bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
`That Miracle of Familiar Organizational Things': Social and Moral Order in the MBA Classroom
Authors: Fox Steve
Published: May 2008

Garfinkel's work over the last five decades has created an alternate view of organizational phenomena which has been understood only at the margins of organization studies. His approach is profoundly empirical yet it is not positivist. He does not deny the reality of things but argues that their appearance as objects on any particular occasion is socially constructed. He shows us familiar organizational things in an unfamiliar way: organized phenomena of order in practical detail. This paper specifically examines the moral dimension of Garfinkel's approach. When Garfinkel says that members make settings accountable, i.e. `observable and reportable', he means accountable rationally and morally. To explicate this point, the paper examines data from a study of an executive MBA classroom in a way that builds on Macbeth's (2003) ethnomethodological study and examines the way in which the social organization of vernacular talk and interaction in the classroom is simultaneously moral organization. Moral order and social order are shown to be inseparably intertwined in and as the practical details of classroom interaction. Endogenously organized sequences of interaction and vernacular discourse accomplish the emergent socio-moral order of the class; a background texture of relevances which becomes a resource within which members' shared understandings progress.
Reframing Power in the Globalized World
Authors: Beck Ulrich
Published: May 2008

This paper throws light on the global power games being played out between global business, nation-states and movements rooted in civil society. It offers an account of the changing nature of power in the global age and assesses the influence of the counter-powers. The thesis is that, in an age of global crises and risks, the creation of a dense network of transnational interdependencies is exactly what is needed to regain national autonomy, not least in relation to a highly mobile world economy. The author thereby argues that a paradigm shift of the social sciences is needed, from `methodological nationalism' to `methodological cosmopolitanism'.
Implementing Assessment in an Outcome-Based Marketing Curriculum
Authors: Borin Norm , Metcalf Lynn E. , Tietje Brian C.
Published: May 2008

This article describes the development and implementation of assessment in a new outcome-based marketing curriculum that was developed using a zero-based approach. Outcomes for the marketing curriculum were specified at the program, department, course, and lesson levels. Direct embedded assessments as well as indirect assessment methods were used to gauge student achievement. Results indicate that on both self-reported (indirect) and direct, as well as nonembedded and embedded, assessments significant value-added learning occurred. We chronicle the stages in developing and implementing an assessment plan and reflect on our experiences in the process to provide a roadmap for other marketing departments that also face the transition from teaching to learning.
Improving Marketing Students' Reading Comprehension With the SQ3R Method
Authors: Artis Andrew B.
Published: May 2008

For courses in a marketing curriculum to be effective where traditional textbook-based teaching methods are used, students must have sufficient ability to comprehend assigned reading materials. In addition, marketing graduates will have to read proficiently to meet the expectations of employers and to satisfy their own need to be highly competent self-directed learners. Self-regulated reading training is put forth as a partial remedy, and implementation of the most popular of these methods—SQ3R—is explained.
Comparison of Revision Surgery with Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Outcome of Revision Surgery between Different Graft Materials
Authors: Ann Jin Hwan , Lee Yong Seuk , Ha Hae Chan
Published: May 2008

Background

The number of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions is increasing rapidly; the number of failing grafts and need for revision surgery have also risen.

Hypothesis

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction will produce similar results to those of primary reconstruction, and there may be different results according to graft materials.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Fifty-nine revision surgeries were performed at 1 institution between January 1997 and October 2005. Fifty-five patients (56 operations) were followed. The results of 117 patients (117 knees) treated with arthroscopic primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using double-looped semitendinosus and gracilis autograft from September 2001 to November 2002 were also evaluated. Clinical and stability results between primary and revision anterior cruciate reconstruction were compared. For the revision surgery, 21 (37.5%) knees had revision reconstruction with previously unharvested ipsilateral double-looped semitendinosus and gracilis autograft. Twenty (35.7%) were bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft, and 15 (26.8%) were Achilles allograft. The details of the technique varied according to the original graft choice and the abnormality encountered. Concomitant procedures were necessary in 32 (57.1%) of 56 knees. Clinical and stability results according to the different graft materials were also compared.

Results

There were significant improvements in the scores for subjective, objective forms ( P < .001), and stability ( P < .001). However, the clinical results of revision surgery were inferior to primary reconstruction ( P < .001), but as regards stability, the difference between primary and revision cases was not significant (P = .338). There was no difference in clinical and stability results in different groups of graft material ( P = .160-.690).

Conclusion

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction could improve clinical and stability results, but the clinical results Were inferior to those of primary reconstruction. This study also demonstrated that the success of the operation did not depend on the choice of graft materials.
Tibiofemoral Contact Pressures and Osteochondral Microtrauma during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Due to Excessive Compressive Loading and Internal Torque of the Human Knee
Authors: Meyer Eric G. , Baumer Timothy G. , Slade Jill M. , Smith Walter E. , Haut Roger C.
Published: May 2008

Background

The knee is one of the most frequently injured joints, including 80 000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the United States each year. Bone bruises are seen in over 80% of patients with ACL injuries, and have been associated with an overt loss of cartilage overlying those regions within 6 months of injury.

Hypothesis

The level of contact pressure developed in the human knee joint and the extent of articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone injuries will depend on the mechanism of applied loads/moments during rupture of the ACL.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Seven knee pairs, flexed to 30°, were loaded in compression or internal torsion until injury. Pressure-sensitive film recorded the magnitude and location of contact. Histologic analysis and magnetic resonance imaging were used to document microtrauma to the tibial plateau cartilage and subchondral bone.

Results

All specimens suffered ACL injury, either in the form of a midsubstance rupture or avulsion fracture. The contact area and pressures were higher for compression than torsion experiments. After being loaded, the articular cartilage in the central and posterior regions of the medial tibial plateau showed increased magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity, corresponding to an increased susceptibility to absorb water. Histologically, there were more microcracks in the subchondral bone and more articular cartilage damage in the compression than torsion experiments.

Conclusion

Significant damage occurs to the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone during rupture of the ACL. The types and extent of these tissue injuries are a function of the mechanism of ACL rupture.

Clinical Relevance

Patients suffering an ACL injury may be at risk of osteochondral damage, especially if the mechanism of injury involves a high compressive loading component, such as during a jump landing.
Cure Rate and Mechanical Properties of a DGEBF Epoxy Resin Modified with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Visco Annamaria , Calabrese Luigi , Milone Candida
Published: May 2008

Nanocomposites, made by epoxy resin and multi wall carbon nanotubes (CNT) (0.5—1.5 wt%), were studied in this work. Mechanical and physical analyses were performed in order to investigate both mechanical performance and the cure kinetic. Experimental results suggested that the presence of carbon nanotubes modified the polymeric resin properties. The addition of a small amount (0.5%) of carbon nanotubes increased the cure reaction kinetic of the epoxy resin but induced a little embrittlement. Higher concentrations (1.0—1.5%) of CNTs reduced the molecular chains mobility, the cure reaction kinetic and the mechanical performance. The results presented in this work evidenced the necessity to increase the resin/nanotube interaction with an appropriate functionalization.
Free Vibration Analysis of the Laminated Composite Beams by Using DQM
Authors: Atlihan Gökmen , Çallioğlu Hasan , Şahin Conkur E. , Topcu Muzaffer , Yücel Uğur
Published: May 2008

In this study, the effects of stacking sequences of composite laminated beams on natural frequencies are investigated using the differential quadrature method (DQM). DQM is an efficient discretization technique for obtaining accurate numerical solutions to initial and/or boundary value problems using a considerably small number of grid points. In this way, a theoretical DQM model for the laminated composite beam has been developed. Some of the results obtained from DQM are compared with the results obtained experimentally. Then, these results are compared with the numerical and experimental results available in the literature. It has been seen that all of the results considered are very close to each other. It has also been concluded that the effective stiffness of the laminated composite beam can be altered through a change in the stacking sequence. This allows tailoring of the material to achieve desired natural frequencies and respective mode shapes without changing its geometry drastically or without increasing its weight.
Calculation and Comparison of Stress Concentration Factors in CompositeInverted-tooth Chain Link Plates with Various Dimensions
Authors: Pihtili Haşim
Published: May 2008

The effect of fiber type and direction on the level of stress concentration factors, k, created by the presence of a notch was investigated for inverted-tooth chain link plates made of unidirectional and symmetric cross-ply laminates loaded on or off axis. The finite element (FE) method was used for this purpose utilizing triangular elements under plane stress conditions. Analysis was performed for three different fiber reinforcements of epoxy matrix: glass, graphite, and boron. Typical mechanical properties reported in the literature for graphite—epoxy, glass—epoxy, and boron—epoxy were used in calculations. The accuracy of the FE code utilized was first checked by calculating the stress concentration factors for an isotropic plate made of steel. The results which were determined by the computer-based FE method were compared with experiment results. It was seen that results agree well with strain-gauge and photo elastic measurements.
Relationships Among Walking Aids, Physical Activity, Depression, Fatigue, and Perceived Health in Assisted-Living Residents
Authors: Wyrick Shelly , Parker Danille , Grabowski Denise , Feuling Heidi M. , Ng Alexander V.
Published: May 2008

This study assesses whether physical activity, depression, fatigue, or perceived health are affected by use of a walking aid in residents of an assisted-living facility. From an assisted-living facility, 21 participants who were independent ambulators ( n = 8) or who used a cane or walker ( n = 13) participated. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and depression, fatigue, and perceived heath status were assessed with questionnaires. There were no differences in physical activity, depression, fatigue, or perceived health status between those using and those not using assistive devices. However, 15% of the participants reported moderate to severe depression, and 40% of participants reported at least mild depression. Depression was strongly correlated to fatigue. Thus, physical activity, depression, fatigue, and perceived health are not associated with walker or cane use in assisted-living facilities. Nevertheless, among all, mild depression is prevalent and strongly correlated to fatigue.
Toward a General Theory of Criminal Justice
Authors: DeLisi Matt , Hochstetler Andy , Higgins George E. , Beaver Kevin M. , Graeve Christine M.
Published: May 2008

Building on an extension of self-control theory to criminal justice, the current study explored Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory with data from a sample of 208 male parolees selected from the midwestern United States. Ordered logit regression models linked offender low self-control to an array of outcomes, including social interactions with prison staff, correctional substance abuse, physical assaults against correctional staff, weapon carrying, placement in a disciplinary unit, infraction history, and retaliation against another inmate. Overall, the study demonstrated promising empirical links between low self-control and criminal justice noncompliance as one or both self-control measures (attitudinal Grasmick scale and 3-item disputatiousness scale) were significantly related to every criminal justice outcome net the effects of 20 controls for criminal career, demographic, social background and risk factors, and various correctional risk measures.
Implications of Adolescents' Perceptions and Values for Planning and Design
Authors: Passon Camille , Levi Daniel , del Rio Vicente
Published: May 2008

Adults are responsible for selecting and creating the environments where their children and youth live, but it is not clear if these places contain the qualities that young people value. In this study, high school students from three communities were surveyed regarding their perceptions of where they live to determine whether indicators identified by previous research as qualities that youth value are present in those communities and perceived to be important. Although the results suggest the indicators are important to the adolescents, their communities lack a majority of them and this has contributed to low satisfaction ratings. Recommendations for better integrating adolescents into public participation processes are discussed along with implications for planning and design.
1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Markers of Cognitive and Language Ability in Clinical Subtypes of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Gabis Lidia , Wei Huang  , Azizian Allen , DeVincent Carla , Tudorica Alina , Kesner-Baruch Yael , Roche Patricia , Pomeroy John
Published: May 2008

This study assessed metabolic functioning of regional brain areas to address whether there is a neurometabolic profile reflecting the underlying neuropathology in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and if varied profiles correlate with the clinical subtypes. Thirteen children (7-16 years) with autism spectrum disorders and 8 typically developing children were compared on1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy data collected from hippocampus-amygdala and cerebellar regions. The autism spectrum disorder group had significantly lower N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine ratios bilaterally in the hippocampus-amygdala but not cerebellum, whereas myo-inositol/creatine was significantly increased in all measured regions. Choline/creatine was also significantly elevated in the left hippocampus-amygdala and cerebellar regions of children with autism spectrum disorder. Comparisons within the autism spectrum disorder group when clinically subdivided by history of speech delay revealed significant metabolic ratio differences. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can provide important information regarding abnormal brain metabolism and clinical classification in autism spectrum disorders.
Accessing Transit as Universal Design
Authors: Audirac Ivonne
Published: May 2008

Universal design is a design philosophy couched in a public discourse of social inclusion. Spurred by disability civil rights legislation, growth of the older population, the information revolution, and markets, universal design has become a global design paradigm. This article reviews global dimensions of the paradigm and implementation strategies related to public transportation. Given universal design's overall inclusionary values beyond American Disability Act standards, the article asks, What is universal design's potential for redressing sociospatial exclusion among mobility-disadvantaged populations? Using a multitiered social exclusion/accessibility framework, the article addresses this question and draws conclusions about universal design applied to transit in the United States.
Comparing Male and Female Juveniles Charged With Homicide
Authors: Roe-Sepowitz Dominique Eve
Published: May 2008

This study examines a sample of 136 male and female juveniles charged with attempted homicide or homicide. The purpose of this study is to explore the differences between nondirect file male and female juvenile homicide offenders regarding individual, family, and crime circumstances. Findings suggest that compared to male juvenile offenders, female juvenile homicide offenders have higher rates of reported childhood abuse, more serious substance abuse, and mental health problems including suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, anger, and irritability. Male juvenile homicide offenders reported higher rates of substance use than their female counterparts but the females had more serious substance abuse problems. Female juveniles were found to more often kill a person known to them and male homicide offenders were found to more often kill a stranger. These findings suggest strongly that male and female juvenile homicide offenders are dissimilar and require unique assessment and treatment.
The Worldview of Hospital Security Staff
Authors: Patterson Patrick B. , Hawe Penelope , Clarke Paul , Krause Christina , van Dijk Marlies , Penman Yvette , Shiell Alan
Published: May 2008

Interventions to encourage compliance with smoking control policies often rely on intermediaries for implementation, and the culture of the intermediary group might affect policy implementation. The authors present an ethnography of security staff involved in enforcing restrictive smoking policies in a large hospital in Canada. They find strong norms associated with control, mutuality, and deference to authority. Common sense interpretation rather than strict enforcement of rules prevails. To be enforced effectively, smoking policy would have to compete with other duties and elevate the security staff's perceived status in the eyes of visitors, staff, and patients.
Evaluating a Positive Parenting Curriculum Package: An Analysis of the Acquisition of Key Skills
Authors: Berard Kerri P. , Smith Richard G.
Published: May 2008

The effectiveness of a parenting curriculum designed for parents who exhibit risk factors for child maltreatment was evaluated. Six skills were taught during a 5-week series of 3-hour classes that met 1 day per week. A written quiz containing questions corresponding to skills taught in each class was administered to participants before the series of classes, following each class session, and after completion of the course. Repeated administration of the quiz permitted an analysis of skill acquisition. A role-play assessment was conducted prior to and following the series of classes. Results demonstrate an improvement in the participants'ability to recognize correct answers in a multiple-choice format and demonstrate the behavioral skills taught in class within a role-play context.
Validation of the Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders in Middle and Junior High School
Authors: Caldarella Paul , Young Ellie L. , Richardson Michael J. , Young Benjamin J. , Young K. Richard
Published: May 2008

The Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD), a multistage screening system designed to identify elementary school—age children at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders, was evaluated for use with middle and junior high school students. During SSBD Stage 1, teachers identified 123 students in grades 6 through 9 with characteristics of internalizing and externalizing disorders. Teachers then completed SSBD Stage 2 behavior rating scales, the Teacher Report Form, and the Social Skill Rating System on 119 of these students identified as at-risk during Stage 1. Office discipline referrals and cumulative grade point averages for at-risk students were compared to those of students not designated by teachers. SSBD Stage 2 scores were compared with scores from the Teacher Report Form and Social Skill Rating System. Internal consistency and interrater reliability of the SSBD were also examined. Results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of SSBD ratings of early adolescent students.
Bringing Evaluative Learning to Life
Authors: King Jean A.
Published: May 2008

This excerpt from the opening plenary asks evaluators to consider two questions regarding learning and evaluation: (a) How do evaluators know if, how, when, and what people are learning during an evaluation? and (b) In what ways can evaluation be a learning experience? To answer the first question, evaluators can apply the commonplaces of evaluative learning, where, in a given evaluative context, the evaluator is a teacher, the clients/participants are students, and the process and results of the evaluation are the curriculum. To answer the second question, evaluators can consider two ideas for understanding evaluative learning: (a) evaluation for accountability and control and (b) evaluation for program development.
Cross-Disciplinarization: A New Talisman for Evaluation?
Authors: Jacob Steve
Published: May 2008

Reflections on crossing disciplinary lines abound in the scientific community. Can cross-disciplinary approaches, with all their complexity and particularities, provide the way forward in the search for practical solutions to real-world problems? In this article, the author addresses how the debate on cross-disciplinarization pertains to the field of policy evaluation. Evaluation is appropriate terrain for such a discussion as this particular field of social science seeks to produce useful knowledge for both managers and policy makers. As such, the author offers a general account of the advantages and disadvantages of cross-disciplinary evaluation. Because evaluation requires close collaboration between individuals from different domains and backgrounds, the author further outlines the specific challenges that face the practitioner when conducting a cross-disciplinary evaluation.
Educating for Intelligent Belief in Evaluation
Authors: Schwandt Thomas A.
Published: May 2008

We are facing a rather worrying brew of developments affecting practical intellectual life in modern society and the very well-being of society itself. These developments threaten to degrade the central role that the cognitive endeavor, known as reasoned evaluative criticism, plays in the achievement, maintenance, and enhancement of the good society. In this climate, we cannot simply teach about the ways and means of doing evaluation; we must also convey the idea of evaluation as a practical, intellectual disposition and outlook on social and political life. In sum, there is a pressing need to educate both aspiring evaluators and the citizenry for intelligent belief in evaluation. This article discusses several components of such a belief.
Reducing World Poverty by Improving Evaluation of Development Aid
Authors: Clements Paul , Chianca Thomaz , Sasaki Ryoh
Published: May 2008

This article argues that given its structural conditions, development aid bears a particularly heavy burden of learning and accountability. Unfortunately, however, the organization of evaluation guarantees that evaluations will be inconsistent and it creates incentives for positive bias. This article presents evidence from organizational studies of aid agencies, from the public choice literature, from eight development projects in Africa, and from one in India, that demonstrates positive bias and inconsistency in monitoring and evaluation. It proposes that the evaluation function should be professionalized through an approach titled “monitoring and evaluation for cost effectiveness,” and it compares this approach to the World Bank's results-based monitoring and evaluation, the Development Assistance Committee's five evaluation criteria, and evaluations based on randomized trials. This article explains the analytics of the proposed approach and suggests directions for further research.
Shape shifting lizard people, Israelite slaves, and other theories of pyramid building
Authors: Wynn L.L.
Published: May 2008

At the turn of the millennium, Egypt prepared for a vast New Year celebration on the Giza Plateau, amidst rumors about the Masonic symbolism of the planned party. At the same time, Egyptologists were excavating the tombs of the pyramid builders of Giza and billing these as proof that the pyramids were built by Egyptian nationals, not Israelite slaves. Both were topics of fierce local political debate about the external appropriation of Egypt's national monuments. Based on ethnographic research in Giza and Cairo and analysis of popular publications by and about Egyptologists, this article explores the links between Egyptology, Egyptian nationalism, and theories about the labor force that built the pyramids. It shows how debates over pyramid building and conspiracy theories about the millennium celebrations resonate in both the historical context of European imperialism in Egypt and current international political tensions. It examines archaeological accounts of the relationship between the pyramid builders and ancient state building, and the parallels between such accounts and the discipline's contemporary relationship with archaeological labor. It concludes by asking whether Egyptologists, both Egyptian and foreign, have not only a nationalist but also a disciplinary interest in particular narratives of the labor that built the pyramids.
learning from the children
Authors: Stephen Christine , McPake Joanna , Plowman Lydia , Berch-Heyman Sarah
Published: May 2008

This article is an account of our attempts to understand preschool children's experiences with information and communication technologies (ICT) at home. Using case study data, we focus on what we can learn from talking directly to the children that might otherwise have been overlooked and on describing and evaluating the methods we adopted to ensure that we maximized the children's contributions to the research. By paying attention to the children's perspectives we have learned that they are discriminating users of ICT who evaluate their own performances, know what gives them pleasure and who differentiate between operational competence and the substantive activities made possible by ICT.
performance of students from the former USSR in Greek schools
Authors: Mitakidou S. , Tourtouras C. , Tressou E.
Published: May 2008

In the 1990s, Greece received, among other immigrants from different regions of the world, repatriates from the former USSR as well as refugees from the same region.1 This article outlines part of a research study2 focusing on the children of both Greek and other origins, who emigrated to Greece from the former USSR and who attended primary schools in Thessaloniki between the academic years 1989—90 to 1999—2000. The aim of this article is to compare the performance in language and mathematics of immigrant and repatriate children, who started school in Greece, with children of the same group, who joined school at a later grade, and also to compare the first group of children with their native peers.
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Carnegie
Authors: Georges Catherine Alicia
Published: May 2008

On February 20, 2008, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Carnegie, an internationally renowned nursing leader, died after 71 years of a professional nursing career. In this tribute, Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges offers her reflections on Dr. Carnegie's contributions, leadership, and mentorship.
Deep Ulcer Shaving Combined With Split-Skin Transplantation in Distal Calciphylaxis
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Helm Catherine , Hansel Gesina , Koch André , Schönlebe Jaqueline , Haroske Gunter , Köstler Erich
Published: May 2008

Calciphylaxis is a cause of painful deep ulcers. There is controversy about best wound management in this disease. A retrospective study of inpatients during the 3 years was made. Seven calciphylaxis patients were identified. All patients suffered from various associated pathologies including diabetes mellitus type II and chronic renal insufficiency. Ulcers were treated by aggressive and deep shaving combined with autologous split-skin grafting in the same session. A 30% to 90% take rate of the grafts eventually with a complete ulcer healing in 6 of 7 patients was achieved. No patient developed a deep cutaneous infection or sepsis. All patients are still alive except one. The single death was related to cardiovascular complications. In distal calciphylaxis, aggressive ulcer surgery with defect closure offers a marked improvement in quality of life and prevents early deep skin infections and sepsis as major causes of mortality.
Use of Nanotechnology-Designed Footsock in the Management of Preulcerative Conditions in the Diabetic Foot: Results of a Single, Blind Randomized Study
Authors: Elisa Banchellini , Silvia Macchiarini , Valentina Dini , Loredana Rizzo , Anna Tedeschi , Alessia Scatena , Chiara Goretti , Fabrizio Campi , Marco Romanelli , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: May 2008

The Difoprev system constituted by a sock loaded with nanocapsules containing a hydrating agent in the diabetic foot is tested. A total of 30 neuropathic outpatients with foot anhydrosis were randomized into group A, treated with the application of the sock with the nanocapsules, and group B wearing only the socks without the nanocapsules. Patients were blindly evaluated with a clinical score, hygrometry, transepidermal water loss, skin temperature, and skin hardness at baseline and after 6 weeks. No difference between the groups emerged at baseline. Although group B showed no changes at the end of the treatment, group A significantly ( P < .05) improved in all the parameters evaluated. No adverse events were recorded in both groups during the study. The use of hydrating agents carried by nanocapsules-loaded socks is safe and effective for the neuropathic diabetic foot.
Common Clinical Features of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Perspectives From a Developing Nation
Authors: Ogbera Okeoghene A. , Osa Eregie , Edo Andrew , Chukwum Ekebegh
Published: May 2008

Foot ulceration is a prominent cause of diabetes mellitus morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This is an observational study in which 47 consecutive diabetes mellitus patients with foot ulcers were studied over a 2-year period. Each patient's medical history, physical examination findings, and hematological and radiological features were documented. The mean age of the patients was 56 (11) years. The majority of the patients (40, 85%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus; 25% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were diagnosed when they presented with foot ulceration. Grades 2 and 3 Wagner lesions were the most frequently noted grades of foot ulceration. The risk factors/precipitants of foot ulceration included neuropathy, vasculopathy, spontaneous blisters, walking unshod, and wearing inadequate shoes. Prominent hematologic abnormalities included anemia and leucocytosis. Diabetes mellitus foot ulceration often occurs in middle-aged Nigerians with diabetes mellitus, and this diabetes mellitus complication may be present at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subcutaneous emphysema, osteolysis, and soft tissue swelling are often documented radiological features of DFU in our patients.
Closing the Gap
Authors: Haviland Don , Rodriguez-Kiino Diane
Published: May 2008

This article reports on a yearlong case study on the impact of a faculty development program designed to improve learning opportunities for Latina women by encouraging the use of culturally responsive pedagogy. Although the study concluded before changes in faculty practice could be documented, it did find evidence of changes in faculty attitudes toward the pedagogy. It also suggests the importance of ongoing and embedded faculty development to achieve important meaningful changes in practice.
Prevention of Trocar Site Hernias: Description of the Safe Port Plug Technique and Preliminary Results
Authors: Moreno-Sanz Carlos , Picazo-Yeste Joaquin S. , Manzanera-Díaz Marina , Herrero-Bogajo Maria L. , Cortina-Oliva Javier , Tadeo-Ruiz Gloria
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to describe a new technique to prevent the development of incisional hernias in trocar sites. Between March and June 2006, a pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of the safe port plug technique using the Bioabsorbable Hernia Plug to prevent incisional hernia in trocar sites. The device was implanted in the umbilical trocar site (10-11 mm) of 17 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery during the study period. The mean follow-up of patients was 14.6 months. Implantation of the Bioabsorbable Hernia Plug device by the safe port plug technique was possible in all cases. No patient presented complications in the follow-up. Our preliminary experience suggests that this technique is simple and feasible, and we hypothesized that this technique could be superior to conventional fascial closure: a hypothesis that must be proven in a randomized prospective trial that is currently in progress.
A Mixed-Method Exploration of Body Image and Sexual Health Among Adolescent Boys
Authors: Schooler Deborah , Impett Emily A. , Hirschman Celeste , Bonem Lathem
Published: May 2008

This study uses a mixed-method approach to examine the relationship between body image and sexual health among adolescent boys. In Study 1, eight 12th-grade boys participated in semistructured interviews focusing on dating and sexuality. Qualitative analyses revealed several differences between boys who were satisfied with their bodies and boys who were not. Specifically, boys who were satisfied with their bodies indicated that they were clear about what they wanted sexually and were comfortable communicating those wants with partners. In contrast, boys with low body satisfaction were often unclear about their sexual choices and resisted talking about sexuality with partners. Study 2 examined these same themes using quantitative data from 149 boys from the 12th grade who completed surveys assessing body image, sexual experiences, and sexual attitudes. Body satisfaction was significantly associated with sexual agency and with clarity of personal sexual values. Implications for promoting adolescent sexual health are discussed.
Frontline care in Irish intellectual disability services
Authors: Sheerin Fintan K. , McConkey Roy
Published: May 2008

The ongoing development of generic intellectual disability services in Ireland, driven by a policy of inclusion and normalization, has posed significant challenges to the interdisciplinary team, with the creation of new frontline carer roles not linked to any particular profession. It is within this context that attention has been focused on the appropriateness of nursing to frontline caring in intellectual disability service provision. The separation of caring and nursing posts that is now evident within many residential services suggests that decisions have already been made regarding the appropriateness of nursing within particular settings. These decisions have, however, been made in the absence of any real attempt to delineate the contribution of nursing to frontline caring in Ireland. This study is the first of its type in Ireland and seeks to set out the unique interventional contribution of nursing and non-nurse caring within frontline intellectual disability services.
Experimental and computer model investigations of microtexture evolution of non-oriented silicon steel
Authors: Hu Y. , Miodownik M. A. , Randle V.
Published: May 2008

The authors have performed a systematic set of experiments and corresponding computer simulations to investigate the microtexture evolution of non-oriented silicon steels. The experiments show that similar behaviour is observed during annealing at 800 and 900°C, grain growth occurs and the 〈110〉 fibre microtexture volume fraction decreases rapidly. The authors have imported the microstructures and grain orientations directly from the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) system into a Monte Carlo Potts model and used these to simulate the grain growth of the system. These simulations show that neither the residual size distributions of different microtexture fibres nor the presence of highly mobile high energy boundaries are responsible for the grain growth and 〈110〉 fibre microtexture decrease.
SALL4 is a key regulator of survival and apoptosis in human leukemic cells
Authors: Yang Jianchang , Chai Li , Gao Chong , Fowles Taylor C. , Alipio Zaida , Dang Hien , Xu Dan , Fink Louis M. , Ward David C. , Ma Yupo
Published: May 2008

Increasing studies suggest that SALL4 may play vital roles in leukemogenesis and stem cell phenotypes. We have mapped the global gene targets of SALL4 using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarray hybridization and identified more than 2000 high-confidence, SALL4-binding genes in the human acute promyelocytic leukemic cell line, NB4. Analysis of SALL4-binding sites reveals that genes involved in cell death, cancer, DNA replication/repair, and cell cycle were highly enriched (P < .05). These genes include 38 important apoptosis-inducing genes (TNF, TP53, PTEN, CARD9, CARD11, CYCS, LTA) and apoptosis-inhibiting genes (Bmi-1, BCL2, XIAP, DAD1, TEGT). Real-time polymerase chain reaction has shown that expression levels of these genes changed significantly after SALL4 knockdown, which ubiquitously led to cell apoptosis. Flow cytometry revealed that reduction of SALL4 expression in NB4 and other leukemia cell lines dramatically increased caspase-3, annexin V, and DNA fragmentation activity. Bromodeoxyuridine-incorporation assays showed decreased numbers of S-phase cells and increased numbers of G1- and G2-phase cells indicating reduced DNA synthesis, consistent with results from cell proliferation assays. In addition, NB4 cells that express low levels of SALL4 have significantly decreased tumorigenecity in immunodeficient mice. Our studies provide a foundation in the development of leukemia stem cell–specific therapy by targeting SALL4.
Segmental uniparental disomy is a commonly acquired genetic event in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Raghavan Manoj , Smith Lan-Lan , Lillington Debra M. , Chaplin Tracy , Kakkas Ioannis , Molloy Gael , Chelala Claude , Cazier Jean-Baptiste , Cavenagh James D. , Fitzgibbon Jude , Lister T. Andrew , Young Bryan D.
Published: May 2008

Despite advances in the curative treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), recurrence will occur in the majority of cases. At diagnosis, acquisition of segmental uniparental disomy (UPD) by mitotic recombination has been reported in 15% to 20% of AML cases, associated with homozygous mutations in the region of loss of heterozygosity. This study aimed to discover if clonal evolution from heterozygous to homozygous mutations by mitotic recombination provides a mechanism for relapse. DNA from 27 paired diagnostic and relapsed AML samples were analyzed using genotyping arrays. Newly acquired segmental UPDs were observed at relapse in 11 AML samples (40%). Six were segmental UPDs of chromosome 13q, which were shown to lead to a change from heterozygosity to homozygosity for internal tandem duplication mutation of FLT3 (FLT3 ITD). Three further AML samples had evidence of acquired segmental UPD of 13q in a subclone of the relapsed leukemia. One patient acquired segmental UPD of 19q that led to homozygosity for a CEBPA mutation 207C>T. Finally, a single patient with AML acquired segmental UPD of chromosome 4q, for which the candidate gene is unknown. We conclude that acquisition of segmental UPD and the resulting homozygous mutation is a common event associated with relapse of AML.
Estimating the size of the solution space of metabolic networks
Authors: Braunstein Alfredo , Mulet Roberto , Pagnani Andrea
Published: May 2008

Background

Cellular metabolism is one of the most investigated system of biological interactions. While the topological nature of individual reactions and pathways in the network is quite well understood there is still a lack of comprehension regarding the global functional behavior of the system. In the last few years flux-balance analysis (FBA) has been the most successful and widely used technique for studying metabolism at system level. This method strongly relies on the hypothesis that the organism maximizes an objective function. However only under very specific biological conditions (e.g. maximization of biomass for E. coli in reach nutrient medium) the cell seems to obey such optimization law. A more refined analysis not assuming extremization remains an elusive task for large metabolic systems due to algorithmic limitations.

Results

In this work we propose a novel algorithmic strategy that provides an efficient characterization of the whole set of stable fluxes compatible with the metabolic constraints. Using a technique derived from the fields of statistical physics and information theory we designed a message-passing algorithm to estimate the size of the affine space containing all possible steady-state flux distributions of metabolic networks. The algorithm, based on the well known Bethe approximation, can be used to approximately compute the volume of a non full-dimensional convex polytope in high dimensions. We first compare the accuracy of the predictions with an exact algorithm on small random metabolic networks. We also verify that the predictions of the algorithm match closely those of Monte Carlo based methods in the case of the Red Blood Cell metabolic network. Then we test the effect of gene knock-outs on the size of the solution space in the case of E. coli central metabolism. Finally we analyze the statistical properties of the average fluxes of the reactions in the E. coli metabolic network.

Conclusion

We propose a novel efficient distributed algorithmic strategy to estimate the size and shape of the affine space of a non full-dimensional convex polytope in high dimensions. The method is shown to obtain, quantitatively and qualitatively compatible results with the ones of standard algorithms (where this comparison is possible) being still efficient on the analysis of large biological systems, where exact deterministic methods experience an explosion in algorithmic time. The algorithm we propose can be considered as an alternative to Monte Carlo sampling methods.
PPARalpha-mediated effects of dietary lipids on intestinal barrier gene expression
Authors: de Vogel-van den Bosch Heleen M , Bünger Meike , de Groot Philip J , Bosch-Vermeulen Hanneke , Hooiveld Guido JEJ , Müller Michael
Published: May 2008

Background

The selective absorption of nutrients and other food constituents in the small intestine is mediated by a group of transport proteins and metabolic enzymes, often collectively called 'intestinal barrier proteins'. An important receptor that mediates the effects of dietary lipids on gene expression is the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which is abundantly expressed in enterocytes. In this study we examined the effects of acute nutritional activation of PPARα on expression of genes encoding intestinal barrier proteins. To this end we used triacylglycerols composed of identical fatty acids in combination with gene expression profiling in wild-type and PPARα-null mice. Treatment with the synthetic PPARα agonist WY14643 served as reference.

Results

We identified 74 barrier genes that were PPARα-dependently regulated 6 hours after activation with WY14643. For eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and oleic acid (OA) these numbers were 46, 41, and 19, respectively. The overlap between EPA-, DHA-, and WY14643-regulated genes was considerable, whereas OA treatment showed limited overlap. Functional implications inferred form our data suggested that nutrient-activated PPARα regulated transporters and phase I/II metabolic enzymes were involved in a) fatty acid oxidation, b) cholesterol, glucose, and amino acid transport and metabolism, c) intestinal motility, and d) oxidative stress defense.

Conclusion

We identified intestinal barrier genes that were PPARα-dependently regulated after acute activation by fatty acids. This knowledge provides a better understanding of the impact dietary fat has on the barrier function of the gut, identifies PPARα as an important factor controlling this key function, and underscores the importance of PPARα for nutrient-mediated gene regulation in intestine.
18-month occurrence of severe events among early diagnosed HIV-infected children before antiretroviral therapy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: A cohort study
Authors: Harambat Jérôme , Fassinou Patricia , Becquet Renaud , Touré Pety , Rouet François , Dabis François , Msellati Philippe , Blanche Stéphane , Timité-Konan Marguerite , Salamon Roger , Leroy Valériane ,   ANRS 1201/1202 Ditrame Plus Study Group
Published: May 2008

Objective

To assess the 18-month field effectiveness on severe events of a pediatric package combining early HIV-diagnosis and targeted cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected children from age six-week before the antiretroviral era, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods

Data from two consecutive prevention of HIV mother-to-child transmission programs were compared: the ANRS 1201/1202 Ditrame-Plus cohort (2001–2005) and the pooled data of the ANRS 049a Ditrame randomized trial and its following open-labeled cohort (1995–2000), used as a reference group. HIV-infected pregnant women ≥ 32–36 weeks of gestation were offered a short-course peri-partum antiretroviral prophylaxis (ZDV in Ditrame, and ZDV ± 3TC+single-dose (sd) NVP in Ditrame-Plus). Neonatal prophylaxis was provided in Ditrame-Plus only: 7-day ZDV and sdNVP 48–72 h after birth. A 6-week pediatric HIV-RNA diagnosis was provided on-line in the Ditrame-Plus while it was only oriented on clinical symptoms in Ditrame. Six-week HIV-infected children received a daily cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in Ditrame-Plus while no prophylaxis was provided in Ditrame. The determinants of severe events (death or hospitalization > 1 day) were assessed in a Cox regression model.

Results

Between 1995 and 2003, 98 out of the 1121 live-births were diagnosed as HIV-infected in peri-partum: 45 from Ditrame-Plus and 53 from Ditrame. The 18-month Kaplan-Meier cumulative probability of presenting a severe event was 66% in Ditrame-Plus (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 50%–81%) and 77% in Ditrame (95%CI: 65%–89%), Log Rank test: p = 0.47. After adjustment on maternal WHO clinical stage, maternal death, 6-week pediatric viral load, birth-weight, and breastfeeding exposure, the 18-month risk of severe event was lower in Ditrame-Plus than in Ditrame (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 0.55, 95%CI: 0.3–1.1), although the difference was not statistically significant; p = 0.07). Maternal death was the only variable determinant of the occurrence of severe events in children (aHR: 3.73; CI: 2.2–11.2; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Early cotrimoxazole from 6 weeks of age in HIV-infected infants seemed to reduce probability of severe events but the study lacked statistical power to prove this. Even with systematic cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, infant morbidity and mortality remained high pointing towards a need for early pediatric HIV-diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment in Africa.