Undifferentiated Profile Research Articles

Can vocational interests of students be used to recruit suitable candidates for teacher training programmes in technical vocational education and training in Germany?

PurposeIn Germany, various approaches have been taken to tackle the current teacher shortage in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). One attempt to remedy the shortage in Bavaria has been the introduction of an engineering education study programme at universities of applied sciences. Ideal candidates for this programme should have an interest in both engineering and social interaction. For effective recruitment, therefore, it is necessary to know applicants’ characteristics such as their vocational interests. In this study, the vocational interest profiles of students in TVET teacher training programmes were identified and their interest profiles and further characteristics were compared with those of other VET students at universities and universities of applied sciences.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire based on Holland’s interest theory and adapted from the Allgemeiner-Interessen-Struktur-Test-3 (interest structure test) was administered to 85 students in TVET teacher training programmes at universities and universities of applied sciences in Bavaria. Items regarding reasons for choosing a particular study programme, university location and other personal details were added.FindingsThe vocational interest profiles of students at universities and universities of applied sciences can be described as similar but weakly differentiated. Insights are provided by the characteristics of students such as the majority being first-time academics in the family. The reasons for choosing the degree programme and university location highlight the fact that a large proportion of students in engineering education would not have chosen a teaching-related degree programme if it had not been offered at the respective university of applied sciences.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample in this study was small and, therefore, limiting, it represented a high proportion of TVET teacher training students in Bavaria and a substantial proportion of first-year students in TVET teacher training programmes at universities and universities of applied sciences in Bavaria (section 2.2 and 3.1). Thus, the findings provide valuable insights into commonalities in interest profiles between engineering education students at universities of applied sciences and other TVET students at universities. With respect to the domain of the chosen vocational specialisation, differentiated profiles emerged that, for example, showed a stronger artistic orientation among students in construction technology/wood. For further analysis, the previous variable-centred orientation of the analysis can be supplemented by person-centred analyses (e.g. cluster analysis and latent variable mixture modelling, LVMM) (cf. Leon et al., 2021).Practical implicationsThe findings in this study reveal the potential for attracting candidates to universities of applied sciences if they prefer to study in rather rural areas close to their hometowns. With the aim to educate prospective teachers for future work not only in metropolitan regions but in rural areas too, offering bachelor degree programmes in rural areas would seem promising. A regional option can boost the recruitment of new students and attract candidates that otherwise would be unable to pursue studies or a career as a teacher in vocational education. The results of this study and those of previous studies suggest that universities of applied sciences can cooperate with universities to help solve the teacher shortage problem.Social implicationsOverall, it is apparent that the students' interests reached comparatively high values in all interest orientations and thus are only weakly differentiated. If undifferentiated profiles indicate low levels of career readiness, this significantly affects the recruitment of young people for the teaching profession. Assessing career orientation and promoting vocational interests should be prioritised during secondary school education. Vocational orientation measures are essential and should provide insight into typical activities of daily work life in different professions and thus pique and foster interests.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into how to respond to the teacher shortage in VET by identifying important characteristics of engineering education students using vocational interest profiling.

Disease evolution and organ damage accrual in patients with stable UCTD: a long-term monocentric inception cohort

ObjectivesUndifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTDs) are systemic autoimmune conditions that cannot be diagnosed nor classified as defined CTD; the majority maintains an undifferentiated profile (stable UCTD, sUCTD) over time. Data...

What Is the Power of Identity? Examining the Moderating Role of Racial-Identity Latent Profiles on the Relationship Between Race-Related Stress and Trauma Symptoms Among Black American Women

In the current study, we investigated the emergence of racial-identity latent profiles and the potential for racial-identity profiles to moderate the relationship between race-related stress and trauma symptoms in nontreatment-seeking, trauma-exposed, Black American women ( N = 222). Racial-identity profiles emerged from latent profile analyses and supported a three-class solution: undifferentiated, detached, and nationalist. Analysis of variance revealed that the nationalist profile group experienced significantly higher race-related stress compared with the detached and undifferentiated profiles. Moderation analyses revealed racial-identity profile type predicted both total posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and each PTSD symptom cluster; specifically, the nationalist profile type buffered the effects of race-related stress on PTSD symptoms. This study illustrates how stress from racial discrimination influences PTSD symptoms and the ways racial identity may mitigate this relationship, which has the capacity to inform the adaptation of PTSD treatments for minoritized groups.

The Effect of Moisture Distribution on the Differentiation of the Cryometamorphic Soils Profile

In this research investigation is loamy soils. Cryometamorphic division is diagnosed according to the Classification and Diagnostics of Soils of Russia or Luvisolic Souls according to WRB. These soils are formed on uplands, uvals, in conditions of good drainage. However, the eluvial process is difficult and there is practically no podzolic horizon in the soil profile. Earlier research attributed the weak differentiation of the soil profile to low temperatures and prolonged soil freezing. With the help of trigonometric levelling of the relief surface, automatic monitoring system for temperatures, soil humidity, as well as methods that study the hydrological regime of soils, it was revealed that the soils of the cryometamorphic department have unsatisfactory water permeability of soil. Meltwater rolls down the slope, forming a stagnant hydrological regime in the runnels, contributing to peat accumulation. A differentiated profile forms on the slopes. Lateral water movements along the slope carry iron oxides, fine material and form an eluvial horizon. The lower cryometamorphic horizons do not currently freeze, but their formation has been influenced by permafrost processes in the past. As a result of pulling hygroscopic moisture and thin mineral quartz grains to the freezing front, skeletans were formed on the surfaces of pedas. Coatings are formed on the surface of the units at a depth of 1 m. Moisture in the soil is an important factor for the formation of soils with a differentiated profile and an undifferentiated profile. Soil moisture monitoring is important to describe the regulatory growing functions of valuable conifers such as Pinus sibirica and Picea obovate.

Coping profiles of family caregivers of people with schizophrenia: differentiations between parent and sibling caregivers

Background Prior research on informal caregivers of people with schizophrenia (PWS) has primarily focused on parental caregivers. However, siblings also play an important role in the recovery process of PWS. Aims The aim of this study is to compare the coping profiles of family caregivers according to whether they are siblings or parents of the PWS. Method Parent and sibling caregivers (N = 181) completed the Family Coping Questionnaire (FCQ), which assessed their coping strategies. Results The results reveal that parents and siblings do not use the same coping strategies and styles. Three coping profiles were identified depending on the caregiver’s relationship with the PWS. Most parents displayed an undifferentiated profile (96.7%), while siblings were more heterogeneously distributed among the undifferentiated profile (58.3%), problem-focused profile (37.5%), and emotion and social support-focused profile (4.2%). Conclusions These findings suggest that the coping capacities of family caregivers to deal with the illness of their sibling or child with schizophrenia are diverse and that it is important to differentiate among them. This would enable these caregivers to benefit from support that could be tailored to their specific needs.

Ouabain Effects on Human Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma 8505C Cells.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare, but aggressive, carcinoma derived from follicular cells. While conventional treatments may improve patients' survival, the lethality remains high. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective ATC treatments. Cardiotonic steroids, such as ouabain, have been shown to have therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Thus, we aimed to evaluate ouabain's effects in human anaplastic thyroid cells. For this, 8505C cells were cultured in the presence or absence of ouabain. Viability, cell death, cell cycle, colony formation and migratory ability were evaluated in ouabain-treated and control 8505C cells. The expression of differentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, as well as IL-6, TGFb1 and their respective receptors were also quantified in these same cells. Our results showed that ouabain in vitro decreased the number of viable 8505C cells, possibly due to an inhibition of proliferation. A reduction in migration was also observed in ouabain-treated 8505C cells. In contrast, decreased mRNA levels of PAX8 and TTF1 differentiation markers and increased levels of the N-cadherin EMT marker, as well as IL-6 and TGFb1, were found in ouabain-treated 8505C cells. In short, ouabain may have anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effect on 8505C cells, but maintains an aggressive and undifferentiated profile.

Vocational Identity Status in Chinese Emerging Adults with and without Hearing Impairment: Latent Profiles and Relationships with Self-Esteem and Subjective Well-Being.

This study aimed to (1) explore the configuration of vocational identity status among emerging adults with and without hearing impairment using latent profile analysis, and (2) investigate the relationships between vocational identity status and self-esteem and subjective well-being. In total, 408 students without disabilities and 432 with hearing impairments from two Chinese higher institutions participated in the study. The Vocational Identity Status Assessment, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Positive and Negative Affect were used to assess the major variables. The results derived five latent profiles (achieved, foreclosed, searching moratorium, undifferentiated, and diffused) of vocational identity in the present sample. The students were over-represented in undifferentiated profiles and under-represented in achieved and foreclosed ones. Hearing impairment significantly affected vocational identity status profile membership. The results showed that emerging adults with achievement and foreclosure statuses displayed healthy psychological outcomes, having the highest self-esteem, life satisfaction, and positive affect, and the lowest negative affect. In contrast, the diffused group showed the most disturbing pattern with the lowest self-esteem, life satisfaction, and positive affect, and the highest negative affect. The research findings reveal some notable issues in vocational identity status for emerging Chinese adults, raising concerns about the influence of hearing impairment on vocational identity formation, and provide implications for Chinese society to facilitate college students' career development process to promote their vocational identity status and enhance their self-esteem and subjective well-being.

3D Poly(Lactic Acid) Scaffolds Promote Different Behaviors on Endothelial Progenitors and Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells in Comparison With Standard 2D Cultures.

Tissue engineering is a branch of regenerative medicine, which comprises the combination of biomaterials, cells and other bioactive molecules to regenerate tissues. Biomaterial scaffolds act as substrate and as physical support for cells and they can also reproduce the extracellular matrix cues. Although tissue engineering applications in cellular therapy tend to focus on the use of specialized cells from particular tissues or stem cells, little attention has been paid to endothelial progenitors, an important cell type in tissue regeneration. We combined 3D printed poly(lactic acid) scaffolds comprising two different pore sizes with human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) and expanded CD133+ cells to evaluate how these two cell types respond to the different architectures. hASCs represent an ideal source of cells for tissue engineering applications due to their low immunogenicity, paracrine activity and ability to differentiate. Expanded CD133+ cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood and represent a source of endothelial-like cells with angiogenic potential. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that both cell types were able to adhere to the scaffolds and maintain their characteristic morphologies. The porous PLA scaffolds stimulated cell cycle progression of hASCs but led to an arrest in the G1 phase and reduced proliferation of expanded CD133+ cells. Also, while hASCs maintained their undifferentiated profile after 7 days of culture on the scaffolds, expanded CD133+ cells presented a reduction of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), which affected the cells’ angiogenic potential. We did not observe changes in cell behavior for any of the parameters analyzed between the scaffolds with different pore sizes, but the 3D environment created by the scaffolds had different effects on the cell types tested. Unlike the extensively used mesenchymal stem cell types, the 3D PLA scaffolds led to opposite behaviors of the expanded CD133+ cells in terms of cytotoxicity, proliferation and immunophenotype. The results obtained reinforce the importance of studying how different cell types respond to 3D culture systems when considering the scaffold approach for tissue engineering.

ANALYSIS OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN STEM CELLS AND POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA) SCAFFOLDS FOR APPLICATIONS IN TISSUE ENGINEERING

Background Tissue engineering is a branch of regenerative medicine which comprises the combination of biomaterials, cells and bioactive molecules to regenerate tissues. Biomaterial scaffolds can be solid or porous and are used to reproduce the extracellular matrix acting as substrate for cells, directing the formation of the new tissue. The ideal biomaterial is chosen based on its biocompatibility, biodegradability and properties that must be similar to the biological tissue. Other important factors that influence cells’ responses are the size and interconnectivity of the pores. To better understand how 3D structures affect cell behavior in culture we combined different 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methods PLA scaffolds presenting two different pore sizes (1,27 ± 0,06 and 0,7 ± 0,02 mm) were printed using a commercial 3D printer. Adipose tissue derived MSCs and umbilical cord blood derived EPCs were cultured on the scaffolds until 7 days. Cell adhesion was observed through fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze cell morphology. Cell cycle, proliferation and immunophenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry. The angiogenic potential of 3D cultured EPCs were evaluated in vitro. Results Both cell types were able to adhere on the scaffolds while also maintaining their characteristic morphologies. In comparison with a 2D culture, after 48h of 3D cultures the percentage of MSCs in G2 phase of the cell cycle was higher (12,53% ±1,84 vs. 19,78% ±1,64), whereas the EPC population suffered a delay in the cell cycle, resulting in a lower percentage of proliferating cells (25,8% ± 7,8 vs. 15,65% ± 2,4). However, between the scaffolds with distinct pore sizes there were no differences in any of the phases of the cell cycle after 2 and 7 days of culture. While MSCs maintained their undifferentiated profile after being cultured on the scaffolds, EPCs presented reduction of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), which did not affect the cells’ angiogenic potential. Conclusion These results indicate that the 3D environment had different effects on each cell type and that the difference in pore sizes did not affect cell behavior in the terms of adherence, cell cycle, proliferation and immunophenotype. Furthermore, they reinforce the importance of studying how cells respond to 3D culture when considering the scaffold approach for tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is a branch of regenerative medicine which comprises the combination of biomaterials, cells and bioactive molecules to regenerate tissues. Biomaterial scaffolds can be solid or porous and are used to reproduce the extracellular matrix acting as substrate for cells, directing the formation of the new tissue. The ideal biomaterial is chosen based on its biocompatibility, biodegradability and properties that must be similar to the biological tissue. Other important factors that influence cells’ responses are the size and interconnectivity of the pores. To better understand how 3D structures affect cell behavior in culture we combined different 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). PLA scaffolds presenting two different pore sizes (1,27 ± 0,06 and 0,7 ± 0,02 mm) were printed using a commercial 3D printer. Adipose tissue derived MSCs and umbilical cord blood derived EPCs were cultured on the scaffolds until 7 days. Cell adhesion was observed through fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze cell morphology. Cell cycle, proliferation and immunophenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry. The angiogenic potential of 3D cultured EPCs were evaluated in vitro. Both cell types were able to adhere on the scaffolds while also maintaining their characteristic morphologies. In comparison with a 2D culture, after 48h of 3D cultures the percentage of MSCs in G2 phase of the cell cycle was higher (12,53% ±1,84 vs. 19,78% ±1,64), whereas the EPC population suffered a delay in the cell cycle, resulting in a lower percentage of proliferating cells (25,8% ± 7,8 vs. 15,65% ± 2,4). However, between the scaffolds with distinct pore sizes there were no differences in any of the phases of the cell cycle after 2 and 7 days of culture. While MSCs maintained their undifferentiated profile after being cultured on the scaffolds, EPCs presented reduction of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), which did not affect the cells’ angiogenic potential. These results indicate that the 3D environment had different effects on each cell type and that the difference in pore sizes did not affect cell behavior in the terms of adherence, cell cycle, proliferation and immunophenotype. Furthermore, they reinforce the importance of studying how cells respond to 3D culture when considering the scaffold approach for tissue engineering.

Strengthening capacity for implementation of evidence-based practices for autism in schools: The roles of implementation climate, school leadership, and fidelity.

Understanding the factors that influence the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in schools is critical to the selection of effective implementation strategies to support their sustained use. The current study has 2 aims: (a) evaluate the association between school leadership profiles (undifferentiated and optimal) and fidelity of EBP implementation and (b) examine the role of implementation climate as a mediator in this association. Participants included 56 principals, 90 special education teachers, and 133 classroom staff from 66 elementary schools. Participants completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and Implementation Climate Scale. Teachers and staff reported on intensity (frequency) of EBP delivery, and the research team rated the accuracy (adherence) to the components of the EBP. Schools were required to implement at least 1 of 3 EBPs for ASD (discrete trial training, pivotal response training, or visual supports). Using structural equation modeling, we found that schools with optimal leadership had higher observed ratings of teacher and staff fidelity for pivotal response training accuracy (p < .05), but not for discrete trial training or visual supports. However, this association became nonsignificant with the introduction of implementation climate into the models. Optimal leadership profiles were linked to more positive teacher/staff-reported implementation climate, compared with undifferentiated profiles (p < .01), but found no association between implementation climate and fidelity. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the role of principal leadership in EBP implementation is complex, which has implications for fostering a conducive organizational implementation context in schools. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Nurses’ interaction styles when supporting patients in self-management: A profile approach

The rising attention to participation and self-regulation in chronic care requires nurses to move towards an approach in which patients' perspectives and choices are central, and in which patients' competency is fostered. According to Self-Determination Theory, nurses can differ in the way they interact with patients living with a chronic illness. That is, they can interact in an autonomy-supportive, controlling, structuring or chaotic way. However, in practice, nurses often use these styles side by side depending on personal and situational demands. Rooted in Self-Determination Theory, this study sought to identify distinct profiles among nurses involving the co-occurrence of autonomy support, structure, control and chaos (aim 1), and to examine whether such profiles are meaningfully driven by nurse-related indicators (aim 2). A cross-sectional design with latent profile analysis. Data were collected using validated self-report questionnaires among nurses counselling chronically ill patients (N=389). Latent profile analysis was performed to shed light on how nurses use different styles side by side; and subsequent MANCOVA testing was used to examine differences between the profiles in terms of nurse-related indicators. Four profiles could be identified, each characterised by a unique combination of differing degrees of autonomy support, structure, control and chaos. The profiles included a motivating profile (20.31%) characterised by the dominant presence of autonomy support and structure; a demotivating chaotic profile (17.74%) characterised by the dominant presence of chaos; an active profile (24.17%) where all styles were highly present; and an undifferentiated profile (37.79%) characterised by an average presence of all styles. These four profiles were meaningfully related to a set of nurse-related indicators. Multivariate analysis (Pillai's Trace test=.38, F(15, 756)=7.28; p < .001; η2=.13) indicated that job competency, job autonomy and high-quality motivation were most elevated in the motivating profile. Profiling has supported our understanding of the natural co-occurrence of more motivating and demotivating styles among nurses when counselling patients in self-managing their life with chronic illness. The pattern of retained profiles indicates that, for some nurses, it will be important to move away from controlling or chaotic interactions. Future intervention development should augment nurses' competence levels and high-quality motivation, with attention to reduce the pressure in nurses to act in a result-based manner. Profiling can also be valuable to better assign nurses to an employment in chronic care, and to support their personal professional growth.

Value Profiles During Middle Childhood: Developmental Processes and Social Behavior.

Little is known about how children's value priorities develop over time. This study identifies children's value priority profiles and follows their development during middle childhood. Australian children (N=609; ages 5-12 at Time 1) reported their values over 2years. Latent Transition Analysis indicated four profiles: Social-Focus, Self-Focus, Growth-Focus and Undifferentiated. Within person development was characterized by profile stability or transfer to the Social-Focus profile. Younger children were more likely to have an Undifferentiated profile (or Self-Focus among boys) than older ones. Girls were more likely to have a Social-Focus profile or transfer to it, and less likely to have a Self- or Growth-Focus profile than boys. Social-Focus profile membership over time predicted more prosocial and less aggressive behavior.

Genetic and protein expression of CXCR4 and CD26 and its relation to cell indifferentiation and responsiveness to treatment of colon and rectum neoplasms

The molecular heterogeneity of colorectal cancer (CRC) combined with a lack of methodological standard, which evaluates the effectiveness of the chemotherapeutic treatment, has demonstrated a challenge in the control of the disease, making it necessary to evaluate the gene expression profile of the tumor in an individualized way. Studies have shown that overexpression of the CXCR4 gene combined with the low expression of CD26 has shown a satisfactory prognostic profile and treatment responsiveness. However, the inverse encodes a lower chance of progression‐free survival and evolution in disease staging. Furthermore, studies show that the CXCR4+/CD26−, CXCR4−/CD26+, CXCR4+/CD26+ and CXCR4−/CD26− gene profiles require different antineoplastic treatment protocols to ensure a greater chance of cure. Thus, the analysis of the expression profile of the cited markers may be useful in determining the efficacy of conventional treatments making the approach more assertive. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the gene and protein expression profile of the CXCR4 and CD26 genes in colon and rectum cancer, correlating them to the responsiveness of patients affected by the pathology to chemotherapy through clinical data and their cellular differentiation profile, through the evaluation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers (EMT) and cancer steem cells (CSC). For such analyzes, the CXCR4r protein and peptide portions of CD26r were produced, in which the ELISA assay demonstrates the sensitization of the animals by CXCR4r and CD26r. The next step consists of the production of the anti‐CXCR4r and anti‐CD26r monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and are being performed according to the protocol adopted by the Antibody Production Platform of Fiocruz/Minas. In parallel, quantitative PCR reactions were performed for CXCR4, CD26, E‐cadherin, vimentin, Oct/3/4 and Sox2, in order to evaluate their gene expression. The predominance of CXCR4‐/CD26+ cells (1:2) was observed and the gene expression of EMT and CSC markers was high in such cell population. To evaluate the protein expression profiles of the CXCR4 and CD26 genes, human samples, positive and negative for CCR, were processed, histopathologically analyzed and submitted to immunohistochemical analysis. Such analysis showed a more undifferentiated profile when we observed the pattern of CXCR4‐/CD26+ gene expression. As perspectives, the results obtained in the analyzes of gene expression will be correlated to the clinical data and we will proceed to the finalization of the production of mAbs anti‐CXCR4 and CD26, which will serve as a subsidy to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed treatments. Finally, it is expected that the variation in the expression profiles of the CXCR4 and CD26 genes actually encode significant differences in the prognosis of the CRC, besides helping in the medical decision making regarding effective chemotherapeutic strategies. Financial support: Fiocruz, CNPq, FIOCÂNCER IRR.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support: Fiocruz, CNPq, FIOCÂNCER IRR.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Central image of vertisols: evolution of concepts of their morphology and genesis

This paper discuss the changes in understanding of the central image of Vertisols and leading processes of their formation. The early concept described Vertisols as black or dark clayey soils with homogenous undifferentiated profile resulted basically of pedoturbation. The further studies discovered vertical differentiation of Vertisol attributes. The application of trench method discovered spatial heterogeneity of Vertisols with alternation of bowl and diapiric structures. Such spatial complex subsurface pattern seems to be rather common and can be found even in the absence of gilgai microrelief. A new central image of a mature Vertisol is a combination of two structural types, one being homogenous and monotonous, generally corresponding to the initial central image, and the other - heterogeneous profile with fragmented horizons. A leading process forming the new central image of Vertisols was defined as lateral shearing or plastic deformations, i.e., plastic movements and gradual upward pushing of moist material (analogy of defluction process). Pedoturbation or more exactly the vertical falling of surface material into the cracks results in the vertical mixing rather than in deformations. Micromorphological features typical of Vertisols and associated with shrink-swell phenomena, cracking, mixing and lateral shearing that are reflected in the central image of Vertisols are summarized in the paper and illustrated by microphotographs.

Gender-typed attributes and marital satisfaction among Mexican immigrant couples: A latent profile approach.

Informed by socioecological and dyadic approaches to understanding marriage, the current study examined the patterning of gender-typed attributes among 120 Mexican immigrant opposite sex couples and the subsequent links with spouses' reports of marital satisfaction. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify typologies of couples based on spouses' self-reported masculine and feminine attributes. Three couple profiles were identified: (a) Androgynous Couples, (b) Undifferentiated Couples, and (c) Mismatched Couples. Results from a mixed model ANCOVA showed profile differences in couples' marital satisfaction based on profile membership, suggesting that spouses in the Undifferentiated Profile were the least satisfied. Findings illustrate a lack of gender-typing at the individual and couple levels that challenge stereotypical and patriarchal depictions of Latino marital relationships and propose a more complex understanding of Mexican-origin spouses' gender-typed attributes than has yet been portrayed in the literature. The finding that couples with 1 androgynous partner (i.e., wives in the Mismatched Profile) reported similar levels of marital satisfaction to couples in the Androgynous Profile offers additional insights regarding how these qualities operate under the unique socioecological niches that Mexican immigrant couples inhabit-contexts that may place demands on spouses that challenge gendered and culturally bound depictions of marriage.

Analysis of the evolution to defined connective tissue diseases of patients with “early unidifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTD)”

The term undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (UCTD) is used to identify systemic autoimmune diseases not fulfilling classificative criteria for defined connective tissue diseases (CTD). Aim of the present study was to evaluate the evolution to defined CTD of an historical cohort of 91 UCTD patients followed at our Unit and to describe clinical and serological characteristics of stable UCTD patients with a disease duration of more than 5 years. Patients, previously described, were selected for having an undifferentiated profile after 1 year of follow up. These patients have been regularly followed at our Unit and their diagnosis has been reassessed annually based on the existing classificative criteria. Seven UCTD patients with a follow up of less than 5 years have been excluded from the study, therefore 84 patients (F: 81, M: 3) have been analysed. During the follow up 28 patients (33%) developed a defined CTD. In particular 22 patients developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while the remaining 6 patients developed other CTDs (2 primary Sjögren's syndrome, 2 overlap syndromes, 1 Systemic Sclerosis, 1 rheumatoid arthritis). The evolution to a defined CTD occurred after a mean disease duration of 80.6+/- 66.8 months (min 14, max 336, median 72); the evolution to SLE occurred after a mean disease duration of 66.8+/-43.3 months (min 17, max 216, median 57). Anti-cardiolipin antibodies were the only variable correlated with the evolution to SLE (p<0.05). Stable UCTD were characterized by a simplified clinical picture with no major organ involvement and by a simplified autoantibody profile (anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and anti-RNP antibodies were the single antibody specificities observed in 22% and 13% of patients respectively). These results confirm previous data showing that about 30% of UCTD patients will develop a defined CTD, the predictive role of anti-cardiolipin antibodies for the evolution to SLE, and the existence of stable UCTD, distinct clinical entities with a simplified clinico-serological profile. The early identification of stable UCTD is very important both from a clinical and a research point of view. Future research is needed to define a new set of classification criteria.

Racial Group Identification and Its Relations to Individualism/ Interdependence and Race-Related Stress in African Americans

This study examined individualistic and interdependent notions of self and race-related stress across racial group identification profiles extracted from cluster analyses. African American college students were recruited from an introductory psychology course and were asked to complete several self-report measures. Using k-means cluster analysis, four group identification profiles emerged. The results suggest that cluster profiles marked by an in-group focus on race (Internalization profile) were more likely to endorse individualistic and interdependent values than cluster profiles that emphasize commonality among in-group and out-group members (Universalist profile) or an Undifferentiated profile. The fourth cluster (Multicultural profile), marked by strong endorsement of oppressed ideologies as an essential feature of group identification, endorsed collectivistic values, but no individualistic values. In terms of race-related stress, participants in the Internalization profile were more likely to report cultural race-related stress than participants in the Universalist profile. The results suggest that cultural values related to interdependence and independence differ across African Americans’ racial group identifications. Implications for future research are discussed.

Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease - An Unsolved Problem: Revision of Literature and Case Studies

In clinical practice, patients with a range of signs and symptoms suggestive of connective tissue disease, but who do not fulfil the classification criteria for a defined disease are often found. This condition is defined as, Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD). Most of the authors consider UCTD as a distinct clinical entity, generally stable during follow-up. Despite this, no mutual agreement regarding criteria for its diagnosis has been reached. The clinical, serological, therapeutical and evolutional patterns of 41 patients initially diagnosed as having early UCTD during a 3-year followup are described in this study. At the end of the observational period, 21 percent of the enrolled patients, followed throughout the follow-up, demonstrated clinical evolution to a defined connective tissue disease (CTD), whereas 52 percent of the observed subjects maintained an undifferentiated profile with variable clinical findings and presenting a generally stable disease over time. The remaining patients showed clinical improvement or complete regression of the symptoms associated with normalization of the inflammatory indexes. The role of therapy in these different clinical courses is discussed.

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease

Evolution of immunopathological diseases is usually slow and progressive. Non-differentiated collagen disease (NDC) or the term "undifferentiated connective tissue disease" (UCTD) represents a stage of disease where clinical symptoms and serological abnormalities suggest autoimmune disease, but they are not sufficient to fulfill the diagnostic criteria of any well-established connective tissue disease (CTD) such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), systemic sclerosis (SSc), polymyositis/ dermatomyositis (PM/DM) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 30-40 percent of patients presenting undifferentiated profile develops and reaches the stage of a well defined systemic autoimmune disease during five years follow up, while 60 percent remains in an undifferentiated stage.In the stage of NDC, immunoregulatory abnormalities and endothelial dysfunction are present. In conclusion, NDC represents a dynamic state, and it is important to recognize the possibility of a progression to a definite systemic autoimmune disease.

Derivatives of scattering profiles: tools for nanoparticle characterization

This paper presents a new approach to characterize nanoparticles using derivatives of scattering profiles of evanescent waves/surface plasmons. We start the procedure using the scattering profiles for an unknown configuration of nanoparticles, either from physical experiments or numerical simulations conducted for different nanoparticles on surfaces. We apply the statistical technique of compound estimation to recover the derivatives of scattering profiles. The L(1) discrepancies with the corresponding curves from known configurations are used to identify the most plausible configuration of particles that could yield the "experimental" profiles. We conduct a simulation study to see how often the new procedure correctly recovers the agglomeration level for gold spherical nanoparticles on a thin gold film. The results suggest that first derivatives are much more effective for characterization than undifferentiated profiles and that M(33) is the most useful element for distinguishing among configurations. The proposed compound estimation technique is more effective than typical inverse analyses based on look-up tables and can be used effectively in nanoparticle characterization platforms.