bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Major Neurological Disorders Project in Al Kharga District, New Valley, Egypt
Authors: El Tallawy Hamdy N.A. , Farghaly Wafaa M.A. , Rageh Tarek A. , Shehata Ghaydaa A. , Metwaly Nabil A. , Elftoh Noha Abo , Hegazy Ahmed M. , El Moselhy Esam A. , Rayan Ibrahim , Al Fawal Bastawy M.A. , Abd Elhamed Mohamed A.
Published: October 2010

Background/Methods: A door-to-door (‘every door’) study was carried out to assess the incidence and prevalence rates of epilepsy, stroke, Bell’s palsy and cerebral palsy, as well as the prevalence of dementia, extrapyramidal syndromes, muscle and neuromuscular disorders, cerebellar ataxia and primary nocturnal enuresis among the urban and rural populations of Al Kharga district, New Valley, Egypt. The study was carried out in 3 stages from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2009. A door-to-door screening including every door was carried out using a standardized questionnaire, which was administered by 3 neurologists to all inhabitants (62,583) of Al Kharga district. The study was designed to assess the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of major neurological disorders in Al Kharga district and aimed to reduce the burden of these neurological disorders in the entire region. Results/Conclusions: This study clarified that dementia, primary nocturnal enuresis, epilepsy, stroke and cerebral palsy are the most common neurological disorders. On the other hand, Bell’s palsy, extrapyramidal syndromes, cerebellar ataxia, muscle dystrophies and myasthenia gravis are less common neurological disorders in Al Kharga district.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Epidemiological and Clinical Features of a Pediatric Population in Tuscany
Authors: Micheletti Maria Vittoria , Lavoratti Giancarlo , Materassi Marco , Pela Ivana
Published: October 2010

We retrospectively analyzed etiological, pathological and clinical features of the patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) observed in the Pediatric Nephrology Unit at AOU Meyer of Florence. From January 1997 to December 2008, 22 cases were identified, with an annual incidence of 0.05 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and 0.34 cases per 100,000 children <15 years old. 60% of the patients were D+ and 40% were D–, with an age distribution from 12 days to 13 years. Twenty patients (90%) had oligoanuria, lasting 6.4 ± 4 days for D+ patients versus 11.8 ± 4 days for D– patients. The development of chronic kidney disease positively correlates with the initial blood pressure value, the length of oligoanuria, and hospitalization. Microbiological investigations showed an association of D+HUS with different strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in 54% of the cases. D–HUS was associated with complement factor H deficiency in one patient. In the other cases, the triggering factors were pertussis, urinary tract infections and upper airway infections. While clinical and prognostic features correspond with literature data, in Tuscany the annual incidence is lower, and the percentage of D–HUS patients is higher than that observed in other studies.
The G Allele of Transcobalamin 2 c.776C→G Is Associated with an Unfavorable Lipoprotein Profile
Authors: Semmler Alexander , Farmand Susan , Moskau Susanna , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Linnebank Michael
Published: October 2010

Background/Aim: Recent studies have suggested a relation of homocysteine with lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze a possible genetic basis for such a relation in 504 individuals including 135 consecutive Caucasian patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease as well as the patients’ healthy spouses (n = 100) and offspring (n = 269). Methods: We analyzed the association of plasma levels of lipoprotein(a), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides with plasma homocysteine levels and with the following 7 variants of homocysteine metabolism: dihydrofolate reductase c.594 + 59del19bp, cystathionine β-synthase c.844_855ins68, methionine synthase c.2756A→G, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase c.677C→T and c.1298A→C, reduced folate carrier 1 c.80G→A, and transcobalamin 2 (Tc2) c.776C→G. Results: Linear regression analysis showed an association of Tc2 c.776C→G with LDL (p = 0.010), HDL (p = 0.009), and TG (p = 0.007), with the G allele of Tc2 c.776C→G associated with an unfavorable blood lipid profile. Moreover, the G allele of Tc2 c.776C→G was associated with higher homocysteine plasma levels in the subgroup of patients (p = 0.013, 1-way ANOVA). Conclusion: These data support the hypothesis that alterations in homocysteine metabolism and an unfavorable blood lipoprotein profile may have a common genetic basis. Such conditions may be relevant for studies investigating independent risk factors for vascular disease.
On Paraphrase and Coreference
Authors: Recasens Marta , Vila Marta
Published: October 2010

By providing a better understanding of paraphrase and coreference in terms of similarities and differences in their linguistic nature, this article delimits what the focus of paraphrase extraction and coreference resolution tasks should be, and to what extent they can help each other. We argue for the relevance of this discussion to Natural Language Processing.
Influence of Musical Expertise on Segmental and Tonal Processing in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Marie Céline , Delogu Franco , Lampis Giulia , Belardinelli Marta Olivetti , Besson Mireille
Published: October 2010

A same–different task was used to test the hypothesis that musical expertise improves the discrimination of tonal and segmental (consonant, vowel) variations in a tone language, Mandarin Chinese. Two four-word sequences (prime and target) were presented to French musicians and nonmusicians unfamiliar with Mandarin, and event-related brain potentials were recorded. Musicians detected both tonal and segmental variations more accurately than nonmusicians. Moreover, tonal variations were associated with higher error rate than segmental variations and elicited an increased N2/N3 component that developed 100 msec earlier in musicians than in nonmusicians. Finally, musicians also showed enhanced P3b components to both tonal and segmental variations. These results clearly show that musical expertise influenced the perceptual processing as well as the categorization of linguistic contrasts in a foreign language. They show positive music-to-language transfer effects and open new perspectives for the learning of tone languages.
Making Mirrors: Premotor Cortex Stimulation Enhances Mirror and Counter-mirror Motor Facilitation
Authors: Catmur Caroline , Mars Rogier B. , Rushworth Matthew F. , Heyes Cecilia
Published: October 2010

Mirror neurons fire during both the performance of an action and the observation of the same action being performed by another. These neurons have been recorded in ventral premotor and inferior parietal cortex in the macaque, but human brain imaging studies suggest that areas responding to the observation and performance of actions are more widespread. We used paired-pulse TMS to test whether dorsal as well as ventral premotor cortex is involved in producing mirror motor facilitation effects. Stimulation of premotor cortex enhanced mirror motor facilitation and also enhanced the effects of counter-mirror training. No differences were found between the two premotor areas. These results support an associative account of mirror neuron properties, whereby multiple regions that process both sensory and motor information have the potential to contribute to mirror effects.
Response to Reviews of God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation
Authors: Fretheim Terence
Published: October 2010

This is a response by Terence Fretheim to review essays of his book, God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation, by Robert Stallman, Scott Ellington, and Kenneth Archer. Many of their concerns overlap and so my responses to them are largely woven together. After a few general notes, I ask and respond to ten questions that the respondents implicitly or explicitly raise regarding my work. Those questions concern: Relationship of the Old Testament and New; the Spirit; Praise and Prayer; God's action in and through Agents; Spirit World; Royal Images for God; God's Judgment/'Punishment'; Covenant and Relationship; Creation and Fall; and the Book of Job.
The Provinces and China’s Multi-Layered Diplomacy: The Cases of GMS and Africa
Authors: Junbo Jian , Zhimin Chen , Diyu Chen
Published: October 2010

China’s diplomacy has become increasingly multi-layered, as provinces and cities step up efforts to expand their networks and involvement in foreign affairs. This article aims to provide a general picture about how Chinese provinces feature in the overall Chinese foreign policy system. Specifically, the article uses two cases to illustrate how such a multi-layered diplomatic system functions to meet the interests of the national and local governments. The first case discusses the role of Yunnan province in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Economic Cooperation. Yunnan’s involvement in GMS as a local actor demonstrates how cross-border cooperation has served local developmental interest as well as China’s national foreign policy goals. It also gave rise to a new form in China’s multi-layered diplomacy, namely multi-layered multilateral diplomacy. The second case is the engagement of China’s provinces in Africa. The article identifies Chinese provinces’ roles in Africa as traders, investors, aid providers and intergovernmental actors. The article also discusses how foreign countries and China itself should cope with China’s new multi-layered engagement in international affairs.
Tearing properties of upholstery flocked fabrics
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Turhan Yildiray , Demiryurek Oguz
Published: October 2010

We have studied the tearing strength of substrate woven fabric, substrate with adhesive, flocked fabric and washed flocked fabric on dry and wet conditions. The tensile strength of the rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabrics in dry and wet conditions were also researched, and a statistical model was developed for the analysis of the tearing behavior of these fabric forms.

Warp and weft tearing strengths of rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabric in wet conditions were slightly higher than those in dry conditions. The reason was partly the high wet strength characteristic of cotton fiber and partly the lubrication effect of acrylic adhesive under wet conditions. Although the weft density of the substrate fabric was around half of its warp density, there was a small difference between warp and weft tearing strengths of dry and wet states of rubbed flocked fabric. This was attributed to the dense structure having less free space and less ultimate deformation potential and ultimately reducing the tearing strength.

When the stroke number increased, the warp and weft tearing strengths of dry and wet states of rubbed flocked fabric generally decreased. It was also found that the stroke number of wet rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabric was low in comparison with stroke number of dry rubbed flocked fabric and rubbed washed flocked fabric. The reason was that the wet acrylic adhesive had poor properties.

The results from the regression model were compared with the measured values mainly by the mean absolute percent error parameter which enables us to conclude that the developed regression equations explain the tearing strength of flocked fabrics.
Civil Society and Online Political Discourse
Authors: Himelboim Itai
Published: October 2010

The goal of this study is to examine—theoretically and empirically—the implications of unrestricted, computer-mediated social interactions for civil society. Discussions of 207,419 participants in 35 newsgroups over 6 years are examined. Patterns of participation and attention attraction follow a power–law degree distribution—a highly skewed distribution—as is expected in large networks. Furthermore, analysis shows that these patterns are dependent on group size: The larger a group, the more skewed is its distribution. These patterns indicate hierarchical social structures that limit equality among participants and well-informed citizenry. The growth of discussions, which can empower civil society, is in fact making it more hierarchical.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program for Northern Plains Indian Youth Through Community-Based Participatory Research Methods
Authors: Brown Blakely D. , Harris Kari Jo , Harris Jeri Lyn , Parker Martin , Ricci Christiana , Noonan Curtis
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to translate the original Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to be age and culturally specific for American Indian (AI) youth.

Methods

Tribally enrolled members on 2 Montana Indian reservations conducted focus groups and interviews to discuss community members’ perspectives of factors that encouraged or were barriers to healthy diet and exercise behaviors in AI youth. In total, 31 community members, aged 10 to 68 years old, participated in 4 focus groups and 14 individual interviews. Participants were self-identified as elder, cultural expert, tribal health worker, educator, parent/guardian, youth, or school food service worker. Researchers analyzed transcripts based on inductive methods of grounded theory.

Results

Data analysis revealed translating the DPP to youth was contingent on the lessons incorporating cultural strategies for healthy behaviors in youth such as berry picking, gardening, horseback riding, and dancing; improving knowledge and access to healthy foods and physical activity for youth and their parents; having interactive, hands-on learning activities for healthy lifestyles in the DPP lessons; using a group format and tribal members to deliver the DPP lessons; and having tribal elders talk to youth about the importance of adopting healthy behaviors when they are young.

Conclusions

A CBPR approach engaged community members to identify strategies inherent in their culture, tradition, and environment that could effectively translate the DPP to Montana Indian youth living in rural reservation communities.
Implications of Type 2 Diabetes on Adolescent Reproductive Health Risk
Authors: Downs Julie S. , Arslanian Silva , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Carr Copeland Valire , Doswell Willa , Herman William , Lain Kristine , Mansfield Joan , Murray Pamela J. , White Neil , Charron-Prochownik Denise
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to summarize scientific knowledge from an expert panel on reproductive health among adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Using a mental model approach, a panel of experts— representing perspectives on diabetes, adolescents, preconception counseling, and reproductive health—was convened to discuss reproductive health issues for female adolescents with T2D.

Results

Several critical issues emerged. Compared with adolescents with type 1 diabetes, (1) adolescents with T2D may perceive their disease as less severe and have less experience managing it, putting them at risk for complications; (2) T2D is more prevalent among African Americans, who may be less trusting of the medical establishment; (3) T2D is associated with obesity, and it is often difficult to change one’s lifestyle within family environments practicing sedentary and dietary behaviors leading to obesity; (4) teens with T2D could be more fertile, because obesity is related to earlier puberty; (5) although obese teens with T2D have a higher risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, which is associated with infertility, treatment with metformin can increase fertility; and (6) women with type 2 diabetes are routinely transferred to insulin before or during pregnancy to allow more intensive management.

Conclusions

Findings from the expert panel provide compelling reasons to provide early, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive preconception counseling for teens with T2D.
Two Languages, Two Personalities? Examining Language Effects on the Expression of Personality in a Bilingual Context
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Bond Michael Harris
Published: October 2010

The issue of whether personality changes as a function of language is controversial. The present research tested the cultural accommodation hypothesis by examining the impact of language use on personality as perceived by the self and by others. In Study 1, Hong Kong Chinese-English bilinguals responded to personality inventories in Chinese or English on perceived traits for themselves, typical native speakers of Chinese, and typical native speakers of English. Study 2 adopted a repeated measures design and collected data at three time points from written measures and actual conversations to examine whether bilinguals exhibited different patterns of personality, each associated with one of their two languages and the ethnicity of their interlocutors. Self-reports and behavioral observations confirmed the effects of perceived cultural norms, language priming, and interlocutor ethnicity on various personality dimensions. It is suggested that use of a second language accesses the perceived cultural norms of the group most associated with that language, especially its prototypic trait profiles, thus activating behavioral expressions of personality that are appropriate in the corresponding linguistic-social context.
Creating and Capturing Value
Authors: McWilliams Abagail , Siegel Donald S.
Published: October 2010

The authors analyze the creation and capture of private and social value by firms that adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. Strategic CSR is defined as any “responsible” activity that allows a firm to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage, regardless of motive. To provide a roadmap for managers to accomplish this objective, the authors integrate the resource-based theory (RBT) framework with concepts and tools from economics, such as hedonic pricing, contingent valuation, and the new literature on the economics of industrial organization, where CSR is referred to as “the private provision of public goods.” By linking CSR, RBT, economic models of private provision of public goods, and pricing models, the authors demonstrate how RBT can provide a structure for determining the strategic value of CSR. They then discuss the conditions under which CSR can contribute to sustainable competitive advantage.
Urban Neighborhoods and Depressive Symptoms in Late Middle Age
Authors: Wight Richard G. , Ko Michelle J. , Aneshensel Carol S.
Published: October 2010

This study examines associations between multiple urban neighborhood characteristics (socioeconomic disadvantage, affluence, and racial/ethnic composition) and depressive symptoms among late middle aged persons and compares findings to those previously obtained for persons age 70 years and older. Survey data are from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a U.S. national probability sample of noninstitutionalized persons aged 51 to 61 years in 1992. Neighborhoods are 1990 U.S. census tracts. Hierarchical linear regression is used to estimate multilevel models. Depressive symptoms vary significantly across urban neighborhoods among late middle age persons. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is significantly associated with depressive symptoms, net of both individual-level sociodemographic and health variables. However, this association is contingent upon individual-level wealth in that persons with low wealth in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods report the most depressive symptoms. Unlike findings for older adults for whom neighborhood effects appear to be entirely compositional in nature, neighborhood context matters to subgroups of late middle age adults.
Shaping a Constructivist View of Organizational Design Science
Authors: Avenier Marie-José
Published: October 2010

The so-called rigor—relevance gap appears unbridgeable in the classical view of organization science, which is based on the physical sciences’ model. Constructivist scholars have also pointed out a certain inadequacy of this model of science for organization research, but they have not offered an explicit, alternative model of science. Responding to this lack, this paper brings together the two separate paradigmatic perspectives of constructivist epistemologies and of organizational design science, and shows how they could jointly constitute the ingredients of a constructivism-founded scientific paradigm for organization research. Further, the paper highlights that, in this constructivist view of organizational design science, knowledge can be generated and used in ways that are mutually enriching for academia and practice.
Dialogues between Academics and Practitioners: The Role of Generative Dialogic Encounters
Authors: Beech Nic , MacIntosh Robert , MacLean Donald
Published: October 2010

In this paper we seek to show how aspects of the thinking underpinning the relevance debate can be self-defeating. We consider the relationship between academics and practitioners from a dialogic perspective and perform a textual analysis of the ways in which ‘pro-relevance’ academics write about research. We use role analysis techniques to highlight the potential for mismatched expectations between academics and practitioners, and then consider an illustrative dialogue between practitioners and academics to develop our view that relevance has its roots in generative dialogic encounters. We conceptualize a modified view of dialogue in the context of organizational research relationships, which we believe offers a useful starting point for co-production of knowledge and understanding.
In Search of Relevance: Perspectives on the Contribution of Academic—Practitioner Networks
Authors: Knights David , Scarbrough Harry
Published: October 2010

This paper contributes to the current debate on the relevance of academic research to organizational practice but departs from the conventional view of perceiving the problem as one of improving the diffusion of knowledge from research to practice. Two theoretical lenses — Mode 2 and actor network theory — are drawn upon to examine case vignettes of the authors’ involvement in academic—practitioner collaborations. The resulting analysis assists us in understanding the production of knowledge relevant to practitioners and, by implication, has the potential to free industry—academic collaborations of unrealistic demands.
Knowledge and Practice: Organization Studies within a Historical and Figurational Context
Authors: Newton Tim
Published: October 2010

Drawing on the work of Norbert Elias, this paper argues that attention to the historical and ‘figurational’ context of organization studies is necessary in order to understand the impact of its scholarship on management practice and public policy. This perspective is used to question conventional wisdom about the ‘failings’ of the organization studies field. In particular, attention is paid to (1) questioning the argument that the impact of organization studies is limited by its pluralism; (2) related paradigm incommensurability debates; (3) challenging other supposed limitations of the field, such as a tendency toward ‘fads and fashions’. In addition, it is argued that high impact may be associated with fields that have low control, and that single overarching strategies may be ineffective in raising impact. In presenting such argument, emphasis is placed on the significance of the dominant logics of governance of particular historical eras. In so doing, the paper draws attention to the need to consider the ethical and political questions raised by attempts to increase impact.
Theorizing as Engaged Practice
Authors: Zundel Mike , Kokkalis Panagiotis
Published: October 2010

This paper examines the relationship between theory and practice and suggests that organization studies remain largely preoccupied with a notion of ‘theory’ as an abstract, generalized concept. This preoccupation ignores the essentially engaged character of all practices, including those of academic theorizing. Drawing on the premises of practice theory, we outline a view of theorizing as engaged practice. In doing so, we are faced with two key implications. First, this view emphasizes the activities that make up the practice of ‘theorizing’, thus shifting the focus from reifying separations of distinct realms of ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ towards an appreciation of the myriad of overlaps between academic and organizational practices. Second, the practice perspective forwarded in this paper illuminates the problems experienced in attempts to transfer academic work to organizational practice. We suggest that this perspective invites us to more fundamentally revise our understanding of the possibilities of relevance for organization and management studies towards ‘lighting up’ new ways of seeing, instead of attempting to offer solutions to immediate ‘practical’ concerns.
The Experience of Stigma in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Berger Barbara E. , Kapella Mary C. , Larson Janet L.
Published: October 2010

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can experience severe dyspnea, tenacious secretions, and a disruptive cough. They often struggle with daily activities and over time tend to decrease the amount of time they spend outside the home. The functional decline accompanying these changes is not adequately explained by physical changes alone. This descriptive, qualitative study describes social changes and experiences of stigma from the perspective of people with moderate to severe COPD. A total of 16 participants (11 men, 5 women) participated in individual interviews regarding effects of COPD on social relationships and experiences with COPD-related stigma. Participants were aware of the potential for stigma related to COPD. Emerging themes included the prevalence of blame related to smoking, both from others, including health care providers, and from themselves. Although many decreases in social activities appear to be pragmatic adaptations to functional limitations, these decisions may also be attempts to avoid potentially stigmatizing situations.
Leukoencephalomalacia and Laminar Neuronal Necrosis Following Smoke Inhalation in a Dog
Authors: Weiss A. Th. A. , Graf C. , Gruber A. D. , Kohn B.
Published: October 2010

Acute respiratory and neurologic disease after smoke inhalation are well documented, but human patients may also develop delayed-onset neurologic symptoms associated with leukoencephalomalacia after exposure to smoke or carbon monoxide. In this case, a dog developed progressive neurologic signs 6 days after rescue from an apartment fire. At necropsy 9 days after smoke inhalation, leukoencephalomalacia of the central cerebral white matter was accompanied by laminar necrosis of cerebrocortical neurons. This is the first report of delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy in a nonhuman animal.
Main factors affecting the preservation of Chinese paper documents: A review and recommendations
Authors: Liu Jiazhen  , Wang Jingxuan
Published: October 2010

Based on data analysis and documentary research, this paper indicates that the main causes which negatively affect the preservation of paper documents in China are acidification and damaging pests such as moths and insects. The priorities for the preservation of Chinese documents are protecting the documents against air pollution and controlling pests and insects. Taking these problems and the Chinese national condition into account, the paper proposes to create a favorable microenvironment for decreasing the acidification of papers and to adopt various measures for controlling pests and insects.
System migration from Horizon to Symphony at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Authors: Khurshid Zahiruddin , Al-Baridi Saleh A.
Published: October 2010

Highlights difficulties and problems in library automation systems migration faced by libraries in the Middle East due to the lack of direct support from their ILS’s parent companies. Local vendors lack the required expertise and resources to provide the level of support enjoyed by North American and European user libraries of such systems. In this context, the article presents the experiences of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in system migration from the SirsiDynix integrated library system, Horizon, to the same company’s newer system, Symphony, which readers may find somewhat different from those of western libraries in terms of planning, execution and time span of the project. A brief 30-year history of library automation at KFUPM is also provided.
Symbiotic partnerships: The global library community and the ICTD stakeholders
Authors: Austin Fay A.
Published: October 2010

Brokering collaboration between those who develop and/or provide information and communications technologies and the intermediaries whose work is dedicated to providing access to information for all peoples may at first seem redundant; yet on closer examination, the enduring role of library and information professionals in providing access to information in all its forms; in communicating the advantages of the new technologies and in educating the user population in the use of the new technologies has not been recognized in the call to action issued by the signatories to the Millennium Development Goals. Specifically Goal number 8: target 5 calls for the ICTD community to co-operate ‘‘with the private sector’’ to ‘‘make available benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications.’’ Information professionals must reach out to and educate the ICTD stakeholders — developers, donors, governments and people everywhere — about the invaluable expertise and experience available in our global professional community. We must become the brokers who offer our services to advance the urgent and critical measures required to bridge the ‘‘digital divide’’ now existing between developed and lesser developed countries.
Arab online book clubs: A survey
Authors: Elsayed Amany M.
Published: October 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to shed light on the current situation of Arab online book clubs and give a comparative account of their performance. Seven online book clubs were discussed, five from Saudi Arabia and two from Egypt. The empirical approach used to address the research problem was a field study with a questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent via e-mail to book club moderators to get general information about the clubs, membership, discussion, services, promotion and evaluation. The findings revealed that despite low participation and superficial discussion, and lack of services provided to readers, Arab online book clubs are becoming a promising environment for promoting reading, and motivate people from all ages to contribute and exchange ideas because these clubs have arisen with a primary objective to promote and enhance reading. The study showed that young Arab readers have begun to discuss books in online groups, and established their own online clubs. This means that Arab online book clubs work away from librarians and publishers in Arab countries. The research paper addresses the current lack of empirical literature on traditional and online Arab book clubs, and offers practical details and many significant results, so that Arab public libraries, communities, authors, publishers and even individuals can capitalize on the positive aspects of current book clubs and create their own. At the end of the paper, the author provides recommendations for the improvement of Arab online book clubs.
The effect of sevoflurane and desflurane on markers of oxidative status in erythrocyte
Authors: Türkan H. , Aydin A. , Sayal A. , Karahalil B.
Published: October 2010

The aim of our study was to evaluate the markers of oxidative status of erythrocyte during general anesthesia and compare the markers of oxidative status of erythrocyte in both sevoflurane and desflurane. Venous blood samples of patients were collected the following time intervals; initial time (IT) and first hour (1st h), first (1st day) and third days (3rd day) after anesthesia (sevoflurane and Desflurane). The levels of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) as a cofactor of these enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were also determined. No significant changes were observed in these measurements when the patients were exposed to desflurane anesthesia. On the other hand, the levels of Zn on erythrocytes were significantly increased at 1st hour and 1st and 3rd days compared to initial time in sevoflurane group (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). The activity of GSH-Px was significantly increased (p = 0.05) while the activity of SOD was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) at 1st hour after administration of sevoflurane compared to the initial time. There were no changes on the levels of Mg and MDA. Our results showed that sevoflurane has more impacts on the antioxidant status of erythrocytes than desflurane.
Special Education Faculty Perceptions of Participating in a Culturally Responsive Professional Development Program
Authors: Devereaux Temma Harris , Prater Mary Anne , Jackson Aaron , Heath Melissa Allen , Carter Nari J.
Published: October 2010

Special education faculty members ( n = 12) from a large Western university participated in a four-year professional development program centered on increasing their cultural responsiveness. During the fourth year the primary investigator interviewed faculty members regarding their perceptions and the impact of the program. Each interview was audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the inductive analysis design for qualitative research (Hatch, 2002). Faculty expressed likes and dislikes of the program and provided suggestions for future professional development. Other results that emerged included that time was a barrier, that leaving campus facilitated learning, and that collaboration enhanced learning. Faculty reported that the professional development made them self-reflect, change practice and attitudes, adjust their perceptions of diverse students, and alter professional interactions. Faculty also expressed personal conflicts as a result of these activities.
Using Coaching to Improve the Fidelity of Evidence-Based Practices: A Review of Studies
Authors: Kretlow Allison Graves , Bartholomew Christina C.
Published: October 2010

The authors conducted a comprehensive review of research to identify the impact of coaching on changes in preservice and in-service teachers’ implementation of evidence-based practices. They identified a total of 13 studies from the 20 years of literature they searched. In general, coaching improved the extent to which teachers accurately implement evidence-based practices such as ClassWide Peer Tutoring, Direct Instruction, Learning Strategies, and Positive Behavior Support in classrooms or practicum settings. The retrieved studies also suggest that highly engaged, small-group initial training, followed by multiple observations, feedback, and modeling are critical components across coaching interventions. A few studies also provide promising data to support the consequential effects of coaching on improvements in student achievement. The authors offer suggestions for future research and practice related to preservice and in-service teacher training.
Development and application of a pollen-based paleohydrologic reconstruction from the Lower Roanoke River Basin, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Willard Debra , Bernhardt Christopher , Brown Roger , Landacre Bryan , Townsend Philip
Published: October 2010

We used pollen assemblages to reconstruct late-Holocene paleohydrologic patterns in floodplain deposits from the lower Roanoke River basin (North Carolina, southeastern USA). Using 120 surface samples from 38 transects, we documented statistical relationships between pollen assemblages, vegetation, and landforms. Backswamp pollen assemblages (long hydroperiods) are dominated by Nyssa (tupelo) and Taxodium (cypress) and have high pollen concentrations. Sediments from elevated levees and seasonally flooded forests (shorter hydroperiods) are characterized by dominant Pinus (pine) pollen, variable abundance of hardwood taxa, and low pollen concentrations. We apply the calibration data set to interpret past vegetation and paleohydrology. Pollen from a radiocarbon-dated sediment core collected in a tupelo-cypress backswamp indicates centennial-scale fluctuations in forest composition during the last 2400 years. Backswamp vegetation has occupied the site since land clearance began ~300 years ago. Recent dam emplacement affected sedimentation rates, but vegetation changes are small compared with those caused by pre-Colonial climate variability. The occurrence of wetter conditions from ~2200 to 1800 cal. yr BP, ~1100 to 750 cal. yr BP, and ~400 to 250 cal. yr BP may indicate changes in cyclonic circulation patterns related to shifts in the position of the Bermuda High and jet stream.
Assessing the warm glow effect in contingent valuations for public libraries
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , Chung Hye-Kyung , Jung Eun-Joo
Published: October 2010

This article aims to present evidence of the warm glow effect in a public library setting. More specifically, it tests whether individual respondents with different values for the warm glow component report different values for their willingness to pay (WTP). The data come from a contingent valuation survey conducted on randomly selected citizens of Korea, where the respondents are asked how much they are willing to pay for public library services. Results show that there is significant difference between traditional WTP and cold WTP, concluding that the traditional WTP value is not the real economic value of the public good.
Lupus organ damage: what is damaged in Asian patients?
Authors: Kuan WP , Li EK , Tam L-S.
Published: October 2010

Assessment of organ damage has become the standard outcome measure for morbidity and mortality in patients with lupus. Ethnicity is thought to be a marker for genetic, environmental, behavioral, and other variables that may affect disease outcomes. Previous studies suggest that Asians residing in western countries had significantly higher prevalence of damage compared with Whites. In contrast, studies performed in Chinese, Korean and Arab patients showed that the overall prevalence of damage and the most commonly involved organs (neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal) were similar to Whites. Compared with their Asian counterparts, Pakistani and Jewish patients appeared to have a higher prevalence of damage, most likely secondary to longer disease duration. Chinese patients had an increased prevalence of premature gonadal failure, whereas patients residing in western and southern Asia had more skin damage. When compared with Whites, Asian patients had more renal damage but less ocular and cardiovascular damage. Risk factors associated with organ damage in Asian lupus patients included older age, higher disease activity, and the use of cyclophosphamide and steroids. Further investigations into other determinants such as genetic predisposition, socioeconomic factors, prevalence and severity of disease manifestations, and treatment, is needed in order to understand the variation in damage accrual in lupus patients from different ethnicities.
Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in Asia
Authors: Osio-Salido E. , Manapat-Reyes H.
Published: October 2010

In this paper we aim to review the prevalence, incidence and disease presentation of lupus patients in Asian populations. The database of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) through PUBMED up to September 2009 was searched for relevant articles using the search terms ‘systemic lupus erythematosus’, ‘epidemiology’, and ‘Asia’. Articles on lupus prevalence, incidence, and clinical manifestations were retrieved and their bibliographies further screened for relevant articles. Proceedings of national, regional, and international rheumatology and SLE conferences were likewise searched for relevant abstracts. Retrieval rate of relevant articles was approximately 80%. Prevalence and incidence figures are expressed per 100,000 populations. Among the articles reviewed, epidemiologic information was usually obtained through population surveys or hospital cohorts. Prevalence data are available from 24 countries, and generally fall within 30—50/100,000 population. However, one survey showed a higher prevalence of 70 (Shanghai), while three others showed a lower prevalence of 3.2—19.3 (India, Japan, Saudi Arabia). Only three countries have recorded incidence rates and these varied from 0.9 to 3.1 per annum. Thirty articles from 21 countries describe lupus disease presentation. Common manifestations include mucocutaneous lesions (seen in 52—98% of patients) and arthritis/musculoskeletal complaints (36—95%). Antinuclear antibodies were generally positive in 89—100% of patients, except for two studies. Renal involvement ranged from 18% to 100% with most articles reporting this in >50% of their patients. Discoid lesions, serositis, and neurologic involvement were the least frequently seen symptoms. There is varying epidemiologic information regarding systemic lupus erythematosus among countries in Asia. Prevalence rates usually fall within 30—50/100,000 population. Incidence rates, as reported from three countries, varied from 0.9/100,000 to 3.1% per annum. It is difficult to make generalizations about how the epidemiologic character of the disease varies from country to country. However, similarities in disease manifestations can be observed. .
Neuropsychiatric lupus: clinical challenges, brain-reactive autoantibodies and treatment strategies
Authors: Fong KY , Thumboo J.
Published: October 2010

Neurological manifestations in lupus can be due to active lupus disease affecting the brain or to other reasons. Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome, primary lymphoma of the central nervous system, cerebral infections by bacteria (e.g. mycobacteria), viruses (e.g. JC virus), fungi (e.g. Cryptococcus) and parasites (e.g. Acanthamoeba), steroid-induced psychosis and reactive depression need to be excluded. Brain-reactive autoantibodies have been described as associating with neuropsychiatric lupus. The strongest associations described to date are with antiribosomal P protein and antiphospholipid antibodies. However these autoantibodies have not been shown to play significant roles in the pathogenesis. Treatment strategy for severe neuropsychiatric lupus include establishing definitive diagnosis, early identification and treatment of aggravating factors, appropriate symptomatic treatment, adequate immunosuppression, selective B-cell depletion and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Systematic reviews have shown that cyclophosphamide administration is superior to pulse methylprednisolone as a maintenance therapy. Mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to have modest effect and should only be considered if cyclophosphamide cannot be administered.
Pediatric lupus in Asia
Authors: Huang JL , Yeh KW , Yao TC , Huang YL , Chung HT , Ou LS , Lee WI , Chen LC
Published: October 2010

Of all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 15—20% are diagnosed during childhood, with disease onset prior to the age of 16 years. Because disease expression in SLE is influenced by environment factors and differs between racial and ethnic groups. The aims of this review were to describe prevalence, clinical manifestations, common infectious complications, and outcome of pediatric-onset SLE in Asia. The prevalence of pediatric-onset SLE was 6.3—19.3 per 100,000 in Asia. The ratio of female to male was 4.7—6.2. The mean age at diagnosis of pediatric-onset SLE was 8.6—13.5 years. The most common clinical features of pediatric-onset SLE in Asia were cutaneous rashes, arthritis, hematological involvement and nephritis. The occurrence of nephritis varies from 29% to 81%. The most common histopathology of lupus nephritis was diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (WHO Class-IV) which occurred in 39.4—54% of case of lupus nephritis. Pediatric-onset SLE patients with infections have poor outcomes than uninfected patients. Gram-negative bacilli are the most common microorganisms responsible for bacteremia in Asian patients with SLE. Recurrent major infections predict poorer disease outcome and associated organ damage in pediatric-onset SLE. Improving the survival of SLE patients was reported in Asia in recent decades. The survival was 92% at the age of 5 years, 86% at 10 years and 79% at 15 years in children with SLE in Taiwan in 2008.
Anticytokine therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yoo D-H.
Published: October 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a prototype of heterogeneous autoimmune disease. There have been few newly approved therapeutic agents in lupus treatment for many reasons. Several animal studies and human data have shown that many potential cytokines are related to the pathogenesis and disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus. Cytokines are produced by many immune cell types and have variable functions in the immune system. Following the success of biological agents in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, biological targeting to specific cytokines or receptor molecules is now promising in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to B-cell deleting modalities, clinical trials targeting potential cytokines associated with disease pathogenesis are underway at various clinical stages. Among potential cytokines, targeting agents against B-cell activating factor and interferon-alpha are in the most advanced stage, and belimumab (anti-B-cell activating factor antibody) could be the first biological agent approved in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Anti-tumor necrosis factor was tried with some success, but with a potential risk of infection in a small number of patients. In this review, we discuss the rationale for anticytokine therapies and review agents currently in clinical trials, and those that could be developed in the near future for systemic lupus erythematosus. We present the results mostly from published trials and data from http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/
Simultaneous detection of anti-C1q and anti-double stranded DNA autoantibodies in lupus nephritis: predictive value for renal flares
Authors: Matrat A , Veysseyre-Balter C , Trolliet P , Villar E , Dijoud F , Bienvenu J , Fabien N
Published: October 2010

Clinical difficulties in predicting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) renal flares are still encountered. Biological markers such as autoantibodies (aAbs) may be of major interest for clinicians in the follow-up of SLE patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical utility of one of these biological markers, anti-C1q aAbs, in predicting renal flares of SLE nephritis in comparison with the ‘gold standard’ anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) aAbs. Anti-C1q aAbs and anti-dsDNA aAbs were analysed through a longitudinal retrospective study of 23 SLE patients presenting with one or more renal flares. Anti-C1q and/or anti-dsDNA aAbs were found in 20 (87%) of 23 patients, of whom 16 (69%) displayed both. Thirty-three renal flares occurred during the course of the study, and anti-C1q aAbs and anti-dsDNA aAbs were positive in 25 (76%) and 24 (73%) of these flares respectively. The sensitivity of anti-C1q and/or anti-dsDNA aAbs in predicting renal flares reached 85%. The specificity of anti-C1q aAbs was 84%, of anti-dsDNA aAbs 77% and of both aAbs 97%. Positive and negative predictive values were as follows: 56% and 70% for anti-C1q aAbs, 53% and 72% for anti-dsDNA aAbs. The combination of both aAbs had the highest positive predictive value (69%), whereas absence of both aAbs was associated with the highest negative predictive value (74%). In conclusion, our results confirm that anti-C1q aAbs are present in a significant percentage of SLE patients with active renal involvement, suggesting that these aAbs could be a useful additional marker. The presence of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA aAbs was associated with a high risk of renal flare, whereas the absence of both aAbs excluded such an event. These data confirm that systematic detection of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA aAbs is of interest for the follow-up in SLE patients with renal involvement.