Students With Emotional–Behavioral Disorders as Cross-Age Tutors: A Synthesis of the Literature

The purpose of this quantitative synthesis was to evaluate the effectiveness and related outcomes of the cross-age tutoring model when students with or at risk for emotional–behavioral disorders (EBD) serve as tutors. Research questions were posed to identify the shared and unique components (e.g., dosage, tutor training) of the cross-age tutoring model; the extent to which students with EBD can effectively serve as cross-age tutors (i.e., fidelity of implementation and tutees’ improvement); the extent to which the model was effective in promoting desired academic and/or social–emotional–behavioral outcomes for tutees and tutors with EBD; the generalization, maintenance, and social validity of the effects; and the overall methodological quality and rigor of the included studies. Findings showed common training and instructional components across interventions and that tutors with EBD can implement cross-age tutoring procedures with fidelity. The cross-age model was shown to be effective in promoting academic and social–behavioral skills for the tutees as well as the tutors. Evidence for effectiveness in improving self-concept and attitude of the tutor with EBD was inconsistent. Implications and future research considerations are discussed

Equatorial and related non-equilibrium states in magnetization dynamics of ferromagnets: Generalization of Suhl's spin-wave instabilities

We investigate the nonlinear dynamics underlying the evolution of a 2-D nanoscale ferromagnetic film with uniaxial anisotropy in the presence of perpendicular pumping. Considering the associated Landau-Lifshitz spin evolution equation with Gilbert damping together with Maxwell equation for the demagnetization field, we study the dynamics in terms of the stereographic variable. We identify several new fixed points for suitable choice of external field in a rotating frame of reference. In particular, we identify explicit equatorial and related fixed points of the spin vector in the plane transverse to the anisotropy axis when the pumping frequency coincides with the amplitude of the static parallel field. We then study the linear stability of these novel fixed points under homogeneous and spin wave perturbations and obtain a generalized Suhl's instability criterion, giving the condition for exponential growth of P-modes under spin wave perturbations. Two parameter phase diagrams (in terms of amplitudes of static parallel and oscillatory perpendicular magnetic fields) for stability are obtained, which differ qualitatively from those for the conventional ferromagnetic resonance near thermal equilibrium and are amenable to experimental tests.Comment: 23 pages, 5 figures, To appear in Physica

AdS Strings with Torsion: Non-complex Heterotic Compactifications

Combining the effects of fluxes and gaugino condensation in heterotic supergravity, we use a ten-dimensional approach to find a new class of four-dimensional supersymmetric AdS compactifications on almost-Hermitian manifolds of SU(3) structure. Computation of the torsion allows a classification of the internal geometry, which for a particular combination of fluxes and condensate, is nearly Kahler. We argue that all moduli are fixed, and we show that the Kahler potential and superpotential proposed in the literature yield the correct AdS radius. In the nearly Kahler case, we are able to solve the H Bianchi using a nonstandard embedding. Finally, we point out subtleties in deriving the effective superpotential and understanding the heterotic supergravity in the presence of a gaugino condensate.Comment: 42 pages; v2. added refs, revised discussion of Bianchi for N

Inflammasome priming in sterile inflammatory disease

The inflammasome is a cytoplasmic protein complex that processes interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-18, and drives a form of cell death known as pyroptosis. Oligomerization of this complex is actually the second step of activation, and a priming step must occur first. This involves transcriptional upregulation of pro-IL-1β, inflammasome sensor NLRP3, or the non-canonical inflammasome sensor caspase-11. An additional aspect of priming is the post-translational modification of particular inflammasome constituents. Priming is typically accomplished in vitro using a microbial Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand. However, it is now clear that inflammasomes are activated during the progression of sterile inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, metabolic disease, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Therefore, it is time to consider the endogenous factors and mechanisms that may prime the inflammasome in these conditions

Exodus of clergy: Responding to, reinterpreting or relinquishing the call

�Who will lead the sheep when the shepherds are gone?� Clergy plays an important role in the establishing and sustaining of the church; without them, congregants will not be rooted in the faith nor will the faith be transmitted to the next generation. The shortage of clergy in the Roman Catholic Church and the distribution or displacement challenge facing the Protestant church pose a risk to the future of the church; therefore, the response of clergy to their call to full-time pastoral ministry is crucial for the continued existence of the church. The purpose of this study was to discover the variables involved in responding to the call to full-time pastoral ministry in a church. A grounded theory approach was used to discover the properties of the core category: �calling�. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were coded using Glaser and Strauss� grounded theory methodology. The core category �calling� included properties such as age, defining what a call is or is not; it evolves over time, it has an aspect of timing and it requires �worldly experience� to be effective. Osmer�s descriptive-empirical task was used as a practical theological lens through which to view the core category �calling�. The results indicated three responses by clergy who had left full-time pastoral ministry: not being called in the first place, a dual call (being bi-vocational) and being called but leaving anyway. Further research is needed to assist clergy in accurately identifying and developing their call to full-time pastoral ministry.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The research calls for an ongoing dialogue with regard to the concept of clergy calling and initiates this by means of a practical theology perspective of a grounded theory study. Future research recommendations are suggested.</p

Fish-borne trematodosis: Potential risk of infection by Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa (Heterophyidae)

AbstractOwing to the veterinary and medical importance of heterophyid trematodes, a survey on Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa in different organs of mullets Mugil liza from Rio de Janeiro was undertaken. The prevalence of metacercariae varied greatly between different organs of the mullets: spleen (100%), heart (98%), intestine wall (97%), liver (97%), muscle (87%), stomach wall (77%), brain (47%), gonads (30%) and gall bladder (30%). The high level of the intensity of the infection in relation to different fish organs was confirmed in two experimental infections performed during the spring/summer and autumn/winter seasons when 258 and 47 adult parasites were recovered from hamsters fed only with small pieces of muscle tissue. The potential risk of infection was considered to be high in view of the high prevalence and intensity of A. (P.) longa in the muscles of mullets throughout the year. Additionally new confocal imaging of metacercariae and adults experimentally obtained, enabled for the first time the description of a short genital atrium formed by the union of uterus and ejaculatory duct

Growth hormone (GH) replacement in hypopituitary adults with GH deficiency evaluated by a utility-weighted quality of life index: a precursor to cost–utility analysis

Objectives  To examine quality of life (QoL) measured by a utility‐weighted index in GH‐deficient adults on GH replacement and analyse the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on changes in utilities during treatment. Design  Utilities for items in the QoL‐Assessment of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults (QoL‐AGHDAutility) were estimated based on data obtained from the general population in England and Wales (E&W). These estimates were used to calculate QoL changes in GH‐treated patients and compare these with normative population values. Patients  A total of 894 KIMS patients (53% women) from E&W were followed for 1 to 6 years. Measurements  QoL‐AGHDAutility at baseline and at the last reported visit, total QoL‐AGHDAutility gain and QoL‐AGHDAutility gain per year of follow‐up. Results  QoL‐AGHDAutility in patients before GH treatment differed from the expected population values [0·67 (SD 0·174) vs. 0·85 (SD 0·038), P < 0·0001], constituting a mean deficit of –0·19 (SD 0·168). There was a difference in the mean QoL‐AGHDAutility deficit for men [–0·16 (SD 0·170)] and women [–0·21 (SD 0·162)] (P < 0·001). The main improvement occurred during the first year of treatment [reduction of a deficit to –0·07 (SD 0·163) (P < 0·001) in the total cohort]; however, patients’ utilities remained lower than those recorded for the general population during subsequent follow‐up (P < 0·001). Despite an observed impact of age, primary aetiology, disease onset and comorbidities on QoL‐AGHDAutility, all patients showed a similar beneficial response to treatment. Conclusions  QoL‐AGHDAutility efficiently monitors treatment effects in patients with GHD. The study confirmed the QoL‐AGHDAutility deficit before treatment and a simila

Exploring the role of morphemes in word reading

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/88078/1/RRQ.40.4.3.pd

Critical research gaps and translational priorities for the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer

INTRODUCTION Breast cancer remains a significant scientific, clinical and societal challenge. This gap analysis has reviewed and critically assessed enduring issues and new challenges emerging from recent research, and proposes strategies for translating solutions into practice. METHODS More than 100 internationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals collaborated to address nine thematic areas: genetics, epigenetics and epidemiology; molecular pathology and cell biology; hormonal influences and endocrine therapy; imaging, detection and screening; current/novel therapies and biomarkers; drug resistance; metastasis, angiogenesis, circulating tumour cells, cancer 'stem' cells; risk and prevention; living with and managing breast cancer and its treatment. The groups developed summary papers through an iterative process which, following further appraisal from experts and patients, were melded into this summary account. RESULTS The 10 major gaps identified were: (1) understanding the functions and contextual interactions of genetic and epigenetic changes in normal breast development and during malignant transformation; (2) how to implement sustainable lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight) and chemopreventive strategies; (3) the need for tailored screening approaches including clinically actionable tests; (4) enhancing knowledge of molecular drivers behind breast cancer subtypes, progression and metastasis; (5) understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumour heterogeneity, dormancy, de novo or acquired resistance and how to target key nodes in these dynamic processes; (6) developing validated markers for chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity; (7) understanding the optimal duration, sequencing and rational combinations of treatment for improved personalised therapy; (8) validating multimodality imaging biomarkers for minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring of responses in primary and metastatic disease; (9) developing interventions and support to improve the survivorship experience; (10) a continuing need for clinical material for translational research derived from normal breast, blood, primary, relapsed, metastatic and drug-resistant cancers with expert bioinformatics support to maximise its utility. The proposed infrastructural enablers include enhanced resources to support clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo tumour models; improved access to appropriate, fully annotated clinical samples; extended biomarker discovery, validation and standardisation; and facilitated cross-discipline working. CONCLUSIONS With resources to conduct further high-quality targeted research focusing on the gaps identified, increased knowledge translating into improved clinical care should be achievable within five years