Search

Tec family kinases are implicated in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, and combined mutation of inducible T cell kinase (Itk) and resting lymphocyte kinase (Rlk)/Txk in mice dramatically impairs mature T cell function. Nonetheless, mutation of these kinases still permits T cell development. While itk(-)(/)- mice exhibit mild reductions in T cells with decreased CD4/CD8 cell ratios, rlk(-)(/)-itk(-)(/)- mice have improved total T cell numbers yet maintain decreased CD4/CD8 ratios. Using TCR transgenics and an in vitro thymocyte deletion model, we demonstrate that mutation of Tec kinases causes graded defects in thymocyte selection, leading to a switch from negative to positive selection in rlk(-)(/)-itk(-)(/)- animals. The reduction in both positive and negative selection and decreased CD4/CD8 ratios correlates with decreased biochemical parameters of TCR signaling, specifically defects in capacitive Ca(2+) influx and activation of the mitogen-activated kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2. Thus, Tec kinases influence cell fate determination by modulating TCR signaling, leading to altered thresholds for thymocyte selection. These results provide support for a quantitative model for thymic development and provide evidence that defects in negative selection can substantially alter thymic cellularity.

Dropping out, a phenomenon heavily concentrated in communities of color, hampers the academic success of multicultural students. Multiculturalism can help make school an inviting place for vulnerable youths, and school social workers (SSWRs) are in a position to advocate for school environments that are conducive to academic success. The present study surveyed 339 SSWRs on individual activities that promote a school environment supportive of diversity and the relationship of these activities to school policies. The majority of these SSWRs reported that they engage in activities that promote diversity and multiculturalism. In addition, results indicated SSRWs' perceptions of school policies impacted certain practice behaviors. The relevance of these findings to practice, policy, and research implications for SSWRs are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)

This article calls for school social workers to work in schools to reform school systems that have historically failed and are currently failing African American children. While the hope of education is to assist students to realize their potential, school systems across the nation are not reaching this goal. School social work has a duty, a privilege, and a responsibility to advocate on behalf of all children to create school systems that establish equality in education and that support the achievement of all children in reaching their highest potential. This paper focuses on the practices of tracking (ability grouping) and student placement in special education. It illuminates how these practices perpetuate discrimination in schools across the country. There is mounting evidence that shows the detrimental impact that these practices have on at-risk and disadvantaged students. Conventional thinking and policies must be confronted and questioned by school social workers.

National survey of teacher education programs examined how they prepared teachers to work with families. Most programs did not emphasize teachers working with families, use family friendly language in their missions, or require students to take courses that focused on enhancing parent participation. Despite this, the current state of affairs is slightly improved over that of the early 1990s. (SM)

The impact of ability grouping on the lives of school children (N=1922) is examined. Its roots in the history of education and the rationale for tracking are reviewed. Adverse effects of various practices associated with tracking are reported, and a reconsideration of tracking policies is encouraged. (EMK)

The continuing increase in cancer rates among women in the United States is forcing more men to experience the impact of breast cancer on their relationships. Using 71 male partners of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, this study assessed how dyadic coping strategies affected men's adjustment to their partners' illness. While their partners were undergoing treatment, participants completed standardized instruments that measured emotional well-being, illness intrusiveness, and dyadic coping styles. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between coping styles and illness intrusiveness. In addition, depression predisposed men to poorer adjustment and affected their coping patterns. The findings emphasize that social workers must work with patients and partners to develop positive couple coping strategies. Practice implications for social workers are addressed. KEY WORDS: breast cancer; depression; dyadic coping; men; partners; psychosocial adjustment, The American Cancer Society (2003) estimated that there would be 212,600 new breast cancer cases in the United States in 2003. In 2000, 182,000 cases were diagnosed, which represents an [...]