bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Effects of Corticosteroid Oral Treatment in Rats on Blood Glucose and Serum Insulin Levels, Pancreatic Islet Morphology, and Immunostaining Characteristics
Authors: Zwicker Gary M. , Eyster Randy C. 
Published: November 2009

Corticosteroids have for many years proven beneficial in the necessary treatment of diseases and conditions that respond to their anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, or hormonal effects. Deflazacort is a derivative of prednisolone and is currently used in humans. Deflazacort was fed in the diet for 1 yr to Crl:CD® BR rats at doses from 0.03 to 1.0 mg/kg/day to evaluate its toxic potential. Deflazacort-induced pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia in the 1-yr study was evaluated using subjective and objective methods on routine hematoxylinand-eosin- or peroxidase-anti-peroxidase-stained preparations of pancreas (islets); the relationship of blood glucose and serum insulin levels to doses of deflazacort administered to rats was also examined. Diagnostic electron microscopy was conducted on similar proliferative islet lesions for a few high-dose males of a parallel carcinogenicity study. This study revealed that proliferative islet lesions were comprised mainly of beta cells (insulin producing) and that the islet area correlated well with hyperplasia grade and dose. However, there were no statistically significant relationships among reductions in blood glucose, serum insulin concentration, and proliferative islet alterations.
The Relationship Between [Ca2+]i and Cell Death Using an In Vivo Model: A Study Using the ced-1 Mutant Strain of C. elegans
Authors: Jain Pramod T. , Chang Seung H. , Gutry Philip P. , Berezesky Irene K. , Trump Benjamin F. 
Published: November 2009

The ced-1 mutant of the free-living nematode, Caenorhabitis elegans, was used to study cell injury and cell death in relation to changes in intracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i). This animal, which is being genetically characterized, may prove to be extremely useful for certain toxicologic studies because of its small size, optical transparency, rapid generation time, and the morphologic and genetic data currently available. During the development of this animal, 131 of 1,090 ultimate somatic cells undergo programmed cell death. Using mutagenesis techniques, several genes responsible for this death have been identified. In this study, we have taken advantage of the ced-1 mutant in which dead cells accumulate, as they cannot be phagocytized and removed. Although changes in [Ca 2+]i have been studied in relation to cell injury and cell death, observations have been essentially restricted to in vitro monolayer cultures because of the methodology involved. To study the relationship between changes in [Ca2+]i and injury in vivo, we selected this animal model for further study and report here the morphological changes following the effects of ionomycin treatment in relation to increases of [Ca2+]i and cell death as measured using the fluorescent probes Fluo-3/AM and propidium iodide, respectively. The technique of confocal laser scanning microscopy is ideally adapted to such measurements in these living animals, and the results can be readily correlated with those made with Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy as well as with transmission electron microscopy. The results support previous in vitro observations and show that early increases of [Ca2+]i accompany early reactions to injury. Furthermore, the results also show that changes in this small invertebrate metazoan parallel those seen in mammalian systems, including human. Thus, the current study indicates that ced-1 C. elegans can potentially serve as an in vivo model not only for evaluating the possible temporal relationship of [Ca2+]i elevation with cell death but also for evaluating the [Ca2+]i elevation observed in relation to other phenomena and in evaluating toxic agents.
The AsTex ®: clinimetric properties of a new tool for evaluating hand sensation following stroke
Authors: Miller KJ , Phillips BA , Martin CL , Wheat HE , Goodwin AW , Galea MP 
Published: November 2009

Objectives: To investigate the clinimetric properties and clinical utility of the AsTex®, a new clinical tool for evaluation of hand sensation following stroke. Design: The AsTex ® was administered on two occasions separated by a week to appraise test—retest reliability, and by three assessors on single occasion to establish inter-rater reliability. Pilot normative values were collected in an age-stratified sample. Clinical utility was evaluated based on ease of administration, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness to sensory recovery. Participants: Test—retest (n = 31) and inter-rater (n = 31) reliability and normative values (n = 95) for the AsTex® were established in neurologically normal participants aged 18—85 years. Test—retest reliability was investigated in 22 individuals a mean of 46 months (range 12—125) post stroke and clinical utility was evaluated in an additional 24 subacute stroke participants a mean of 29.4 days (range 12—41) post stroke. Main measure: The AsTex ®. Results: The AsTex ® demonstrated excellent test—retest (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.97—0.99) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.73—0.87) in neurologically normal participants. Test—retest reliability of the AsTex® in individuals following stroke was excellent (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.68—0.94). The AsTex® was simple to administer, demonstrated small standard error of measurement (0.14 mm), minimal floor and ceiling effects (12.5% and 8.3%) and excellent responsiveness (standardized response mean = 0.57) in subacute stroke participants. Conclusion: The AsTex ® is a reliable, clinically useful and responsive tool for evaluating hand sensation following stroke.
Comparison of dispersion models for assessing odour from municipal solid wastes
Authors: Hobbs Stephen E. , Longhurst Philip , Sarkar Ujjaini , Sneath Robert W. 
Published: November 2009

This paper assesses the dispersion of odour from a waste transfer station in the North London area, UK. The basic models used for analysing the extent of dispersion were UK-ADMS (version 1.5) and US-EPA's MPTER (A Multiple Point Gaussian Dispersion Algorithm with Optional Terrain Adjustment). The two models have been extensively run for various meteorological conditions and source values based on site measurements. It has been observed that the two models compare very well at distances downwind greater than 500 m within a range of 29.0% to 40.0% up to 3.0 km. The two models differ substantially near the source; the physics of UK-ADMS representing the scenario better close to the source. The results indicate that with a wind velocity of 5.0 m s-1 the mean odour level, in odour units (ou), can fall down sharply from 1695.0 ou m-3 at the source to 0.5 ou m-3 at about 1.5 km from the source along the centreline. A dynamic dilution olfactometer with six panellists was used to characterize the odour strength of the source. Simultaneously, an intensity test was used to assess the number of times the odour would need to be diluted to achieve a reasonable expectation of 'no complaints' from the site operations. Measurements of intensity were determined by a 'sniffing' panel using a subjective scale (usually 0 to 6) from very faint to very strong. It has been observed that the emitted odour intensity reduces from a distinct odour to a faint odour as the odour concentration decrease from 10 to 4 ou m-3 and these levels are greatly exceeded at the point of emission. According to calculations, an odour intensity of 6 ou m-3 averaged for 15 min could be expected up to a distance of 470.0 m downwind along with a crosswind spread of + 80.0 m to - 80.0 m about a source of strength 1695.0 ou m-3 and average wind velocity of 5 m s-1.
Alternative MSW treatment options to reduce global greenhouse gases emissions - the Israeli example
Authors: Ayalon Ofira , Avnimelech Yoram , Shechter Mordechai 
Published: November 2009

In order to comply with the Kyoto Protocol agreements, Israel has to assess all the sources contributing to greenhouse gases (GHG) and analyze the alternative options to reduce these emissions. The waste sector in Israel contributes 13% of total GHG emissions for a time horizon of 100 years (for a time horizon of 20 years, the waste sector contribution equals more than 25% of total GHG emissions). Mitigation options from the waste sector, as well as the costs associated with each alternative, show that the most cost-effective means to treat the degradable organic components of waste is by aerobic composting (investment of less than 10 US$ to reduce emission of 1 t of CO2 equivalent per year). The environmental basis for regulating landfill gas (LFG) flares should be based on the potential damage of GHG emitted from landfills. The economic rational in the additional investment needed to recover energy from the LFG will be partially covered by income from energy sales. The ultimate goal is to minimize the amount of methane by converting it to CO2; this can be done most effectively by incineration. But, compared with other technologies, this is the most expensive option. Steps taken to minimize GHG emission from the waste sector should play a significant role in the short- and medium-term. The considerations used here apply to many other countries worldwide as well. It seems that a proper waste management may be one of the immediate and available means to mitigate GHG in the short- and medium-term.
Analytic Review: Treatment of Coronary Artery Spasm and Variant Angina
Authors: Conti C. Richard , Hill James A. , Feldman Robert L. , Mehta Jawahar L. , Pepine Carl J. 
Published: November 2009

Coronary artery spasm is an abnormal constriction of the conductive arteries that produces myocardial ischemia in the absence of any marked increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Ischemia is a transient phenomenon and is promptly reversed spontaneously or by nitroglycerine. The so-called "hallmark of spasm"—ST segment elevation—is evidence for severe myocardial ischemia rather than conclusive evidence for coronary artery spasm. Any process that transiently or permanently restricts coronary blood flow (e.g., transient occlusion by thrombus) will produce similar electrocardiogram (EKG) abnormalities. Most patients with symptoms and EKG changes related to coronary artery spasm respond to sublingual nitrates. Thus, their use for relief of the acute ischemic episode remains the initial treatment of choice. When symptoms are moderate in severity or unacceptably controlled in frequency using nitrates alone, other pharmacologic measures are needed. When spasm is superimposed upon hemodynamically important atherosclerotic obstruction, the favorable response to calcium antagonist may not be as great as that seen when spasm occurs alone. One possible explanation is that spasm is not really occurring. The ST segment elevation may be related to transient total occlusion from platelet aggregation or thrombosis. Thus, aspirin may be the drug of choice. However, if spasm is the culprit, recommendations for surgery and angioplasty require proof that spasm is occurring in and around the area of fixed atherosclerotic obstruction and not in other vessels or over the entire course of the distal vessel.
Analytic Review: Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Tegeler Charles , Sherman David 
Published: November 2009

Ischemic stroke is the most common cause of neurologic morbidity and mortality. The proper management of a stroke patient is dictated by the underlying pathophysiology. An ischemic stroke may occur as a result of restricted flow or thrombosis from atherosclerosis, artery-to-artery embolization, cardiac-to-brain embolization, or disorders of coagulation, to mention a few of the most common causes. Determining the relevant cause of stroke is made more difficult by the coexistence of many possible factors such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac disease. Nevertheless, judgments are based on the clinical presentation, computed tomographic scans, cerebral angiograms, and results of echocardiography and electrocardiographic monitoring. Therapy of the ischemic stroke patient is aimed primarily at preserving areas of potentially recoverable ischemic brain. This is accomplished by correcting or avoiding circumstances that can promote further impairment of ischemic brain. These include proper management of blood pressure, cardiac function, oxygenation, and fluid balance. The role of anticoagulation, hemodilution therapy, and other proposed forms of therapy is often unclear.
Self-Concept and African-American Student Achievement: Related Issues of Ethics, Power and Privilege
Authors: Campbell-Whatley Gloria D. , Comer James 
Published: November 2009

School-aged children spend most of their daytime hours in school. Therefore, the school is in a strategic and powerful position to influence the development of their self-concept, self-image, self-worth and self-esteem. Academic success attributes most to positive school effects. But for too many African-American learners, school is a setting of limited achievement. Pre-existing structures within the educational system impede academic achievement and contribute to low self-concept. In the early part of the twentieth century, educational and social structures and practices in the United States were established according to the belief systems of powerful decision-makers. Many now entrenched practices fail to promote the full potential of African-American students. As a result, many African-American students are misplaced, mislabeled and channeled into special education and other lower academic tracks. Responsible, ethical behavior requires change. This article explores the psychosocial and educational dynamics of the process. Methodologies and strategies needed to change these practices and/or to limit their ill effects will be suggested.
Regular Classroom Teachers' Responses to Inappropriate Behavior of the Mainstreamed Handicapped Child
Authors: Alogoa Gregory F. 
Published: November 2009

Regular class elementary teachers were assessed as to their responses to inappropriate behaviors of a mainstreamed handicapped child. Subjects were asked to respond to a brief scenario describing a misbehaving child who was either presented as a mainstreamed handicapped student or a nonhandicapped student. With the exception of the child's special education status, all other descriptive information on each target child was identical. Data indicated that teachers' responses were significantly lower in each of the three areas examined when addressing the misbehavior of the handicapped child as opposed to misbehavior of a nonhandicapped child. When the child was handicapped, the regular classroom teacher was significantly more willing to (a ) use corporal punishment, i.e., spanking, (b ) have the child reassigned, and (c ) predict future academic failure. Ramification of these findings on mainstreaming and teacher training are discussed.
The Perceptions of Teacher Skills and Knowledge by Regular and Special Educators of Mildly Handicapped Students
Authors: Furey Eileen M. , Strauch James D. 
Published: November 2009

A group of 109 regular elementary educators and 35 special educators completed the Teachers of the Mildly Handicapped Skill Survey. One-half of each group of teachers reacted to the survey in terms of their own abilities, while the other half was instructed to respond in terms of their perceptions of the skill level of the other group of teachers. The results indicate that, while there is consonance between the self-perceived skills and knowledge of special educators and how regular educators view them, there is an apparent dissonance between how regular educators view themselves and special educators' perceptions of regular elementary teachers.
Assessing Quality in Federal Grants that Support Special Education Teacher-Training Programs
Authors: Sutherland Doris J. , Castleberry Michael S. 
Published: November 2009

The purposes of this study were to identify indicators of quality of teacher preparation programs that should be included in such programs, and to determine, on the basis of their inclusion in grant applications, whether programs funded by the Division of Personnel Preparation under the Training of Personnel for the Education of the Handicapped program (CFDA 84.029) were quality teacher-training programs. A literature review revealed nomination of 468 generic indicators of quality in seven categories: extent of need for the training, process of participatory planning, plan of operation, content of the training program, plan for evaluating the program, key personnel, and resources available for use in the program. Those indicators (445 of the original 468) that a majority of a panel of 12 experts agreed should be retained were included in the Instrument for Self-Eualuation of Quality in Special Education Teacher-Training Programs. A second instrument was designed from the first, using four of the eight categories and including indicators that may be expected to be found in grant applications. This instrument was used to analyze a sample of 10% of the masters' level programs newly funded in fiscal year 1983 to determine what percentage of indicators of quality were addressed in the grant applications. This analysis showed that all of the grant applications reviewed contained at least 72% of the indicators of quality as measured by the instrument; 40 items were present in 75% of the grants examined. Some recommendations for improving quality in grant applications, as assessed by this instrument, are discussed.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Concerns About Portfolio Assessment: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Harris Mary B. , Curran Christina M. 
Published: November 2009

In order to contribute to the limited empirical knowledge about portfolios, we surveyed 209 educators taking graduate classes in general and special education about their knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about portfolios. Respondents had a substantial amount of knowledge about some but not all aspects of portfolios and held favorable attitudes toward portfolios. They viewed inadequate training and support, the time to design and implement portfolio assessment, and evaluating portfolios as the most serious concerns with portfolios. General education teachers were more knowledgeable about portfolios than special educators. Women were both more knowledgeable and more positive about portfolios than men. Viewed together, the findings suggest that demographic characteristics of educators may be related to their knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about portfolios and might be considered in developing programs and support services for them.
Risk analysis and risk adapted on-site monitoring in noncommercial clinical trials
Authors: Brosteanu Oana , Houben Peggy , Ihrig Kristina , Ohmann Christian , Paulus Ursula , Pfistner Beate , Schwarz Gabriele , Strenge-Hesse Anke , Zettelmeyer Ulrike 
Published: November 2009

Background The concept of risk assessment for clinical trials has been discussed before, but no comprehensive structured procedure leading to risk-adapted quality management has been published so far. Such a procedure is of particular interest for noncommercial trials in order to optimally use the sparse resources. Purpose To provide a structured procedure for risk analysis in clinical trials. To propose strategies for on-site monitoring adapted to the risks identified. Results The risk analysis refers to the risk of noncompliance with the main objectives of Good Clinical Practice. It takes into account risks of the study intervention compared to the risks a patient would run if treated outside a protocol as well as further potential risks regarding patient safety, patient rights, or the credibility of results. The risk analysis is based on detailed questionnaires, which are used to draw up (a) an on-site monitoring strategy recommendation, (b) a list of trial-specific tasks to be covered by on-site monitoring, and (c) a specification of further quality management measures e.g., central monitoring measures. The resulting risk-adapted monitoring strategies focus on the trial’s critical aspects, and differ in terms of the recommended extent of on-site activities. Limitations The effectiveness of the proposed risk analysis and risk-adapted monitoring has not yet been confirmed. However, the ADAMON project (prospective cluster-randomised study of trial-specific adapted strategies for on-site monitoring in combination with additional quality management measures) has been started in Germany to investigate whether a trial-specific, risk-adapted, reduced on-site monitoring strategy is as effective as an intensive monitoring strategy with regard to the occurrence of serious or critical audit findings. Twelve clinical trials planning to recruit more than 3200 patients participate in this investigation. Conclusions Our proposal will provide sponsor-investigators and other noncommercial sponsors with an instrument that may facilitate risk analysis and the implementation of targeted quality management measures. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 585—596. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Proteomics-based discovery of a novel, structurally unique, and developmentally regulated plasminogen receptor, Plg-RKT, a major regulator of cell surface plasminogen activation
Authors: Andronicos Nicholas M. , Chen Emily I. , Baik Nagyung , Bai Hongdong , Parmer Caitlin M. , Kiosses William B. , Kamps Mark P. , Yates John R. , Parmer Robert J. , Miles Lindsey A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractActivation of plasminogen, the zymogen of the primary thrombolytic enzyme, plasmin, is markedly promoted when plasminogen is bound to cell surfaces, arming cells with the broad spectrum proteolytic activity of plasmin. In addition to its role in thrombolysis, cell surface plasmin facilitates a wide array of physiologic and pathologic processes. Carboxypeptidase B-sensitive plasminogen binding sites promote plasminogen activation on eukaryotic cells. However, no integral membrane plasminogen receptors exposing carboxyl terminal basic residues on cell surfaces have been identified. Here we use the exquisite sensitivity of multidimensional protein identification technology and an inducible progenitor cell line to identify a novel differentiation-induced integral membrane plasminogen receptor that exposes a C-terminal lysine on the cell surface, Plg-RKT (C9orf46 homolog). Plg-RKT was highly colocalized on the cell surface with the urokinase receptor, uPAR. Our data suggest that Plg-RKT also interacts directly with tissue plasminogen activator. Furthermore, Plg-RKT markedly promoted cell surface plasminogen activation. Database searching revealed that Plg-RKT mRNA is broadly expressed by migratory cell types, including leukocytes, and breast cancer, leukemic, and neuronal cells. This structurally unique plasminogen receptor represents a novel control point for regulating cell surface proteolysis.