamps presently in private collections and the author is thankful to the owners for allowing him to publish these objects. Moreover, this paper also includes an inscribed slab and a unique seal bearing Kharoṣṭhī inscriptions; both come from the same region.