bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Intake, Dietary Supplements and Survival Time of Scorbutic Guinea Pigs
Authors: Davies J.E.W. , Wilson H.K. , Hughes R.E.
Published: November 2008

Manual presentation of a liquid scorbutogenic diet permitted a more complete characterisation of the terminal stages of scurvy in guinea pigs. A bioflavonoid preparation from orange peel, previously shown both to increase the tissue concentrations of ascorbic acid and to stimulate the growth of hypovitaminotic C guinea pigs, had no influence on the survival time of scorbutic guinea pigs. Tetrahydrofolic acid, reported to possess 40 % of the activity of ascorbic acid in the protocollagen proline-hydroxylase system, also failed significantly to prolong the survival period. This latter finding could indicate that ascorbic acid has essential biochemical functions in addition to its involvement in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine.
Effect of Reticuloendothelial Stimulators on the Tissue Changes and Evolution of Experimental Atheroma in Rabbits
Authors: Pachauri S.P. , Mukerjee S.K.
Published: November 2008

Administration of histamine phosphate or glycerol trioleate (RE stimulators) to cholesterol-fed rabbits induced identical pattern of changes in cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride levels of the blood. However, the incidence of atheroma index in aorta and coronary arteries were significantly higher in histamine-treated and glycerol-trioleate-treated animals compared to cholesterol-fed controls. The rise in these indices appeared to be only partly related to increase in serum β-liρoproteins but mostly due to increased permeability of the endothelium and internal elastic lamina probably caused by histamine phosphate and glycerol trioleate resulted in greater degree of atheromatous lesions in those groups.
Effects of a Fat-Reduced Diet on the Faecal Excretion of Radioactivity following Administration of 14C-Cholic Acid and on the Duodenal Concentration of Bile Salts in Patients with Ileal Disease
Authors: Andersson Henrik
Published: November 2008

The fraction of faecal radioactivity excreted after intravenous administration of 14C-labelled cholic acid decreased in most patients with ileopathy and bile salt malabsorption when the dietary daily fat content was reduced from 100 to 40 g. The decreased faecal cholic acid loss might be due to increased bile salt absorption and decreased emptying of the gall-bladder on the fat-reduced diet. A simplified method to determine the corrected 24-hour excretion of radiologically labelled bile salts is described.
Erythropoietic Response of Anemic Rats to Enriched White Bread and Bread Ash
Authors: Miller Josephine
Published: November 2008

Iron-deficient rats were rehabilitated with diets supplying iron from white wheat bread, bread ash or ferrous sulfate as a standard. The relative biological value of iron in bread or its ash was greater when evaluated from red blood cell count than when estimated from hemoglobin concentration. Ash obtained by heating bread in a muffle furnace and reduced with hydrogen was more effective in stimulating blood cell production than could be accounted for by its iron content alone.
Effect of Malnutrition on Several Parameters of the Immune System of Children
Authors: Nahani J. , Nik-Aeen A. , Rafii M. , Mohagheghpour N.
Published: November 2008

In order to study the relationship between nutritional status and immunity, certain biochemical and immunological parameters were examined in 53 children with mild or severe malnutrition and 35 normal controls. The levels of hemoglobin, total serum protein and complement (C’3) were not affected by malnutrition. There was a significant depression of serum albumin, transferrin and ceruloplasmin in the severely malnourished children. Serum IgM, IgG and IgD were normal in both malnourished groups. The level of serum IgA was elevated only in the severely malnourished children. The proportion of B cells was the same in all groups; however, the frequency of T cells was reduced in the severely malnourished cases.
The ‘Thiamin-Sparing’ Effect of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Basu T.K. , Jenner M. , Williams D.C.
Published: November 2008

The thiamin status of 16 female geriatric patients was investigated by means of the thiamin pyrophosphate stimulating effect (TPP effect) on the thiamin pyrophosphate-dependent transketolase enzyme activity. These patients had values for the TPP effect which were greater than the suggested normal limit of 10%, and these results indicated that they had some degree of thiamin deficiency. The TPP effect was, however, significantly reduced and excretory levels of thiamin were significantly increased in these patients by oral supplementation with ascorbic acid for 1 week, the dose being 1 g daily. Oral supplementation with a loading dose of ascorbic acid also resulted in an increased urinary level of thiamin in a group of healthy subjects.
Effect of Different Dietary Levels of Essential Fatty Acids on Liver and Serum Lipids in the Rat
Authors: Alling C. , Bruce Å. , Karlsson I. , Svennerholm L.
Published: November 2008

Rats were fed diets with three different levels of essential fatty acids (EFA); 3.0, 0.75 and 0.07 cal·% for more than two generations. The concentrations of serum phospholipids and cholesterol rose during the suckling period and fell rapidly after weaning. In the liver the triglycerides reached their highest value early in the suckling period. The concentration of the triglycerides was the same in the EFA-deficient groups as in the control group. The fatty acid patterns of serum and liver lecithins in the four dietary groups were similar in several respects, but the concentration of the highly unsaturated fatty acids, primarily arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids, were higher in the liver. The largest deficiency of EFA in serum and in liver was found at birth and during the late suckling and early postsuckling periods. This deficiency was compensated for mainly by an increase in the fatty acid 20:3 (n-9) as well as in the monoenoic acids 16:1 and 18:1. The proportions of fatty acids of the linolenic acid series were reduced more than those of the linoleic acid series at all ages, both in the groups which received 0.75 and in those which received 0.07 cal% EFA.
Cholesterol Transfer and Content in Aortic Regions with Defined Endothelial Integrity from Rabbits with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Bondjers Göran , Brattsand Ralf , Hansson Göran K. , Björkerud Sören
Published: November 2008

To investigate the effect of hypercholesterolemia on cholesterol transfer and retention in the arterial wall in relationship to the endothelial cell layer, moderate hypercholesterolemia was induced in rabbits by the addition of 0.1–0.3% cholesterol in the diet. In arterial tissue with intact endothelium, hypercholesterolemia up to 400 mg% did not affect free cholesterol levels. As the uptake of free cholesterol increased in parallel to serum cholesterol, the elimination of cholesterol must also have increased. In segments with defective endothelium, the free cholesterol content increased in proportion to serum cholesterol, indicating that the potential to maintain constant free cholesterol levels was related to endothelial integrity. Tissue cholesteryl ester increased with increasing serum cholesterol regardless of endothelial integrity. However, the increase was more rapid in tissue underlying defective endothelium, suggesting that also for cholesteryl ester the intact arterial endothelium constitutes an important barrier for influx and retention.
Long QT Syndrome–Associated Mutations in KCNQ1 and KCNE1 Subunits Disrupt Normal Endosomal Recycling of
I
Ks
Channels
Authors: Seebohm Guiscard , Strutz-Seebohm Nathalie , Ureche Oana N. , Henrion Ulrike , Baltaev Ravshan , Mack Andreas F. , Korniychuk Ganna , Steinke Katja , Tapken Daniel , Pfeufer Arne , Kääb Stefan , Bucci Cecilia , Attali Bernard , Merot Jean , Tavare Jeremy M. , Hoppe Uta C. , Sanguinetti Michael C. , Lang Florian
Published: November 2008

Physical and emotional stress is accompanied by release of stress hormones such as the glucocorticoid cortisol. This hormone upregulates the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (SGK)1, which in turn stimulates
I
Ks
, a slow delayed rectifier potassium current that mediates cardiac action potential repolarization. Mutations in
I
Ks
channel α (KCNQ1, KvLQT1, Kv7.1) or β (KCNE1, IsK, minK) subunits cause long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited cardiac arrhythmia associated with increased risk of sudden death. Together with the GTPases RAB5 and RAB11, SGK1 facilitates membrane recycling of KCNQ1 channels. Here, we show altered SGK1-dependent regulation of LQTS-associated mutant
I
Ks
channels. Whereas some mutant KCNQ1 channels had reduced basal activity but were still activated by SGK1, currents mediated by KCNQ1(Y111C) or KCNQ1(L114P) were paradoxically reduced by SGK1. Heteromeric channels coassembled of wild-type KCNQ1 and the LQTS-associated KCNE1(D76N) mutant were similarly downregulated by SGK1 because of a disrupted RAB11-dependent recycling. Mutagenesis experiments indicate that stimulation of
I
Ks
channels by SGK1 depends on residues H73, N75, D76, and P77 in KCNE1. Identification of the
I
Ks
recycling pathway and its modulation by stress-stimulated SGK1 provides novel mechanistic insight into potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias triggered by physical or psychological stress.
Cardiac Neural Crest Expression of Hand2 Regulates Outflow and Second Heart Field Development
Authors: Morikawa Yuka , Cserjesi Peter
Published: November 2008

The cardiac neural crest (cNC) lineage plays key roles in heart development by directly contributing to heart structures and regulating development of other heart lineages. The basic helix–loop–helix factor Hand2 regulates development of cardiovascular structures and NC-derived tissues including those that contribute to face and peripheral nervous system. Although Hand2 is expressed in cNC, its role has not been examined because of an early embryonic lethality when
Hand2
is deleted in the NC lineage. We find that the lethality is attributable to loss of norepinephrine synthesis that can be overcome by activating adrenergic receptors. In rescued embryos, loss of
Hand2
in the NC lineage leads to the misalignment of the outflow tract and aortic arch arteries. Defects include pulmonary stenosis, interrupted aortic artery, retroesophageal right subclavian artery, and ventricular septum defect, which resemble congenital heart defects attributed to defects in the NC. Hand2 functions in part by regulating signaling from the cNC to other cardiac lineages but not by regulating migration or survival of the cNC. Loss of
Hand2
in NC also uncovered a novel role for the cNC in regulating proliferation and differentiation of the second heart field–derived myocardium that persists late into development. These results show that the cNC functions as a major signaling center for heart development and Hand2 plays a pivotal role in regulating both cell-autonomous and -nonautonomous functions of the cNC.
Variation in Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Langham Julia , Reeves Barnaby C. , Lindsay Kenneth W. , van der Meulen Jan H. , Kirkpatrick Peter J. , Gholkar Anil R. , Molyneux Andrew J. , Shaw Donald M. , Copley Lynn , Browne John P.
Published: November 2008

Backgrounds and Purpose—

The purpose of the study was to describe the characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with confirmed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to compare outcomes across neurosurgical units (NSUs) in the UK and Ireland.

Methods—

A cohort of patients admitted to NSUs with subarachnoid hemorrhage between September 14, 2001 and September 13, 2002 was studied longitudinally. Information was collected to characterize clinical condition on admission and treatment. Death or severe disability, defined by the Glasgow Outcome Score–Extended, was ascertained at 6 months.

Results—

Data for 2397 patients with a confirmed aneurysm and no coexisting neurological pathology were collected by all 34 NSUs in the UK and Ireland. Aneurysm repair was attempted in 2198 (91.7%) patients (surgical clipping, 57.7%; endovascular coiling, 41.2%; other repair, 1.0%). Most patients (65.0%) were admitted to the NSU on the same day or the day after their hemorrhage; 32.0% of treated patients had the aneurysm repaired on the day of admission to the NSU (day 0), day 1 or day 2 and a further 39.3% by day 7. Glasgow Outcome Score–Extended at 6 months was obtained for 90.6% of patients (2172), of whom 38.5% had an unfavorable outcome. The median risk of an unfavorable outcome for all patients was 31% (5
th
and 95
th
percentiles, 12% and 83%), depending on prerepair prognostic factors. After adjustment for case-mix, the percentage of patients with an unfavorable outcome in each NSU did not differ significantly from the overall mean.

Conclusions—

In this study that collected representative data from the UK and Ireland, there was no evidence that the performance of any NSU differed from the average.
Cost-Effectiveness of Stroke Unit Care Followed by Early Supported Discharge
Authors: Saka Ömer , Serra Victoria , Samyshkin Yevgeniy , McGuire Alistair , Wolfe Charles C.D.A.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Stroke places a significant burden on the economy in England and Wales with the overall societal costs estimated at £7 billion per annum. There is evidence that both stroke units (SUs) and early supported discharge (ESD) are effective in treating patients with stroke. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of the combination of these 2 strategies and compares it with the care provided in SU without ESD and in a general medical ward without ESD. The objective of this study was to model the long-term (10 years) cost-effectiveness of SU care followed by ESD.

Methods—

The study design was cost-effectiveness modeling. The study took place in SUs in the coverage area of the South London Stroke Register, UK. The modeled population was incident ischemic stroke cases (N=844) observed between 2001 and 2006. SU care followed by ESD was compared with SU care without ESD and general medical ward care without ESD. Main outcome measures were health service and societal costs and cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Results—

Using the cost-effectiveness threshold of £30000, as commonly used in the UK, SU care followed by ESD is the cost-effective strategy compared with the other 2 options. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SU care followed by ESD is £10661 compared with the general medical ward without ESD care and £17721 compared with the SU without ESD.

Conclusion—

SU care followed by ESD is both an effective and a cost-effective strategy with the main gains in years of life saved.
Blood Pressure Threshold Violations in the First 24 Hours After Admission for Acute Stroke
Authors: Ritter Martin A. , Kimmeyer Peter , Heuschmann Peter U. , Dziewas Rainer , Dittrich Ralf , Nabavi Darius G. , Ringelstein E. Bernd
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Admission blood pressure (BP) and significant decreases in BP after acute stroke have been correlated with outcome. Few data are available on the impact of extreme values at any time point within the first 24 hours.

Methods—

BP was measured hourly for 24 hours in 325 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. Predefined endpoints were systolic BP ≥200, diastolic BP ≥110, or systolic BP <100 mm Hg during the first 24 hours, and significant systolic BP decreases by >26 mm Hg within 4 hours after admission. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of each end point and determined the impact on dependency at 3 months defined as modified Rankin scale score ≥3.

Results—

Upper threshold violations occurred in 70% of cases during the admission process, and more frequently in patients arriving early after stroke; 30% of cases exhibited such values at a later time point. History of hypertension (
P
<0.01) and higher NIHSS on admission (
P
<0.05) were independent predictors. Systolic BP <100 mm Hg occurred at random and was associated with younger age (
P
<0.05). Night time admission was the strongest independent predictor of systolic BP decreases >26 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001). Diabetes, NIHSS on admission, and age were associated with adverse outcome at 3 months, whereas threshold violations and decreases were not. There was a trend for administration of antihypertensives being associated with poor outcome (
P
<0.1).

Conclusion—

External stimuli, premorbid risk factors, diurnal BP variations, and disease-immanent mechanisms all influence the course of BP after acute stroke. Monitoring should precede any medical BP treatment.
Improving Interrater Agreement About Brain Microbleeds
Authors: Cordonnier Charlotte , Potter Gillian M. , Jackson Caroline A. , Doubal Fergus , Keir Sarah , Sudlow Cathie L.M. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Salman Rustam Al-Shahi
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

If the diagnostic and prognostic significance of brain microbleeds (BMBs) are to be investigated and used for these purposes in clinical practice, observer variation in BMB assessment must be minimized.

Methods—

Two doctors used a pilot rating scale to describe the number and distribution of BMBs (round, low-signal lesions, <10 mm diameter on gradient echo MRI) among 264 adults with stroke or TIA. They were blinded to clinical data and their counterpart’s ratings. Disagreements were adjudicated by a third observer, who informed the development of a new Brain Observer MicroBleed Scale (BOMBS), which was tested in a separate cohort of 156 adults with stroke.

Results—

In the pilot study, agreement about the presence of ≥1 BMB in any location was moderate (κ=0.44; 95% CI, 0.32–0.56), but agreement was worse in lobar locations (κ=0.44; 95% CI, 0.30–0.58) than in deep (κ=0.62; 95% CI, 0.48–0.76) or posterior fossa locations (κ=0.66; 95% CI, 0.47–0.84). Using BOMBS, agreement about the presence of ≥1 BMB improved in any location (κ=0.68; 95% CI, 0.49–0.86) and in lobar locations (κ=0.78; 95% CI, 0.60–0.97).

Conclusion—

Interrater reliability concerning the presence of BMBs was moderate to good, and could be improved with the use of the BOMBS rating scale, which takes into account the main sources of interrater disagreement identified by our pilot scale.
Impact of a Stroke Unit on Length of Hospital Stay and In-Hospital Case Fatality
Authors: Zhu Hai Feng , Newcommon Nancy N. , Cooper Mary Elizabeth , Green Teri L. , Seal Barbara , Klein Gary , Weir Nicolas U. , Coutts Shelagh B. , Watson Tim , Barber Philip A. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Hill Michael D.
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—

Randomized trials have demonstrated reduced morbidity and mortality with stroke unit care; however, the effect on length of stay, and hence the economic benefit, is less well-defined. In 2001, a multidisciplinary stroke unit was opened at our institution. We observed whether a stroke unit reduces length of stay and in-hospital case fatality when compared to admission to a general neurology/medical ward.

Methods—

A retrospective study of 2 cohorts in the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary was conducted using administrative databases. We compared a cohort of stroke patients managed on general neurology/medical wards before 2001, with a similar cohort of stroke patients managed on a stroke unit after 2003. The length of stay was dichotomized after being centered to 7 days and the Charlson Index was dichotomized for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the length of stay and case fatality in 2 cohorts, adjusted for age, gender, and patient comorbid conditions defined by the Charlson Index.

Results—

Average length of stay for patients on a stroke unit (n=2461) was 15 days vs 19 days for patients managed on general neurology/medical wards (n=1567). The proportion of patients with length of stay >7 days on general neurology/medical wards was 53.8% vs 44.4% on the stroke unit (difference 9.4%;
P
<0.0001). The adjusted odds of a length of stay >7 days was reduced by 30% (
P
<0.0001) on a stroke unit compared to general neurology/medical wards. Overall in-hospital case fatality was reduced by 4.5% with stroke unit care.

Conclusions—

We observed a reduced length of stay and reduced in-hospital case-fatality in a stroke unit compared to general neurology/medical wards.
The Other Hawthorne
Authors: Milder Robert
Published: November 2008

With their fluent colloquial prose and curiosity about life's spectacle, Hawthorne's voluminous notebooks belie the common notion that temperament and talent led him to write works of allegorical romance rather than realism. The essay argues that Hawthorne cultivated romance not because he believed in its idealizing vision but rather because, extrapolating from his experience of “the real,” he didn't.
A Newly Discovered Translation of Louisa May Alcott's “The Brothers” in a German American Newspaper
Authors: Steinroetter Vanessa
Published: November 2008

Shortly being published in an 1863 Atlantic Monthly in November 1863, Louisa May Alcott's short story “The Brothers” appeared in a Washington, D.C., German American weekly. The essay examines how, through changes in register and tone, excisions, and other modifications, the translation adapted the story for its audience while preserving the story's translinguistic appeal and abolitionist message.
Measurement of Void Content and Distribution in Composite Materials through Digital Microscopy
Authors: Paciornik S. , D'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: November 2008

The use of digital optical microscopy techniques to measure the volume fraction and spatial distribution of voids in composite materials manufactured by filament winding is presented and discussed. The volume fraction was measured using the usual technique of object measurement from several individual fields and using mosaic images formed by assembling low magnification fields. The results obtained were consistent showing the usefulness of the mosaic image approach that also provides a global view of the complex microstructure of the material. From the mosaic images contour maps of void number and void area fraction were generated providing a semi-quantitative evaluation of void distribution. Using the tessellation technique for neighborhood analysis the coefficient of variation of the distance between nearest neighboring voids was measured. This parameter allows a quantitative measure of void spatial distribution, revealing homogeneity or clustering of the void population.
The Effect of Si3N4 on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Oxidation Resistance of HfB2-based Composite
Authors: Ling Weng  , Xinghong Zhang  , Jiecai Han  , Wenbo Han
Published: November 2008

HfB2—20vol% SiC composite was hot-pressed at 1900°C with silicon nitride (Si3N4) as sintering aid. Sinterability and mechanical properties were investigated and compared to the composite without the sintering aid. It was shown that the addition of Si3N 4 greatly improved the powder sinterability and enabled the production of nearly full dense composite. The flexural strength and fracture toughness were 590 MPa and 5.43 MPa m1/2, respectively. The oxidation resistance of composite doped with Si3N4 was evaluated by the oxyacetylene oxidation test and the oxidation mechanism was discussed.
Facilitating Content Analysis in Tourism Research
Authors: Stepchenkova Svetlana , Kirilenko Andrei P. , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: November 2008

The article proposes a new methodological approach to facilitate content analysis of electronic textual data in a more efficient and transparent way. The textual data are processed iteratively by two software products, CATPAC and WORDER. This approach permits smoothing of the original textual data, identification of the variables of interest, frequency count of the occurrences of these variables in the texts being processed, storage of frequency results in general purpose statistical packages, and subsequent dimensional reduction of word-frequency data by means of factor analysis. Application of this methodology is illustrated on three examples of destination-image studies, which cover content analyses of open-ended responses to e-survey questions, texts from tourism Web sites, and newspaper articles. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed research technique, its contribution to tourism studies, and the place of the approach within the quantitative paradigm of content analysis are also discussed.
Understanding the Museum Image Formation Process
Authors: Moreno Gil Sergio , Ritchie J. R. Brent
Published: November 2008

This study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the image formation process as it relates to museums with a view to comparing and contrasting tourists and residents as the two main target segments for this high-quality attraction. This study theoretically develops and empirically tests a measurement model of the museum image formation process, integrating the processes for both residents and tourists. The model also examines visitor motivations and information sources as conditioning variables. Finally, it studies the effect of visitor image on satisfaction with the museum visitation experience. The results of this study suggest that residents and tourists have some differences in their image formation process following visitation to a museum. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Growth Accounting for Hotel and Restaurant Industries
Authors: Smeral Egon
Published: November 2008

The availability of new data files from an EU research project has made it possible to analyze the sources of long-term supply growth in the hotel and restaurant industries of eight selected countries. This study is the first to use the growth accounting model to analyze growth determinants in the hotel and restaurant sector in an international context. The model allows isolating the impact of capital services of information and communication technology and non—information and communication technology, the impact of quantitative labor inputs measured by working hours and labor composition, and the influence of multifactor productivity on value-added growth in the hotel and restaurant industry. It provides a conceptual framework, which is of fundamental importance for policy evaluation. An analysis of the results shows that in most cases the greatest contribution to growth is derived from the quantitative labor input, followed by capital services of non— information and communication technology.
Public Management Mentoring
Authors: Bozeman Barry , Feeney Mary K.
Published: November 2008

Despite the abundance of literature discussing the individual and organizational outcomes of mentoring, this general literature remains virtually silent on the role of mentoring in the public sector. The authors review and critique the mentoring literature, indicating its limitations for understanding mentoring in a public management context. In particular, the authors highlight the interdependence of organizations, the opportunity structures of the public sector, and public service motivation that mediate the outcomes of mentoring in the public sector. The authors then present a three-tier model that focuses on public management mentoring outcomes. The three-tier model marries the unique context of public sector work to the extensive mentoring literature and lays the groundwork for a theory of public management mentoring. The authors employ the model to generate propositions about public management mentoring outcomes. These propositions should prove useful for theory development but also for application in public sector mentoring relationships and programs.
A Review and Critique of the Portrayal of Older Adult Learners in Adult Education Journals, 1980-2006
Authors: Chen Li-Kuang , Young Sek Kim  , Moon Paul , Merriam Sharan B.
Published: November 2008

The aging population is a worldwide challenge. Understanding how older adults have been portrayed would provide a foundation on which future scholarship can build. This study assesses and critiques the assumptions underlying the portrayal of older adults and their learning in adult education journals from 1980 to 2006. On reviewing 93 articles in five adult education journals, three themes emerge. First, older adults have been portrayed as a homogeneous group in terms of age, gender, race, class, ethnicity, and able-bodiedness. Second, older adults have been viewed as capable and motivated learners with few cognitive or physical limitations. Third, programmatic responses have been driven by the life context of older adulthood. Of the 93 articles reviewed, 26 are empirical studies. The findings are discussed and suggestions presented for future research and scholarship on older adult learners.
Recognition of Prior Learning as a Practice for Differential Inclusion and Exclusion of Immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Per , Osman Ali
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze how recognition of prior learning acts as a dividing practice and a technique for inclusion/exclusion of immigrants in their vocations in Swedish working life. It is a qualitative study of three pilot programs in Swedish urban centers, and the data consist of interviews and documents pertaining to these programs. The theoretical starting point of the analysis is three Foucauldian concepts: order of discourse, dividing practice, and technology of power. The results show how recognition of prior learning acts as a dividing practice; in the process of recognition, the targeting of certain vocations for assessment, the degrading of competence in the process, and the differing opportunities vis-à-vis further training and the labor market are part of the process of inclusion/exclusion in/from the orders of the labor market. Technologies of power—surveillance, observation, and examination— are part of this process.
Using Curriculum-Based Measurement to Identify the 2% Population
Authors: Fuchs Lynn S. , Seethaler Pamela M. , Fuchs Douglas , Hamlett Carol L.
Published: November 2008

In this article, the authors explain the federal requirements for identifying the population of learners who may participate in the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards. The authors present four approaches to providing the necessary documentation, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. The authors then focus entirely on curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as the most promising approach for providing such documentation. The hope is that a CBM decision-making process not only provides a clear and objective means for identifying the population to participate in the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards but also enhances the quality of special education programming as well as student outcomes.
Assessment and Instructional Implications of the Alternate Assessment Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards (AA-MAS)
Authors: Thurlow Martha L.
Published: November 2008

The alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MAS) is the latest flexibility added to the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It allows schools to count up to 2% of the total student population as proficient against a modified achievement standard. This new assessment option has significant implications for both what the assessment is like and what must happen in instruction for students. This article provides a brief summary of the AA-MAS and what states are doing in the development of the AA-MAS. It also addresses the implications of the AA-MAS option for assessment development and for instruction.
Academic Governance of Universities
Authors: Bradshaw Patricia , Fredette Christopher
Published: November 2008

This article, dealing with the topic of academic governance, is based on the experiences and reflections of a previous chair of a university senate. Grounded in recognition of the ever-increasing turbulence and complexity of the context of universities, it reveals some of the gaps and what gets silenced in the process and explores the paradoxical and inherently political nature of governance. Building on the current literature, the article attempts to extend and differentiate our conceptualization of governance and leadership as critical functions for university performance. In particular, governance is conceived of as the reframing, challenging, and questioning of the leadership vision and interpretation of reality and focuses on both external as well as internal trends over the long term and in ways that maximize responsiveness and strategic opportunities.
“Violence Is an International Language”
Authors: Mason Robin , Hyman Ilene , Berman Helene , Guruge Sepali , Kanagaratnam Pushpa , Manuel Lisa
Published: November 2008

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) across populations is challenging because of the multiplicity of definitions and lack of clarity about the behaviors that constitute IPV. The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which Sri Lankan Tamil women in Toronto understand, define, and experience IPV. Focus group interviews were conducted with women representing different ages and stages of life. Findings suggest that definitions of IPV were not culturally specific. Rather, the Tamil women defined IPV broadly and recognized different forms of coercive control. However, psychologically abusive behaviors were identified that held particular meanings for this community.
Empowerment and Programs Designed to Address Domestic Violence
Authors: Kasturirangan Aarati
Published: November 2008

Programs designed to address domestic violence often name empowerment of women as a major program goal. However, programs do not necessarily define what empowerment for survivors of domestic violence entails. This review examines the literature on empowerment, including characteristics of an empowerment process and critiques of empowerment. Diversity of goals for empowerment and differences in access to resources for women experiencing domestic violence are explored as two major factors that should inform program development. Recommendations are offered for developing programs to address domestic violence that support women engaged in an empowerment process.
Survivors of Gendered Violence in the Feminist Classroom
Authors: Lee Janet
Published: November 2008

This research note explores teaching about gendered violence in the context of liberatory education. It reports data on the incidence and types of violence in students' lives and shares writing by students who have experienced gendered violence and who are now participating in a feminist classroom where gendered violence is a topic of study. It concludes with implications from the data for effective teaching practice.
Pathways to Prison
Authors: DeHart Dana D.
Published: November 2008

This study examines ways in which victimization may contribute to criminal involvement among incarcerated women. The authors conduct interviews with 60 women in a maximum-security prison to gather each woman's perspective on psychological, physical, and sexual victimization in her life. Qualitative analyses indicate ways that victimization relates directly to women's crimes as well as influences health, psychosocial functioning, or systemic involvement to create difficult situations with which the women struggle. Case histories are used to illustrate pervasive impacts of victimization, and the roles of multiple traumas and cumulative impact are discussed.
WOW Specialty Home Care Service for Individuals With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Storfjell Judith LLoyd , Brigell Emily , Christiansen Kathryn , McDevitt Judith , Miller Arlene , Snyder Marsha , Pavick Debra
Published: November 2008

Integrated Health Care (IHC) is a nurse-managed center of the College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago through which faculty nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists provide primary and mental healthcare services for people with serious mental illness in partnership with Thresholds, the leading freestanding psychiatric rehabilitation agency in Illinois with locations throughout metropolitan Chicago.

This article describes a new project to increase access to IHC services and improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable, hard-to-reach Thresholds clients (called members) through an innovative combination of strategies to outreach beyond IHC's three clinic locations, including: house calls, group visits, and telemonitoring, IHC Without Walls (IHC WOW).

As an academic nursing practice, we view IHC WOW as an opportunity to integrate teaching and evidence-based practice; accordingly our objectives include expansion of novice and advanced practice experiential learning within this innovative practice domain.
Nutrition-Related Cancer Prevention Cognitions and Behavioral Intentions: Testing the Risk Perception Attitude Framework
Authors: Sullivan Helen W. , Burke Beckjord Ellen , Finney Rutten Lila J. , Hesse Bradford W.
Published: November 2008

This study tested whether the risk perception attitude framework predicted nutrition-related cancer prevention cognitions and behavioral intentions. Data from the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed to assess respondents' reported likelihood of developing cancer (risk) and perceptions of whether they could lower their chances of getting cancer (efficacy). Respondents with higher efficacy were more likely to report that good nutrition can prevent cancer, and they reported more preventive dietary changes, as compared to respondents with lower efficacy. Respondents with higher efficacy were more likely to report intentions to change their diets to prevent cancer, and they reported more preventive dietary changes to their own diets but only at higher levels of risk. Results suggest that to improve cognitions about the role of nutrition in cancer prevention, interventions should target cancer prevention efficacy; however, to increase intentions to change nutrition behaviors, interventions should target efficacy and risk perceptions.
D-dimer antigen: current concepts and future prospects
Authors: Adam Soheir S. , Key Nigel S. , Greenberg Charles S.
Published: November 2008

The D-dimer antigen is a unique marker of fibrin degradation that is formed by the sequential action of 3 enzymes: thrombin, factor XIIIa, and plasmin. First, thrombin cleaves fibrinogen producing fibrin monomers, which polymerize and serve as a template for factor XIIIa and plasmin formation. Second, thrombin activates plasma factor XIII bound to fibrin polymers to produce the active transglutaminase, factor XIIIa. Factor XIIIa catalyzes the formation of covalent bonds between D-domains in the polymerized fibrin. Finally, plasmin degrades the crosslinked fibrin to release fibrin degradation products and expose the D-dimer antigen. D-dimer antigen can exist on fibrin degradation products derived from soluble fibrin before its incorporation into a fibrin gel, or after the fibrin clot has been degraded by plasmin. The clinical utility of D-dimer measurement has been established in some scenarios, most notably for the exclusion of VTE. This article consists of 2 sections: in the first, the dynamics of D-dimer antigen formation is discussed and an overview of commercially available D-dimer assays is provided. The second section reviews available evidence for the clinical utilization of D-dimer antigen measurement in VTE, as well as emerging areas of D-dimer utilization as a marker of coagulation activation in other clinical settings.
C-reactive protein induces M-CSF release and macrophage proliferation
Authors: Devaraj Sridevi , Yun Jung-Mi , Duncan-Staley Catherine , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: November 2008

Inflammation is pivotal in atherosclerosis. M-CSF regulates macrophage growth and differentiation and plays a role in atherogenesis. C-reactive protein (CRP), a cardiovascular risk marker, may promote atherogenesis. However, the effects of CRP on M-CSF release and subsequent macrophage proliferation have not been examined previously. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were incubated with boiled CRP or native CRP 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL for 12–15 h, and M-CSF release was examined by flow cytometry and ELISA. CRP resulted in a significant and dose-dependent increase in M-CSF mRNA and secretion from HAEC as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM; P<0.01). Furthermore, conditioned medium (5%) from HAEC pretreated with CRP, when incubated with HMDM, increased macrophage proliferation significantly. This was blocked with M-CSF antibody but not irrelevant antibody. Inhibition of NF-κB resulted in significant abrogation of CRP-induced M-CSF release and subsequent macrophage proliferation. Antibodies to CD32 and CD64 but not CD16 abrogated CRP-induced M-CSF release. Thus, CRP up-regulates M-CSF release from HMDM and HAEC and increased macrophage proliferation. These effects appear to be mediated via activation of NF-κB via CD32 and CD64. These studies provide further evidence for a proatherogenic role for CRP.
A Positive Feedback between Activated Extracellularly Regulated Kinase and Cyclooxygenase/Lipoxygenase Maintains Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: You Jiacong , Mi Da , Zhou Xiaolei , Qiao Ling , Zhang Hang , Zhang Xiaodong , Ye Lihong
Published: November 2008

Metastasis of breast cancer cells is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. Why do breast cancer cells with high metastatic potential always keep in high proliferation and migration? The endogenous signaling pathways associated with tumor metastasis remain unclear. In the present study, we address whether a link between ERK and the enzymes associated with arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism contributes to the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. To identify endogenous signaling pathways involved in sustaining proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, we performed parallel studies of human breast cancer cell lines that differ in their metastatic potential. Our data showed that cell lines with high metastatic potential, including LM-MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, exhibited significantly high, sustained levels of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) 1/2 relative to MCF-7 cells. Our findings showed that β-catenin, cyclin D1, and survivin serve downstream effectors of pERK1/2, whereas Gi/o proteins, phospholipase C, and protein kinase C serve upstream activators of pERK1/2. In addition, AA metabolites were able to activate Gi/o proteins, phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and pERK1/2 cascades through cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. In contrast, activated ERK1/2 promoted AA metabolism through a positive feedback loop, which conduces to a high proliferative potential and the migration of the breast cancer cells. Together, our data provide new mechanistic insights into possible endogenous signaling metastatic signaling pathways involved in maintaining proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells.
Leptin But Not Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) Induces Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase-1B Expression in Human Neuronal Cells (SH-SY5Y): Putative Explanation of CNTF Efficacy in Leptin-Resistant State
Authors: Benomar Yacir , Berthou Flavien , Vacher Claire-Marie , Bailleux Virginie , Gertler Arieh , Djiane Jean , Taouis Mohammed
Published: November 2008

Growing evidences suggest that obesity is associated with hypothalamic leptin resistance, leading to the alteration of food intake control. Alternative treatment using ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been suggested because CNTF exerts a leptin-like effect, even in leptin-resistant states, but the mechanisms by which CNTF maintains this effect are not yet understood. Both leptin and CNTF act in the hypothalamus through similar signaling pathways including janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 pathway. To explore the differences and interactions between leptin and CNTF signaling pathways, differentiated human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were exposed to either leptin or CNTF and then challenged for each cytokine. Leptin pretreatment completely abolished leptin-dependent STAT-3 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylations without affecting CNTF action. The lack of cross-desensitization between leptin and CNTF signaling pathways occurred despite the induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 in response to both cytokines. Interestingly, leptin as well as insulin induced the expression of phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-1B, whereas CNTF treatment did not affect its expression. In addition, acute leptin treatment but not CNTF induced PTP-1B expression in mouse hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Furthermore, the overexpression of human PTP-1B in SH-SY5Y cells completely abolished leptin- and insulin-dependent janus kinase-2, STAT-3, and ERK 1/2 phosphorylations, but CNTF action was not altered. Collectively, our results suggest that PTP-1B constitutes a key divergent element between leptin/insulin and CNTF signaling pathways at the neuronal level, which may constitute a possible mechanism that explains the efficacy of CNTF in leptin-resistant states.

Phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1B has a critical role in the onset of neuronal leptin resistance and is unable to inhibit CNTF-dependent signaling pathways in leptin-resistant states.
Importance of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 in the Hormonal and Dietary Regulation of Rat Liver Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptors
Authors: Persson Lena , Gälman Cecilia , Angelin Bo , Rudling Mats
Published: November 2008

Hormonal or dietary challenge can stimulate hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression through posttranscriptional mechanisms. We here tested whether such observations may be due to regulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Treatment with glucagon resulted in a 2-fold increase in hepatic LDLR protein expression, whereas its mRNA levels were reduced; this occurred simultaneously with a 70% reduction in PCSK9 expression. Insulin treatment resulted in responses opposite to those seen by treatment with glucagon. Furthermore, high-dose ethinylestradiol treatment reduced PCSK9 expression by half. Finally, feeding of rats with dietary cholesterol reduced PCSK9 expression, resulting in an increased number of hepatic LDLRs despite a reduction of LDLR mRNA levels. Regulation of PCSK9 occurred in part through sterol regulatory element binding protein-2, but changes in this cholesterol-controlled transcription factor could not explain all hormonal effects seen. We conclude that the hormonal and dietary regulation of hepatic LDLRs also involves posttranscriptional regulation by PCSK9. The identification of PCSK9 regulation by these various treatments is important in understanding of the physiological function of this protein and points to new targets for therapeutic treatments to increase hepatic LDLR numbers.

PCSK9, which reduces LDL-receptors by posttranscriptional mechanisms, is involved in the hormonal stimulation of LDL receptors by glucagon and estrogens.
Deficiency of Growth Differentiation Factor 3 Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity by Selectively Acting on White Adipose
Authors: Shen Joseph J. , Huang Lihua , Li Liunan , Jorgez Carolina , Matzuk Martin M. , Brown Chester W.
Published: November 2008

Growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF3) is a member of the TGFβ superfamily. White adipose is one of the tissues in which Gdf3 is expressed, and it is the only tissue in which expression increases in response to high-fat diet. We generated Gdf3−/− mice, which were indistinguishable from wild-type mice and had normal weight curves on regular diet. However, on high-fat diet Gdf3−/− mice were resistant to the obesity that normally develops in wild-type mice. Herein we investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms that underlie this protection from diet-induced obesity and demonstrate that GDF3 deficiency selectively affects white adipose through its influence on basal metabolic rates. Our results are consistent with a role for GDF3 in adipose tissue, with consequential effects on energy expenditure that ultimately impact adiposity.