bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Predictive Validity of a Gender-Responsive Needs Assessment
Authors: Salisbury Emily J. , Van Voorhis Patricia , Spiropoulos Georgia V.
Published: March 2008

Risk assessment and classification systems for women have been largely derived from male-based systems. As a result, many of the needs unique to women are not formally assessed or treated. Emerging research advocating a gender-responsive approach to the supervision and treatment of women offenders suggests that needs such as abuse, mental health, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and parenting issues are important treatment targets. Although these needs may be highly prevalent among women offenders, they have not been adequately tested to determine their relationships with future offending. In response, the present study sought to understand whether gender-responsive needs contributed as risk factors to poor prison adjustment and community recidivism. Additionally, several types of risk assessment models were explored to determine whether gender-responsive needs enhanced the validities of currently established risk classification systems (i.e., a state’s institutional custody scale and the Level of Service Inventory-Revised). Patterns of results differed across prison and community outcomes, with some gender-responsive needs contributing to more valid risk assessment systems. As a pilot study, the results, although mixed, appear to support continued research on this topic.
Reconsidering Child Saving
Authors: Applegate Brandon K. , Davis Robin King , Cullen Francis T.
Published: March 2008

The 1990s saw concerted legislative efforts to increase the mechanisms through which juveniles could be transferred to the adult court. Beginning research exists on how the public feels about transferring youths out of the juvenile justice system, but it is somewhat dated and does little to illuminate the reasons people support transfer. Using a statewide sample and factorial survey design, this study assesses how public views are related to multiple factors, including offense and offender characteristics, views on the appropriate aims of juvenile sentencing, perceptions of juvenile maturity, and expectations about the results of transferring juvenile cases to the adult criminal justice system. Our findings suggest that people want transfer used sparingly and selectively and that support is greatest when they believe that the adult system can provide effective rehabilitation as well as punishment. Implications are discussed.
Understanding Community Policing as an Innovation: Patterns of Adoption
Authors: Schaefer Morabito Melissa
Published: March 2008

In the 1980s and 1990s, community policing was viewed by many as a radical innovation in the field of policing, with the vast majority of police agencies reporting to have adopted the approach. Despite its overwhelming popularity, most police agencies did not adopt the central elements of community policing. This study examines patterns of community policing adoption of 474 police departments across the United States. Using an innovations framework, a model was developed that measures the extent to which community characteristics, organizational complexity, and organizational commitment can explain differences in the adoption of community policing. Findings suggest that the innovations approach can explain some variation in the adoption of community policing and should be considered in future police research.
There Are Several Principals— Each One Worthy of Research
Authors: Coletta Damon
Published: March 2008

In defense of the argument made in "Courage in the Service of Virtue," in effect that courageous military advice better serves the republic when it accounts for political competition facing civilian principals, the author answers the complaint that his analysis accorded too much deference to the executive and ignored Congress and the people the real principals of American civil–military relations. The principal–agent model has more than one useful application, and executive authority over the U.S. military is both more fragile and more important for democratic control than the critics imply.
Civil Rights Versus “Civic Progress”
Authors: Lang Clarence
Published: March 2008

This article discusses the campaign that the St. Louis, Missouri, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People led against a proposed new municipal charter in 1956 and 1957. Many black activists viewed the charter as an attempt to exclude African Americans from city government and policy. They also feared it would facilitate the displacement of black working-class communities in the elite interests of urban redevelopment and “civic progress.” This article argues that the charter fight stimulated a civil rights struggle locally, and brought to the fore class conflict among the city's black leadership that would become more pronounced in later decades. This project illustrates that black civil rights agendas encompassed complex issues of urban policy and planning, and structures of municipal governance. Furthermore, it highlights the role black urban working-class movements played in challenging unequal patterns of postwar metropolitan development.
What Happens When Groups Say Sorry: The Effect of Intergroup Apologies on Their Recipients
Authors: Philpot Catherine R. , Hornsey Matthew J.
Published: March 2008

Despite the increased incidence of intergroup apology in public life, very little empirical attention has been paid to the questions of whether intergroup apologies work and if so, why. In a series of experiments, Australians read scenarios in which Australian interests had been harmed by an outgroup. Participants were then told that the outgroup had either apologized or had not apologized for the offense. Although the presence of an apology helped promote perceptions that the outgroup was remorseful, and although participants were more satisfied with an apology than with no apology, the presence of the apology failed to promote forgiveness for the offending group. This was the case regardless of whether the effectiveness of apology was measured cross-sectionally (Experiment 1) or longitudinally (Experiment 2). It was also the case when the apology was accompanied by victims advocating forgiveness (Experiment 3) and was independent of the emotionality of the apology (Experiment 4). In contrast, individuals who apologized for intergroup atrocities were personally forgiven more than those who did not apologize (Experiment 4). Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
Historical Social Movements, Ecological Crisis and ‘Other’ World Views
Authors: Chew Sing C.
Published: March 2008

Andre Gunder Frank and Marta Fuentes have suggested that social movements of protest tend to cluster during periods of economic downturns. With this in mind, can we examine world history over the long-term to enable us to provide a more insightful understanding of the transformative potential of social movements during times of socioeconomic, ecological and political disruptions as Frank and Fuentes suggested over a decade ago? This article examines the rise of two social movements that have emerged during different periods of world history when the world system was/is in crisis: Christian monasticism and Bioregionalism. Besides viewing Christian monasticism as a religious movement that arose in reaction to the turbulent conditions towards the end of the Roman Empire, I want to argue that Christian monasticism can also be conceived as a social institution formed in reaction to the excessive consumption, economic exploitation and ecological crisis that occurred prior to and during the Dark Ages of Antiquity. Almost 1,700 years later, our current era of socioeconomic, political and ecological crises has also sparked movements expounding alternative world-views and lifestyle options. One such anti-systemic movement is Bioregionalism which is a direct contrast to our contemporary world-view that underscores the themes of globalization, technologization of life and hyper consumption. Therefore, along a similar vein to early Christian monasticism's reaction to institutionalized religion then, Bioregionalism as a life-practice also plays a similar role in the contemporary crisis era. Both of these social movements can be considered as part of the family of social movements that have occurred in world history that Frank and Fuentes (1989, 1990) have written about in the late 20th century.
Homo Sapiens and the Longue Durée
Authors: Nader Laura
Published: March 2008

This essay connects anthropology with the spirit and substance of André Gunder Frank's world history project, emphasizing the need to integrate efforts to understand global colonization by homo sapiens with the expansion of powerful complex societies, sometimes called empires. It also pursues Frank's ‘hegemonic truncation in the world system’ by comparing structural similarities of the Mongols and the Europeans. Backwards history, as Frank and others call it, moves from the present to the past as a method for understanding continuing Euro-American expansions.
Post-hoc IRT equating of previously administered English tests for comparison of test scores
Authors: Saida Chisato , Hattori Tamaki
Published: March 2008

Despite growing concerns about declining scholastic abilities of Japanese students throughout Japan prior to the implementation of the revised Courses of Study in 2002, little empirical evidence was available at that time to support this perceived decline in academic performance. This research describes post-hoc IRT equating of previously administered English tests for retrospective comparison of test scores. Eight forms of a prefecture-(state-)wide English test for high school students administered from 1995 to 2002 were analyzed through the two-parameter IRT model. Because there were no common items and no common examinees among the eight forms, seven composite tests were created for equating with a common-examinee design. Using the mean and sigma method to estimate equating constants, the ability parameter estimates of approximately 140,000 examinees became comparable on a common IRT scale. The results showed that the mean scores among first-year high school students were in a declining trend during the eight-year period. This is a first step toward demonstrating trends in English ability among Japanese students year by year based on IRT using previously administered large-scale English tests. The post-hoc equating method presented here is applicable to any similar circumstance in language testing research.
Role of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus in Repositioning the Patella
Authors: Un Yeong-Fwu , Lin Jiu-Jenq , Jan Mei-Hwa , Wei Tung-Ching , Shin Hsin-Yen , Cheng Cheng-Kung
Published: March 2008

Background

It has been assumed that patellofemoral pain syndrome results from patellar malalignment. The precise role the vastus medialis obliquus plays in mediating the underlying pathologic abnormality is unclear.

Hypothesis

The morphologic characteristics of the vastus medialis obliquus correlate to patellar malalignment in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

One hundred twelve patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were studied. Six sets of computed tomography axial images were assessed in which knee flexion was 0°, 15°, or 30° and the quadriceps muscle either relaxed or contracted. Measurements of serial cross-sectional areas of the vastus medialis obliquus and patellar malalignment were made. Correlation and stepwise regression models between the vastus medialis obliquus variables and patellar malalignment (lateral shift and patellar tilt) were calculated. Statistics were calculated on 4 subgroups depending on patellofemoral malalignment type.

Results

Significant correlations were found between measures of cross-sectional areas of vastus medialis obliquus and patellar tilt at 0° and 30° of knee flexion. Using a regression model, it was determined that vastus medialis obliquus is predictive of patellar tilt ( R 2 = 0.078–0.130). This explanation was most apparent in the subgroup of patients with extreme patellar tilt and lateral shift malalignments ( R 2 up to 0.824).

Conclusion

There are significant correlations between vastus medialis obliquus variables and patellar malalignments in extended knees of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Clinical Relevance

Vastus medialis obliquus muscle function is important to consider in the rehabilitation of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, especially those with extreme patellar tilt and lateral shift malalignments.
Prevention of Overuse Injuries by a Concurrent Exercise Program in Subjects Exposed to an Increase in Training Load
Authors: Brushøj Christoffer , Larsen Klaus , Albrecht-Beste Elisabeth , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Løye Finn , Hölmich Per
Published: March 2008

Background

It is unknown whether an exercise program can prevent overuse injuries in the lower extremity. An often encountered and important risk factor for the development of lower extremity overuse injuries is an abrupt increase in activity level.

Hypothesis

A preventive training program based on a literature review of intrinsic risk factors, and performed concurrent with an increase in physical activity, can reduce the incidence of overuse knee injuries and medial tibial stress syndrome, as well as increase running distance.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

A total of 1020 soldiers aged 20.9 years (range, 19–26 years) undergoing 3 months of basic military training consecutively enrolled from December 2004 to December 2005. The prevention program consisted of an exercise program of 15 minutes’ duration 3 times a week, including 5 exercises for strength, flexibility, and coordination; the placebo program consisted of 5 exercises for the upper body.

Results

During the observation period, 223 subjects sustained an injury, with 50 and 48 of these fulfilling the study criteria for overuse knee injuries or medial tibial stress syndrome, respectively. There were no significant differences in incidence of injury between the prevention group and the placebo group (incidence, 0.22 vs 0.19; P = .162; relative risk = 1.05 [range, 0.98–1.11]). The soldiers in the prevention group had the greater improvement in running distance in 12-minute run tests (82 vs 43 m; P = .037).

Conclusion

An exercise program with an emphasis on muscular strengthening, coordination, and flexibility based on intrinsic risk factors identified through a literature review did not influence the risk of developing overuse knee injuries or medial tibial stress syndrome in subjects undergoing an increase in physical activity. The program increased maximal running distance in a 12-minute test.
A Dynamic Model of Generalized Social Trust
Authors: Ahn T.K. , Esarey Justin
Published: March 2008

How does generalized social trust — a Trustor's willingness to allow anonymous Trustees to make decisions affecting the Trustor's own welfare without an enforceable contract or guarantee, despite the Trustees' incentives to exploit or defraud — come to predominate in a community? This article is organized around a theoretical argument about the dynamics of generalized trust. This argument is deduced from a formal model built on assumptions that are common in the existing literature on trust. We find three results. First, generalized trust and trustworthiness can thrive if reliable credentials allow people to distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy partners. Second, under a system of credential-dependent trust, the proportion of trustworthy persons in the population tends to cycle between high and low levels in the long run. Hence, the model may explain the currently observed decline in generalized trust in the United States as a part of a long-term cycle. Finally, trustworthy types can coordinate to dampen the trustworthiness cycle and (under some conditions) maintain trustworthy types as the majority in a society.
To Punish the Guilty and Protect the Innocent
Authors: Nalepa Monika
Published: March 2008

Any country in the aftermath of transition to democracy confronts the challenge of transitional justice, that is, the task of designing a system of procedures for holding perpetrators and collaborators of the ancien regime responsible for their past activity. Two important normative goals that transitional justice shares with any system of justice are avoiding false convictions (punishing the innocent) on the one hand, and false acquittals (letting the guilty go) on the other. Different systems of transitional justice will vary in the extent to which they fulfill these normative goals. In this article I offer an approach to the study of systems of transitional justice that distinguishes between confession-based and accusation-based truth-revelation procedures (CTRs and ATRs). Game-theoretic models of plea bargaining from the law and economics literature are adapted to compare CTRs to ATRs. I evaluate their performance with respect to avoiding false conviction and false acquittal. I establish plausible conditions under which CTRs perform better than ATRs and formulate propositions. The empirical implications are illustrated with three cases from East Central Europe.
Disability Access and E-Government
Authors: Rubaii-Barrett Nadia , Wise Lois Recascino
Published: March 2008

Despite a body of federal and state laws and policies promoting access to e-government for individuals with disabilities, wide variation exists across the states in the level of Web site accessibility. This study seeks to identify factors accounting for why some states are more responsive than other states to the needs of people with disabilities in their use of e-government. Drawing on demographic, political, administrative, and economic arguments, the authors account for a substantial share of the variation among states using a model based on measures of need, partisan control of government, fiscal capacity, and state spending. The single most important variable in the model is the strength of a state's own technical assistance policy; the way a policy is formulated in terms of clarity of objectives and enforcement capacity is significant. The authors' findings have clear implications for policy formulation and implementation, and they suggest several avenues for future research.
Support Vector Machine based Online Composite Helicopter Rotor Blade Damage Detection System
Authors: Pawar Prashant M. , Sung Nam Jung
Published: March 2008

This work explores a feasibility of using vibratory hub loads and support vector machine (SVM) to predict damage and hence the life consumption of the composite helicopter rotor blade. Generally, the initial part of the composite's life is dominated by matrix cracking; the intermediate part by debonding/delamination and the final failure due to fiber breakage. The simulated hub loads under various damage levels are obtained using a comprehensive aeroelastic analysis of the composite rotor blade with physics based damage modes and are then linked with the life consumption of the blade using a phenomenological model. The SVM is used for classification of the useful life of the blade into three classes which are useful to decide the prognostic action. The performance of the blade damage detection system is demonstrated using simulated hub loads obtained using a two-cell airfoil section representing the stiff-inplane blade. The model based hub load variations are contaminated with noise to simulate the real data. It is observed that the SVM based damage detection system is more robust, reliable and easy to implement than the rotating frame measurement based methods.
Development of a Transducer for Active Vibration Isolation Using Translational and Rotational Power Transmission as a Cost Function
Authors: Howard Carl Q. , Hansen Colin H.
Published: March 2008

When conducting active vibration control experiments it is often necessary to omit the measurements of the contribution of power transmission due to rotational moments because of the lack of suitable transducers. Here, a transducer is described which can be used to measure the translational and rotational power transmission from a source to a receiving structure. A description of the procedure used to calibrate the device is also included. The results from the calibration show that whilst the amplitude of the forces, moments, translational, and rotational displacements can be measured accurately, it is the phase accuracy of these measurements that limit the accuracy of measurements of power transmission.
Investigation of the Two-state, Maximum Work Extraction Switching Rule of a State-switched Absorber for Vibration Control
Authors: Holdhusen Mark , Cunefare Kenneth A.
Published: March 2008

A state-switched absorber (SSA) is a derivative of a classical tuned vibration absorber (TVA). An SSA is a mass-spring-damper system that is capable of instantaneously changing its stiffness, thus is capable of instantaneously changing its resonance frequency. Between instantaneous switch events, the absorber is a passive device, acting similarly to a classical TVA. When a switch event occurs, the SSA instantly changes its stiffness, effectively `retuning' its resonance frequency. At this point, the SSA remains tuned to this new frequency until the next switch event, where it changes frequencies again. Previous research has shown that applying a maximum work extraction switching rule to a two-stiffness-state absorber results in improved performance of the SSA over classical vibration absorbers. The article at hand investigates the two-state, maximum work extraction switching rule in more detail. Specifically, the explanation of how the switching rule reduces the vibration of the base to which it is attached is considered. The article also details the stability of such a switching rule.
Modal Synthesis and Dynamical Condensation Methods for Accurate Piezoelectric Systems Impedance Computation
Authors: Collet M. , Cunefare K.A.
Published: March 2008

This article proposes a new, simple and efficient approach, allowing one to reduce and construct piezoelectric super elements guaranteeing an accurate representation of the electrical impedance without the need for static correction. This allows the electronic coupling to be fully addressed in the optimization of passive shunted piezoelectric transducers, energy harvesting piezoelectric systems or dense distributed transducers. The model obtained through this approach is also versatile, of small size, and is therefore quite tractable for use in intensive computation algorithms. Two example systems are used to demonstrate the numerical accuracy and convergence properties of the proposed approach.
HPV and Cervical Cancer Testing and Prevention: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes Among Hispanic Women
Authors: Vanslyke Jan Gaylord , Baum Julie , Plaza Veronica , Otero Maria , Wheeler Cosette , Helitzer Deborah L.
Published: March 2008

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease resulting from infection with high-risk types of sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Public knowledge of HPVs and their link to cervical cancer is limited. Participation in cervical cancer prevention programs, including Pap and HPV screening and HPV vaccine acceptance, is crucial for limiting the incidence of cervical cancer. Hispanic women suffer the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the United States. In this study, we conducted community-based focus groups with Hispanic women to explore knowledge and attitudes relating to cervical cancer, HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination. Study findings suggest a need to increase public health literacy in relation to HPV, the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and HPV primary and secondary prevention options. Health care providers should be prepared to share information with patients that supports and promotes informed decision making about HPV testing and vaccines and their complementary roles in cervical cancer screening and prevention.
The Rural Health Access Project: Using the Nursing Process to Staff a Primary Clinic
Authors: Brown Gloria A.
Published: March 2008

Many communities have an underserved population. This article describes how one community and one nurse instituted a primary care service that meets the needs of a population that lacks access to quality health services. By applying the nursing process to staff scheduling within a rolling clinic setting, care and services were consistently available to the rural population.
On the Outside Looking In: A Nurse's Experience as a Volunteer EMT
Authors: Bennett Catherine C.
Published: March 2008

The care delivered by emergency medical system (EMS) personnel makes intuitive sense in that it is similar to emergency department care—only sooner. The author of this article found that, in fact, quite of few differences exist in these systems of care! This article describes the experience of an ex-home care nurse who chose to use her skills as a volunteer with the community ambulance company. Differences in standards of practice and roles of the EMS versus a nurse are discussed, along with the process for resolving conflicting practice principles.
Geriatric Care Management: A Special Kind of Private Practice
Authors: Goldberg Gladys
Published: March 2008

This article provides an overview and exploration of the field of geriatric care management, a specialized, unique type of private practice. The author offers a firsthand look at what is involved in maintaining a private practice that is dedicated to helping elders and their families confront and resolve difficult and complex problems of everyday living. The author focuses on the emotional, financial, and family issues that arise in dealing with these situations and on providing the reader with an understanding of the business aspects of care provision. A case study that provides the steps of the care management assessment, care planning, and outcome development process is included.
Healing Through Loss: The Stepping Stones
Authors: Fitzgerald Lorraine
Published: March 2008

This article represents one approach to the bereavement process—a time-limited, grief-specific bereavement group. The highlights of this process include introduction to the individuals or families, the telephone contact, and individual and bereavement support group work. Bereavement group types are usually explored through a time sequence of an 8-week approach. Adult children, spouses, partners, and parents are included in these types of support groups. Although this article focuses on the time-limited, grief-specific bereavement group experience, quarterly reunions and reflection groups are additional opportunities for the bereaved to share their grief with others.
Home Care Primary Nurse Case Management Model
Authors: Herleman Laura
Published: March 2008

A typical home care nurse is rarely taught a special structured method to do case management. During an orientation, nurses are told they are primary case managers and are oriented to all of the tasks for which they are responsible. However, there is no structured case management method taught. Nurses are typically told that they will develop their own style after observing others. This article describes an organized method of managing patients and their needs with three outcome objectives: to understand the importance of having a structured case management model, to be able to organize and manage all of the tasks for which a primary nurse case manager is responsible, and to increase efficiency with case management issues and decrease or eliminate additional time spent on case management outside of patient visits.
The Importance of a Multifaceted Approach in the Assessment and Treatment of Childhood Feeding Disorders
Authors: Martin Clarissa , Southall Angela , Shea Elizabeth , Marr Abby
Published: March 2008

The objective of this article is to describe the use of a multifaceted approach in the assessment and treatment of a child with a severe feeding disorder in an inpatient setting. Family and ward-staff interviews, video observations, and behavioral measures were used in the assessment and treatment of a 2-year-old girl admitted to a pediatric ward with failure to thrive and was being tube fed. Causal and maintaining factors were identified and the subsequent intervention (the feeding program) combined a behavioral treatment (learning principles applied at mealtimes) and family-centered work (systematic parent training procedures). By the time of the psychological intervention, the majority of developmentally and age-appropriate feeding behavior appeared to be absent and the child only fed through a naso-gastric tube. The number and variety of feeding behaviors and the amount and variety of foods taken increased during treatment. These behaviors were maintained during the follow-up and generalized into the home environment. There was also an observed increase in the child's capacity for emotional expression. Successful outcomes can be achieved with complex feeding problems by using a multifaceted approach that places emphasis on effective transdisciplinary collaboration and the inclusion of the family in all stages of the process.
A Heuristic Attempt at Understanding Economic Action in South Korea
Authors: Lee-Peuker Mi-Yong
Published: March 2008

This article presents a heuristic attempt at understanding economic action in South Korea. The heuristic is based on the idea of experience-near concepts — as introduced by Clifford Geertz — and constructed by the terms 'affiliation', 'indebtedness' and 'mediation'. In order to enrich the understanding of economic action in Korea I chose the interplay between the functionalist and the interpretivist paradigm. Qualitative interviews with native and foreign executives were conducted on site and interpreted against the background of (Neo-)Confucianism in South Korea. For the purpose of the study I developed 'the (Neo-)Confucian way of life' as an ideal type, following Max Weber's 'ideal typical construction of meaning'.
Prolonged Exposure Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following the 9/11 Attack With a Person Who Escaped From the Twin Towers
Authors: Kazi Aisha , Freund Blanche , Ironson Gail
Published: March 2008

The occurrence and impact of terrorist attacks can be dramatic and long lasting. Cognitive-behavioral interventions are effective in alleviating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of rape, wartime combat, automobile accidents, and natural disasters. Effectiveness of such interventions on victims of terrorist attacks is in the early stages of research. On September 11, 2001, two hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers in New York City, killing approximately 2,750 people and emotionally and physically affecting thousands who witnessed or escaped the attack. This case study illustrates a course of 12 active prolonged exposure (PE) sessions for PTSD with a female survivor. After 15 sessions (3 of which were preparatory), the client improved 75%, as measured by a composite score of measures. Her reported quality of life had improved dramatically posttreatment and remained stable at 6-month follow-up. This cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention, with 15 office sessions and homework assignments for decreasing avoidances, is described and discussed.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Applied to Treatment of Auditory Hallucinations
Authors: Veiga-Martínez Carlos , Pérez-Álvarez Marino , García-Montes José M.
Published: March 2008

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) represents a new generation of behavior therapies that, after having received empirical support in a variety of disorders characterized by experiential avoidance, also offers a promising new treatment for psychosis. In contrast to the traditional treatment, in which both antipsychotic medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy focus on reducing symptoms, ACT proposes active acceptance and at the same time orientation of the person toward the achievement of worthwhile goals for his or her life in spite of symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations. In this case, a 30-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia demonstrates the logic and effectiveness of ACT as well as its applicability as part of the routine activities of a clinical psychologist in a public mental health care center.
Treating Traumatic Amputation-Related Phantom Limb Pain
Authors: Russell Mark C.
Published: March 2008

Since September 2006, more than 725 service members from the global war on terrorism have survived combat-related traumatic amputations that often result in phantom limb pain (PLP) syndrome. Combat amputees are also at high risk of developing chronic mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and clinical depression as they deal with wartime experiences, rehabilitation, and postrehabilitation adjustments. One active-duty patient was referred to a military outpatient clinic for treatment of PLP and PTSD following a traumatic leg amputation from a noncombat-related motor vehicle accident. Four sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) led to elimination of PLP and a significant reduction in PTSD, depression, and phantom limb tingling sensations. A detailed account of this treatment, as well as a review of the benefits of EMDR research and treatment in the military, is provided. The results are promising but in need of further research.
Psychotherapy in Nontraditional Settings
Authors: Maxfield Molly , Segal Daniel L.
Published: March 2008

The underuse of psychological services among older adults is quite common. A variety of barriers contribute to this problem, one of which involves the difficulties associated with getting to appointments. The inability to attend appointments is frequently attributable to the occurrence of age-related physical limitations leaving the individual homebound. This case study offers an illustration of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy in the treatment of a depressed homebound older adult with limited social and financial resources. Special consideration is given to difficulties often experienced by older adults and the unconventional circumstances associated with providing in-home psychotherapy.
Nuclear translocation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator
Authors: Stepanova Victoria , Lebedeva Tatiana , Kuo Alice , Yarovoi Serge , Tkachuk Sergei , Zaitsev Sergei , Bdeir Khalil , Dumler Inna , Marks Michael S. , Parfyonova Yelena , Tkachuk Vsevolod A. , Higazi Abd Al-Roof , Cines Douglas B.
Published: March 2008

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) participates in diverse (patho)physiological processes through intracellular signaling events that affect cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, although the mechanisms by which these occur are only partially understood. Here we report that upon cell binding and internalization, single-chain uPA (scuPA) translocates to the nucleus within minutes. Nuclear translocation does not involve proteolytic activation or degradation of scuPA. Neither the urokinase receptor (uPAR) nor the low-density lipoprotein-related receptor (LRP) is required for nuclear targeting. Rather, translocation involves the binding of scuPA to the nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein nucleolin through a region containing the kringle domain. RNA interference and mutational analysis demonstrate that nucleolin is required for the nuclear transport of scuPA. Furthermore, nucleolin is required for the induction smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA) by scuPA. These data reveal a novel pathway by which uPA is rapidly translocated to the nucleus where it might participate in regulating gene expression.
Enhanced NK-cell development and function in BCAP-deficient mice
Authors: MacFarlane Alexander W. , Yamazaki Tetsuo , Fang Min , Sigal Luis J. , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Campbell Kerry S.
Published: March 2008

In B lymphocytes, the B-cell adaptor for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (BCAP) facilitates signaling from the antigen receptor. Mice lacking BCAP have a predominantly immature pool of B cells with impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Unexpectedly, we have found that natural killer (NK) cells from BCAP-deficient mice are more mature, more long-lived, more resistant to apoptosis, and exhibit enhanced functional activity compared with NK cells from wild-type mice. Surprisingly, these effects are evident despite a severe impairment of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-mediated Akt signaling pathway. The seemingly paradoxical phenotype reveals inherent differences in the signals controlling the final maturation of B cells and NK cells, which depend on positive and negative signals, respectively. Both enhanced interferon-γ responses and augmented maturation of NK cells in BCAP-deficient mice are independent of available MHC class I ligands. Our data support a model in which blunting of BCAP-mediated activation signaling in developing NK cells promotes functionality, terminal maturation, and long-term survival.
TNF primes endothelial cells for angiogenic sprouting by inducing a tip cell phenotype
Authors: Sainson Richard C. A. , Johnston Douglas A. , Chu Henry C. , Holderfield Matthew T. , Nakatsu Martin N. , Crampton Steven P. , Davis Jaeger , Conn Erin , Hughes Christopher C. W.
Published: March 2008

Pathological angiogenesis associated with wound healing often occurs subsequent to an inflammatory response that includes the secretion of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Controversy exists on the angiogenic actions of TNF, with it being generally proangiogenic in vivo, but antiangiogenic in vitro. We find that whereas continuous administration of TNF in vitro or in vivo inhibits angiogenic sprouting, a 2- to 3-day pulse stimulates angiogenesis by inducing an endothelial “tip cell” phenotype. TNF induces the known tip cell genes platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), while at the same time blocking signaling through VEGFR2, thus delaying the VEGF-driven angiogenic response. Notch signaling regulates tip cell function, and we find that TNF also induces the notch ligand jagged-1, through an NFκB-dependent mechanism. Enrichment of jagged-1 in tip cells was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining as well as by laser capture microdissection/quantitative reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of tip cells sprouting in vitro. Thus, in angiogenesis, the temporal expression of TNF is critical: it delays angiogenesis initially by blocking signaling through VEGFR2, but in addition by inducing a tip cell phenotype through an NFκB-dependent pathway, it concomitantly primes endothelial cells (ECs) for sprouting once the initial inflammatory wave has passed.
Association between the proliferative rate of neoplastic B cells, their maturation stage, and underlying cytogenetic abnormalities in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders: analysis of a series of 432 patients
Authors: Quijano Sandra , López Antonio , Rasillo Ana , Barrena Susana , Luz Sánchez Maria , Flores Juan , Fernández Carlos , Sayagués José María , Osuna Carlos Salvador , Fernández Nuria , González Marcos , Giraldo Pilar , Giralt Manuel , Pérez Maria Carmen , Martin-Antoran José Manuel , Gutiérrez Oliver , Perdiguer Luis , Díaz Mediavilla Joaquín , González Silva Manuel , Asensio del Rio Agustín , Cerveró Carlos , Guerra José Luis , Butrón Rosario , del Carmen García Maria , Almeida Julia , Orfao Alberto
Published: March 2008

Limited knowledge exists about the impact of specific genetic abnormalities on the proliferation of neoplastic B cells from chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPDs). Here we analyze the impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on the proliferation of neoplastic B cells in 432 B-CLPD patients, grouped according to diagnosis and site of sampling, versus their normal counterparts. Overall, proliferation of neoplastic B cells highly varied among the different B-CLPD subtypes, the greatest numbers of proliferating cells being identified in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Compared with normal B cells, neoplastic B-CLPD cells showed significantly increased S + G2/M-phase values in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), BL, and some DLBCL cases. Conversely, decreased proliferation was observed in follicular lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM), and some DLBCL patients; hairy cell leukemia, splenic marginal zone, and MALT-lymphoma patients showed S + G2/M phase values similar to normal mature B lymphocytes from LN. Interestingly, in B-CLL and MCL significantly higher percentages of S + G2/M cells were detected in BM versus PB and in LN versus BM and PB samples, respectively. In turn, presence of 14q32.3 gene rearrangements and DNA aneuploidy, was associated with a higher percentage of S + G2/M-phase cells among LPL/WM and B-CLL cases, respectively.
Novel HAX1 mutations in patients with severe congenital neutropenia reveal isoform-dependent genotype-phenotype associations
Authors: Germeshausen Manuela , Grudzien Magda , Zeidler Cornelia , Abdollahpour Hengameh , Yetgin Sevgi , Rezaei Nima , Ballmaier Matthias , Grimbacher Bodo , Welte Karl , Klein Christoph
Published: March 2008

Homozygous mutations in HAX1 cause an autosomal recessive form of severe congenital neutropenia (CN). By screening 88 patients with CN, we identified 6 additional patients with HAX1 mutations carrying 4 novel mutations. Of these, 2 affect both published transcript variants of HAX1; the other 2 mutations affect only transcript variant 1. Analysis of the patients' genotypes and phenotypes revealed a striking correlation: Mutations affecting transcript variant 1 only were associated with CN (23 of 23 patients), whereas mutations affecting both transcript variants caused CN and neurologic symptoms, including epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay (6 of 6 patients). In contrast to peripheral blood, transcript variant 2 was markedly expressed in human brain tissue. The clinical phenotype of HAX1 deficiency appears to depend on the localization of the mutation and their influence on the transcript variants. Therefore, our findings suggest that HAX1 isoforms may play a distinctive role in the neuronal system.
CCL5-mediated T-cell chemotaxis involves the initiation of mRNA translation through mTOR/4E-BP1
Authors: Murooka Thomas T. , Rahbar Ramtin , Platanias Leonidas C. , Fish Eleanor N.
Published: March 2008

The multistep, coordinated process of T-cell chemotaxis requires chemokines, and their chemokine receptors, to invoke signaling events to direct cell migration. Here, we examined the role for CCL5-mediated initiation of mRNA translation in CD4+ T-cell chemotaxis. Using rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, our data show the importance of mTOR in CCL5-mediated T-cell migration. Cycloheximide, but not actinomycin D, significantly reduced chemotaxis, suggesting a possible role for mRNA translation in T-cell migration. CCL5 induced phosphorylation/activation of mTOR, p70 S6K1, and ribosomal protein S6. In addition, CCL5 induced PI-3′K–, phospholipase D (PLD)–, and mTOR-dependent phosphorylation and deactivation of the transcriptional repressor 4E-BP1, which resulted in its dissociation from the eukaryotic initiation factor-4E (eIF4E). Subsequently, eIF4E associated with scaffold protein eIF4G, forming the eIF4F translation initiation complex. Indeed, CCL5 initiated active translation of mRNA, shown by the increased presence of high-molecular-weight polysomes that were significantly reduced by rapamycin treatment. Notably, CCL5 induced protein translation of cyclin D1 and MMP-9, known mediators of migration. Taken together, we describe a novel mechanism by which CCL5 influences translation of rapamycin-sensitive mRNAs and “primes” CD4+ T cells for efficient chemotaxis.
MicroRNA expression profiling in relation to the genetic heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jongen-Lavrencic Mojca , Sun Su Ming , Dijkstra Menno K. , Valk Peter J. M. , Löwenberg Bob
Published: March 2008

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly diverse disease characterized by various cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that show variable expression during myeloid differentiation. MicroRNA expression in marrow blasts in 215 cases of newly diagnosed and (cyto)genetically defined AML was assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for 260 human microRNAs. In the same series, mRNA gene expression profiles were established, allowing a direct comparison between microRNA and mRNA expression. We show that microRNA expression profiling following unsupervised analysis reveals distinctive microRNA signatures that correlate with cytogenetic and molecular subtypes of AML (ie, AMLs with t(8;21), t(15;17), inv(16), NPM1, and CEBPA mutations). Significantly differentially expressed microRNAs for genetic subtypes of AML were identified. Specific microRNAs with established oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions, such as microRNA-155, microRNA-21, and let-7, appear to be associated with particular subtypes. Combinations of selected sets of microRNAs could predict cytogenetically normal AML with mutations in the genes of NPM1 and CEBPA and FLT3-ITD with similar accuracy as mRNA probe set combinations defined by gene expression profiling. MicroRNA expression apparently bears specific relationships to the heterogeneous pathobiology of AML. Distinctive microRNA signatures appear of potential value in the clinical diagnosis of AML.
Mechanism of HIV protein induced modulation of mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Cotter Eoin J , Ip Herbert Shi Ming , Powderly William G , Doran Peter P
Published: March 2008

Background

A high incidence of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) has been associated with HIV infection. Normal skeletal homeostasis is controlled, at least in part, by the maturation and activity of mature osteoblasts. Previous studies by our group have demonstrated the ability of HIV proteins to perturb osteoblast function, and the degree of osteogenesis in differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study attempts to further dissect the dynamics of this effect.

Methods

MSCs were cultured under both osteogenic (cultured in commercially available differentiation media) and quiescent (cultured in basal medium) conditions. Both cell populations were exposed to HIV p55-gag and HIV rev (100 ng/ml). Time points were taken at 3, 6, 9, and 15 days for osteogenic conditions, while quiescent cells were treated for 1 week. Cell function (alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activity, calcium deposition, and lipid levels) and the activity of the key MSC transcription factors, RUNX-2 and PPARgamma were determined post-exposure. Also, in cells cultured in differentiating conditions, cellular levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were analysed using whole cell ELISA, while BMP-2 secretion was also examined.

Results

In differentiating MSCs, exposure to HIV proteins caused significant changes in both the timing and magnitude of key osteogenic events and signals. Treatment with REV increased the overall rate of mineralization, and induced earlier increases in CTGF levels, RUNX-2 activity and BMP-2 secretion, than those observed in the normal course of differntiation. In contrast, p55-gag reduced the overall level of osteogenesis, and reduced BMP-2 secretion, RUNX-2 activity, CTGF levels and ALP activity at many of the timepoints examined. Finally, in cells cultured in basal conditions, treatment with HIV proteins did not in and of itself induce a significant degree of differentiation over the time period examined.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that the effect of HIV proteins on bone is dependent on the differentiation status of the cells that they are in contact with. The effect on bone cell signalling provides insights into the mechanism of HIV induced decreases in bone mineral density.