bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
News (un)scripted
Authors: Filak Vincent F. , Pritchard Robert S.
Published: February 2007

In order to better understand how media users react to incidents that follow and deviate from a standard cognitive script, we examined the response postings (n 1/4 389) left on a newspaper’s website regarding two fatal shootings. An analysis of the postings found differences in placement of blame and support based on whether the incident followed standard script patterns pertaining to character roles and incident progression. Postings regarding a shooting that fit the script were more likely to attribute blame to the assailants as individuals and offer sympathy to the victim’s family. Postings regarding the shooting that didn’t follow the script were more likely to blame the victim. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Newspaper editorial boards and the practice of endorsing candidates for political office in the United States
Authors: Meltzer Kimberly
Published: February 2007

American newspaper editorial boards occupy unusual positions within their newspapers as the only journalists at the papers who may openly express their opinions. When they exercise their opinion-making power in the form of candidate endorsements, they potentially intervene in the democratic process by influencing readers’ voting decisions. This article examines American newspaper endorsements of political candidates from the point of view of editorial board members who were involved in endorsement processes during the 2002 and 2004 campaign seasons in Pennsylvania. Through ethnographic observation and interviews with four newspaper editorial boards and 16 editorial board members, this article explores the purposes and roles with which editorial board members believe they undertake the endorsement process, the ways in which they envision the consumers of their endorsements and the challenges they encounter.
Party Stances in the Referendums on the EU Constitution
Authors: Crum Ben
Published: February 2007

This article examines political party behaviour around the referendums on the EU Constitutional Treaty in 2005. Starting from the presumption that this behaviour needs to be analysed in the light of the domestic government-opposition dynamics, a set of hypotheses on the causes and consequences of party behaviour in EU Treaty referendums is developed and reviewed for the EU member states in which a referendum was held or anticipated. As it turns out, with the exception of some right-conservative parties, all mainstream parties endorsed the Constitutional Treaty. However, because significant proportions of opposition party supporters are bound to go to the ‘No’ side, government parties are eventually crucial in securing a majority in favour of EU Treaty revisions.
The Role of European Integration in National Election Campaigns
Authors: Kriesi Hanspeter
Published: February 2007

This study asks how and to what extent political parties in six West European countries - Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK - have addressed the process of European integration in national election campaigns since the 1970s. Based on a content analysis of newspaper data, the results show that Eurosceptic mobilization in national election campaigns has become most pronounced in countries where the public have always been rather apprehensive about European integration. In line with the ‘new cleavage’ hypothesis, in Switzerland and the UK mobilization around European integration is primarily driven by conservatives and/or the new populist right. In countries where the process of European integration is politically less salient, conservatives and/or the new populist right have been less Eurosceptic and their mobilization efforts have been more limited. While providing mixed support for the ‘new cleavage’ hypothesis, the study provides scant support for the received wisdom that Euroscepticism among political parties is essentially dictated by ‘opposition politics’.
Four weeks’ intensive rehabilitation generates significant health effects in COPD patients
Authors: Skumlien S , Skogedal E A , Bjørtuft Ø , Ryg M S
Published: February 2007

Changes in health according to World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) after four weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) were investigated. Gender differences in the response to PR, and the correlation between improvements in the two components of ICF (Body functions and Activities and Participation) were examined. Twenty-two men and 18 women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II-IV attended in-patient, multidisciplinary PR consisting of endurance training four to five times/week at 70% of peak work rate (WRpeak), resistance training three to four times/week at 72% of 15 repetitions maximum, educational sessions and individual counselling. The results were compared to those of 20 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients included after the same criteria and investigated while waiting for admission to PR. In the rehabilitation group, we found significant improvements in health related quality of life (HRQoL) (-7 units, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire), arm (6%) and leg (15%) maximal voluntary contraction, peak oxygen uptake (6%), WRpeak (60%) and treadmill endurance time (93%). At iso-WR, ventilation and dyspnoea were significantly lower, but inspiratory capacity remained unchanged. Improvements in HRQoL correlated with increases in peak ventilation, but not in muscle strength or exercise capacity. Men improved their six-minute walking distance significantly in contrast to women. Clinically important improvements in HRQoL were found in two out of three of the men, and one out of three of the women. Four weeks of intensive PR generated significant health effects comparable to longer lasting programmes. Changes in exercise capacity and muscle strength were not related to improvements in HRQoL. The gender differences in the response to PR deserve attention in future studies.
Pulmonary function tests in children with beta-thalassemia major
Authors: Abu-Ekteish F M , Al-Rimawi H S , Al-Ali M K , Shehabi I M
Published: February 2007

Lung function abnormality is a known complication of thalassemia, but the results of studies in pulmonary function have been inconsistent. This study was conducted to describe the type of lung impairment in thalassemic children. Pulmonary function tests were conducted in 40 children with beta-thalassemia major, 23 males and 17 females. Tests included spirometry, total lung capacity (TLC), single breath diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and arterial blood gases. Serum ferritin level was measured in all children to study its relationship to lung function impairment. A predominantly restrictive pattern was seen in 14 patients (35%). These patients had a significant reduction in RV, FVC, TLC and PEF with an FEV1/FVC ratio of more than 75%. Obstructive airway disease was found in six patients (15%), with an FEV1/FVC ratio less than 75%, increased RV and reduced FEF25%-75%. Impairment of diffusion was found in 10 patients (25%), with DLCO reduced to less than 80% of the predicted value. Arterial blood gases results showed that no patient was hypoxic. No correlation was found between the severity of restrictive or obstructive disease and the serum ferritin level. There was a significant linear correlation between age and serum ferritin level ( P < 0.019). Patients with thalassemia have a predominantly restrictive lung dysfunction pattern. This may be due to pulmonary parenchymal pathology, although the reason for the obstructive pattern seen in a small proportion of patients remains obscure.
Islam and citizenship education in Singapore
Authors: Tan Charlene
Published: February 2007

The religious diversity of Singapore, coupled with the current phenomenon of Islamic revivalism, makes the management of religion a paramount concern for the Singapore government. By examining the developments of Islam in Singapore, this article explores the challenges and implications these developments have on citizenship education in the country. This article argues that there is a need for a form of citizenship education in Singapore that takes into consideration the multiplicity, complexity and intersection of religion and citizenship. It is further argued that what is needed is not just socialization into a particular state-sanctioned set of values and views, but an awareness and appreciation of the different religions, especially Islam. The Singapore experience provides a useful case study on the issues and challenges faced by the governments and citizens of plural societies in the midst of Islamic revivalism.
Human metapneumovirus induces more severe disease and stronger innate immune response in BALB/c mice as compared with respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Huck Barbara , Neumann-Haefelin Dieter , Schmitt-Graeff Annette , Weckmann Markus , Mattes Jörg , Ehl Stephan , Falcone Valeria
Published: February 2007

Background

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are members of thePneumovirinaesubfamily ofParamyxoviridaeand can cause severe respiratory disease, especially in infants and young children. Some differences in the clinical course of these infections have been described, but there are few comparative data on pathogenesis in humans and animal models. In this study, HMPV and RSV were compared for replication, pathogenesis and immune induction in BALB/c mice infected with equivalent inocula of either virus.

Methods

Viral titers in the lungs and in the nasal turbinates of mice were determined by plaque assay. Histopathological changes in the lungs as well as weight loss and levels of airway obstruction were monitored in the infected mice to record the severity of illness. Inflammatory cells recruited to the lungs were characterized by flow cytometry and by differential staining. In the case of natural killer cells, cytotoxic activity was also measured. Cytokine levels in the BAL were determined by cytometric bead array.

Results

RSV replicated to higher titers than HMPV in the lung and in the upper respiratory tract (URT), and virus elimination from the lungs was more rapid in HMPV-infected mice. Clinical illness as determined by airway obstruction, weight loss, and histopathology was significantly more severe after HMPV infection. A comparison of the cellular immune response revealed similar recruitment of T lymphocytes with a predominance of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells. By contrast, there were obvious differences in the innate immune response. After HMPV infection, more neutrophils could be detected in the airways and there were more activated NK cells than in RSV-infected mice. This correlated with higher levels of IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1.

Conclusion

This study shows important differences in HMPV and RSV pathogenesis and suggests that the pronounced innate immune response observed after HMPV infection might be instrumental in the severe pathology.
Expression and localization of estrogenic type 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Liu Hong , Zheng ShuFang , Bellemare Véronique , Pelletier Georges , Labrie Fernand , Luu-The Van
Published: February 2007

Background

We have recently discovered that human type 12 17β-HSD (h17β-HSD12), a homolog of type 3 17β-HSD, is a new estrogen-specific 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase involved in the production of estradiol (E2). To further characterize this estradiol-producing enzyme, we have isolated the corresponding cDNA in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), characterized its enzymatic activities and performed cellular localization using in situ hybridization.

Results

Using HEK-293 cells stably expressing Macaca fascicularis type 12 17β-HSD (mf 17β-HSD12), we have found that the mf 17β-HSD12 catalyzes efficiently and selectively the transformation of El into E2, in analogy with the h17β-HSD12. We have also quantified the mf 17β-HSD12 mRNA expression levels in a series of Macaca fascicularis tissues using Quantitative RealTime PCR. The Macaca fascicularis 17β-HSD12 mRNA is widely expressed with the highest levels tissues found in the cerebellum, spleen and adrenal with moderate level observed in all the other examined, namely the testis, ovary, cerebral cortex, liver, heart, prostate, mammary gland, myometrium, endometrium, skin, muscle and pancreas. To gain knowledge about the cellular localization of the mf 17β-HSD12 mRNA expression, we performed in situ hybridization using a 35S-labeled cRNA probe. Strong labeling was observed in epithelial cells and stromal cells of the mammary gland. In the uterus, the labeling is detected in epithelial cells and stromal cells of the endometrium.

Conclusion

These results strongly suggest that the Macaca fascicularis 17β-HSD12 is an essential partner of aromatase in the biosynthesis of estradiol (E2). It strongly suggests that in the estradiol biosynthesis pathway, the step of 17-ketoreduction comes after the step of the aromatization (the aromatization of 4-androstendione to estrone followed by the conversion of estrone into estradiol by estrogen specific l7β-HSDs) which is in contrast with the hypothesis suggesting that 4-androstenedione is converted to testosterone followed by the aromatization of testosterone.
CT60 genotype does not affect CTLA-4 isoform expression despite association to T1D and AITD in northern Sweden
Authors: Mayans Sofia , Lackovic Kurt , Nyholm Caroline , Lindgren Petter , Ruikka Karin , Eliasson Mats , Cilio Corrado M , Holmberg Dan
Published: February 2007

Background

Polymorphisms in and around theCTLA-4gene have previously been associated to T1D and AITD in several populations. One such single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), CT60, has been reported to affect the expression level ratio of the soluble (sCTLA-4) to full length CTLA-4 (flCTLA-4) isoforms. The aims of our study were to replicate the association previously published by Uedaet al. of polymorphisms in theCTLA-4region to T1D and AITD and to determine whether the CT60 polymorphism affects the expression level ratio of sCTLA-4/flCTLA-4 in our population.

Methods

Three SNPs were genotyped in 253 cases (104 AITD cases and 149 T1D cases) and 865 ethnically matched controls. Blood from 23 healthy individuals was used to quantify mRNA expression of CTLA-4 isoforms in CD4+cells using real-time PCR. Serum from 102 cases and 59 healthy individuals was used to determine the level of sCTLA-4 protein.

Results

Here we show association of the MH30, CT60 and JO31 polymorphisms to T1D and AITD in northern Sweden. We also observed a higher frequency of the CT60 disease susceptible allele in our controls compared to the British, Italian and Dutch populations, which might contribute to the high frequency of T1D in Sweden. In contrast to previously published findings, however, we were unable to find differences in the sCTLA-4/flCTLA-4 expression ratio based on the CT60 genotype in 23 healthy volunteers, also from northern Sweden. Analysis of sCTLA-4 protein levels in serum showed no correlation between sCTLA-4 protein levels and disease status or CT60 genotype.

Conclusion

Association was found between T1D/AITD and all three polymorphisms investigated. However, in contrast to previous investigations, sCTLA-4 RNA and protein expression levels did not differ based on CT60 genotype. Our results do not rule out the CT60 SNP as an important polymorphism in the development of T1D or AITD, but suggest that further investigations are necessary to elucidate the effect of theCTLA-4region on the development of T1D and AITD.
Quantifying the natural history of post-radical prostatectomy incontinence using objective pad test data
Authors: Smither Anna R , Guralnick Michael L , Davis Nancy B , See William A
Published: February 2007

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) following radical prostatectomy is a well-recognized risk of the surgery. In most patients post-operative UI improves over time. To date, there is limited objective, quantitative data on the natural history of the resolution of post-prostatectomy UI. The purpose of this study was to define the natural history of post radical prostatectomy incontinence using an objective quantitative tool, the 1-hour standard pad test.

Methods

203 consecutive patients underwent radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon between 03/98 & 08/03. A standardized 1-hour pad test was administered at subsequent postoperative clinic visits. The gram weight of urine loss was recorded and subdivided into four groups defined according to the grams of urine loss: minimal (<1 g), mild (>1, <10 g), moderate (10–50 g) and severe (>50 g). Patients were evaluated: at 2 weeks (catheter removal), 6 weeks, 18 weeks, 30 weeks, 42 weeks and 54 weeks. The data set was analyzed for average urine loss as well as grams of urine loss at each time point, the percentage of patients and the distribution of patients in each category.

Results

Mean follow up was 118 weeks. The majority of patients experienced incontinence immediately after catheter removal at 2 weeks that gradually improved with time. While continued improvement was noted to 1 year, most patients who achieved continence did so by 18 weeks post-op.

Conclusion

While the majority of patients experience mild to severe UI immediately following catheter removal, there is a rapid decrease in leaked weight during the first 18 weeks following RRP. Patients continue to improve out to 1 year with greater than 90% having minimal leakage by International Continence Society criteria.
Comparison of the xylose reductase-xylitol dehydrogenase and the xylose isomerase pathways for xylose fermentation by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Karhumaa Kaisa , Sanchez Rosa Garcia , Hahn-Hägerdal Bärbel , Gorwa-Grauslund Marie-F
Published: February 2007

Background

Two heterologous pathways have been used to construct recombinant xylose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains: i) the xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) pathway and ii) the xylose isomerase (XI) pathway. In the present study, the Pichia stipitis XR-XDH pathway and the Piromyces XI pathway were compared in an isogenic strain background, using a laboratory host strain with genetic modifications known to improve xylose fermentation (overexpressed xylulokinase, overexpressed non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and deletion of the aldose reductase gene GRE3). The two isogenic strains and the industrial xylose-fermenting strain TMB 3400 were studied regarding their xylose fermentation capacity in defined mineral medium and in undetoxified lignocellulosic hydrolysate.

Results

In defined mineral medium, the xylose consumption rate, the specific ethanol productivity, and the final ethanol concentration were significantly higher in the XR- and XDH-carrying strain, whereas the highest ethanol yield was achieved with the strain carrying XI. While the laboratory strains only fermented a minor fraction of glucose in the undetoxified lignocellulose hydrolysate, the industrial strain TMB 3400 fermented nearly all the sugar available. Xylitol was formed by the XR-XDH-carrying strains only in mineral medium, whereas in lignocellulose hydrolysate no xylitol formation was detected.

Conclusion

Despite by-product formation, the XR-XDH xylose utilization pathway resulted in faster ethanol production than using the best presently reported XI pathway in the strain background investigated. The need for robust industrial yeast strains for fermentation of undetoxified spruce hydrolysates was also confirmed.
Autoimmune hepatitis-specific antibodies against soluble liver antigen and liver cytosol type 1 in patients with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Rigopoulou Eirini I , Mytilinaiou Maria , Romanidou Ourania , Liaskos Christos , Dalekos George N
Published: February 2007

Background

Non-organ specific autoantibodies are highly prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). Among them, anti-liver kidney microsomal type 1 (LKM1) antibody – the serological marker of type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-2)- is detected in up to 11% of the HCV-infected subjects. On the other hand, anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies (anti-LC1) – either in association with anti-LKM1, or in isolation- and anti-soluble liver antigen antibodies (anti-SLA) have been considered as useful and specific diagnostic markers for AIH. However, their specificity for AIH has been questioned by some recent studies, which have shown the detection of anti-LC1 and anti-SLA by immunoprecipitation assays in HCV patients irrespective of their anti-LKM1 status. The aim of the present study was to test the anti-LC1 and anti-SLA presence by specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), in a large group of Greek HCV-infected patients with or without anti-LKM1 reactivity as firstly, immunoprecipitation assays are limited to few specialized laboratories worldwide and cannot be used routinely and secondly, to assess whether application of such tests has any relevance in the context of patients with viral hepatitis since antibody detection based on such ELISAs has not been described in detail in large groups of HCV patients.

Methods

One hundred and thirty eight consecutive HCV patients (120 anti-LKM1 negative and 18 anti-LKM1 positive) were investigated for the presence of anti-LC1 and anti-SLA by commercial ELISAs. A similar number (120) of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients seronegative for anti-LKM1 was also tested as pathological controls.

Results

Six out of 18 (33%) anti-LKMpos/HCVpospatients tested positive for anti-LC1 compared to 1/120 (0.83%) anti-LKMneg/HCVpospatients and 0/120 (0%) of the anti-LKM1neg/HBVpospatients (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Anti-SLA antibodies were not present in any of the HCV (with or without anti-LKM1) or HBV-infected patients.

Conclusion

We showed that anti-LC1 and anti-SLA autoantibodies are not detected by conventional assays in a large group of anti-LKM1 negative patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infections. Based on these results we cannot find any justification for the application of anti-LC1 and anti-SLA tests in the routine laboratory testing of viral hepatitis-related autoantibody serology with the only potential exception being the anti-LC1 screening in anti-LKM1pos/HCVpospatients.
Host habitat assessment by a parasitoid using fungal volatiles
Authors: Steiner Sven , Erdmann Daniel , Steidle Johannes LM , Ruther Joachim
Published: February 2007

Background

The preference – performance hypothesis predicts that oviposition preference of insects should correlate with host suitability for offspring development. Therefore, insect females have to be able to assess not only the quality of a given host but also the environmental conditions of the respective host habitat. Chemical cues are a major source of information used by insects for this purpose. Primary infestation of stored grain by stored product pests often favors the intense growth of mold. This can lead to distinct sites of extreme environmental conditions (hot-spots) with increased insect mortality. We studied the influence of mold on chemical orientation, host recognition, and fitness of Lariophagus distinguendus, a parasitoid of beetle larvae developing in stored grain.

Results

Volatiles of wheat infested by Aspergillus sydowii and A. versicolor repelled female parasitoids in an olfactometer. Foraging L. distinguendus females are known to be strongly attracted to the odor of larval host feces from the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius, which may adhere in remarkable amounts to the surface of the grains. Feces from moldy weevil cultures elicited neutral responses but parasitoids clearly avoided moldy feces when non-moldy feces were offered simultaneously. The common fungal volatile 1-octen-3-ol was the major component of the odor of larval feces from moldy weevil cultures and repelled female parasitoids at naturally occurring doses. In bioassays investigating host recognition behavior of L. distinguendus, females spent less time on grains containing hosts from moldy weevil cultures and showed less drumming and drilling behavior than on non-moldy controls. L. distinguendus had a clearly reduced fitness on hosts from moldy weevil cultures.

Conclusion

We conclude that L. distinguendus females use 1-octen-3-ol for host habitat assessment to avoid negative fitness consequences due to secondary mold infestation of host patches. The female response to fungal volatiles is innate, suggesting that host-associated fungi played a crucial role in the evolution of host finding strategies of L. distinguendus. Research on the role of host-associated microorganisms in the chemically mediated orientation of parasitoids is still at the beginning. We expect an increasing recognition of this issue in the future.
Forced mobilization accelerates pathogenesis: characterization of a preclinical surgical model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Appleton C Thomas G , McErlain David D , Pitelka Vasek , Schwartz Neil , Bernier Suzanne M , Henry James L , Holdsworth David W , Beier Frank
Published: February 2007

Preclinical osteoarthritis (OA) models are often employed in studies investigating disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs). In this study we present a comprehensive, longitudinal evaluation of OA pathogenesis in a rat model of OA, including histologic and biochemical analyses of articular cartilage degradation and assessment of subchondral bone sclerosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent joint destabilization surgery by anterior cruciate ligament transection and partial medial meniscectomy. The contralateral joint was evaluated as a secondary treatment, and sham surgery was performed in a separate group of animals (controls). Furthermore, the effects of walking on a rotating cylinder (to force mobilization of the joint) on OA pathogenesis were assessed. Destabilization-induced OA was investigated at several time points up to 20 weeks after surgery using Osteoarthritis Research Society International histopathology scores, in vivo micro-computed tomography (CT) volumetric bone mineral density analysis, and biochemical analysis of type II collagen breakdown using the CTX II biomarker. Expression of hypertrophic chondrocyte markers was also assessed in articular cartilage. Cartilage degradation, subchondral changes, and subchondral bone loss were observed as early as 2 weeks after surgery, with considerable correlation to that seen in human OA. We found excellent correlation between histologic changes and micro-CT analysis of underlying bone, which reflected properties of human OA, and identified additional molecular changes that enhance our understanding of OA pathogenesis. Interestingly, forced mobilization exercise accelerated OA progression. Minor OA activity was also observed in the contralateral joint, including proteoglycan loss. Finally, we observed increased chondrocyte hypertrophy during pathogenesis. We conclude that forced mobilization accelerates OA damage in the destabilized joint. This surgical model of OA with forced mobilization is suitable for longitudinal preclinical studies, and it is well adapted for investigation of both early and late stages of OA. The time course of OA progression can be modulated through the use of forced mobilization.
Involvement of maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) in mammary carcinogenesis through interaction with Bcl-G, a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family
Authors: Lin Meng-Lay , Park Jae-Hyun , Nishidate Toshihiko , Nakamura Yusuke , Katagiri Toyomasa
Published: February 2007

Introduction

Cancer therapies directed at specific molecular targets in signaling pathways of cancer cells, such as tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors and trastuzumab, have proven useful for treatment of advanced breast cancers. However, increased risk of endometrial cancer with long-term tamoxifen administration and of bone fracture due to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy are recognized side effects. These side effects as well as drug resistance make it necessary to search for novel molecular targets for drugs on the basis of well-characterized mechanisms of action.

Methods

Using accurate genome-wide expression profiles of breast cancers, we found maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK) to be significantly overexpressed in the great majority of breast cancer cells. To assess whether MELK has a role in mammary carcinogenesis, we knocked down the expression of endogenous MELK in breast cancer cell lines using mammalian vector-based RNA interference. Furthermore, we identified a long isoform of Bcl-G (Bcl-GL), a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, as a possible substrate for MELK by pull-down assay with recombinant wild-type and kinase-dead MELK. Finally, we performed TUNEL assays and FACS analysis, measuring proportions of apoptotic cells, to investigate whether MELK is involved in the apoptosis cascade through the Bcl-GL-related pathway.

Results

Northern blot analyses on multiple human tissues and cancer cell lines demonstrated that MELK was overexpressed at a significantly high level in a great majority of breast cancers and cell lines, but was not expressed in normal vital organs (heart, liver, lung and kidney). Suppression of MELK expression by small interfering RNA significantly inhibited growth of human breast cancer cells. We also found that MELK physically interacted with Bcl-GL through its amino-terminal region. Immunocomplex kinase assay showed that Bcl-GL was specifically phosphorylated by MELK in vitro. TUNEL assays and FACS analysis revealed that overexpression of wild-type MELK suppressed Bcl-GL-induced apoptosis, while that of D150A-MELK did not.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the kinase activity of MELK is likely to affect mammary carcinogenesis through inhibition of the pro-apoptotic function of Bcl-GL. The kinase activity of MELK could be a promising molecular target for development of therapy for patients with breast cancers.
Reduced efficacy of selection in regions of the Drosophila genome that lack crossing over
Authors: Haddrill Penelope R , Halligan Daniel L , Tomaras Dimitris , Charlesworth Brian
Published: February 2007

Background

The recombinational environment is predicted to influence patterns of protein sequence evolution through the effects of Hill-Robertson interference among linked sites subject to selection. In freely recombining regions of the genome, selection should more effectively incorporate new beneficial mutations, and eliminate deleterious ones, than in regions with low rates of genetic recombination.

Results

We examined the effects of recombinational environment on patterns of evolution using a genome-wide comparison of Drosophila melanogaster and D. yakuba. In regions of the genome with no crossing over, we find elevated divergence at nonsynonymous sites and in long introns, a virtual absence of codon usage bias, and an increase in gene length. However, we find little evidence for differences in patterns of evolution between regions with high, intermediate, and low crossover frequencies. In addition, genes on the fourth chromosome exhibit more extreme deviations from regions with crossing over than do other, no crossover genes outside the fourth chromosome.

Conclusion

All of the patterns observed are consistent with a severe reduction in the efficacy of selection in the absence of crossing over, resulting in the accumulation of deleterious mutations in these regions. Our results also suggest that even a very low frequency of crossing over may be enough to maintain the efficacy of selection.
Structural Changes in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Waste Materials Caused by Pyrolysis and CO2 Activation
Authors: Parra José B. , Ania Conchi O. , Arenillas Ana , Rubiera Fernando , Pis José J. , Palacios José M.
Published: February 2007

For ecological reasons, there is an increasing demand for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes in developed countries. Although one potential application might be its utilisation for the production of activated carbons, the behaviour of these wastes when subjected to different heat treatments and activation processes is still not very well known.

In the present work, samples with different degrees of burn-off were prepared by pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere and subsequent CO2 activation at high temperatures. The derived changes in the textural and structural properties of the residual solids were studied by helium picnometry, N2 and CO2 adsorption isotherms, powder XRD, Raman spectroscopy and XPS. The study reveals that CO2 activation of PET wastes develops a carbonaceous matrix with micropores. Helium measurements showed that the mass density of the activated samples increased as the degree of burn-off increased. Characterisation studies revealed that the structural changes derived from pyrolysis and further CO2 activation mostly involved a progressive decrease in the number of structural units.
Adsorption of Methylene Blue in Acoustic and Magnetic Fields by Porous Carbon Derived from Sewage Sludge
Authors: Shen Wenzhong , Guo Qingjie , Yang Xiangping , Liu Yihong , Song Yanru , Cheng Jian
Published: February 2007

After KOH activation, the pyrolysis residues of sewage sludge could be converted to a porous carbon with a pore size situated mainly in the 0.6–1.5 nm range. The adsorption rate and capacity of the porous carbon towards Methylene Blue could be improved by the use of acoustic and magnetic fields. The best adsorption behaviour was displayed when the acoustic field frequency was 50 Hz and the magnetic field strength was 485 mT.
Acoustic Performances of High Insulation Ventilating Windows Integrated with Rolling Shutter Boxes
Authors: Asdrubali F.
Published: February 2007

High Sound Insulation Ventilating Windows (HSIVW) have been recently proposed for noise control in buildings close to motorways or railways, where noise barriers are not effective or too expensive. These windows are characterized by good insulation performances and at the same time allow airflow through the window itself, thus allowing summer indoor ventilation and refreshment needs.

In the last years at the Acoustics Laboratory of the University of Perugia various prototypes have been tested and their acoustic and airflow performances have been assessed, also verifying the influence of filtering systems in the aerator.

The paper summarizes all the experimental data and in particular presents the results of a recent campaign, aimed at testing windows samples integrated with insulated rolling-shutter boxes. Sound reduction index R and single number sound reduction index Rw are evaluated; acoustic intensity measurements and analysis have also been performed, in order to verify the parts of the window which need to be optimized.
ElevatedFMR1mRNA in premutation carriers is due to increased transcription
Authors: Tassone Flora , Beilina Alexandra , Carosi Chiara , Albertosi Serena , Bagni Claudia , Li Lexin , Glover Kira , Bentley David , Hagerman Paul J.
Published: February 2007

Carriers of premutation alleles (55–200 CGG repeats) of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene have levels ofFMR1mRNA that are elevated by as much as 10-fold in peripheral blood leukocytes and CNS tissue. The excess expanded-repeat mRNA, per se, is now believed to result in forms of clinical involvement that are largely restricted to premutation carriers, including the neurodegenerative disorder, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Although evidence to date suggests that the elevated mRNA is not due to increased stability, the basis for the increase is not known. In the current study, we have determined the relative transcriptional activities of premutation and normalFMR1alleles using a highly sensitive nuclear run-on assay that involves immunocapture of digoxigenin-modified run-on transcripts followed by PCR amplification of the nascent transcripts. Using the nuclear run-on approach, we demonstrate that the rate of run-on synthesis ofFMR1transcripts is increased in premutation alleles. The current run-on assay should be broadly applicable to studies of other genes with promoters of weak to moderate strength. The fraction of cappedFMR1mRNA remains unaltered for premutation transcripts, indicating that elevated message levels are not due to premature escape from the cotranscriptional capping process. We also show that, in contrast to the situation with myotonic dystrophy, there is no net nuclear sequestration of premutationFMR1mRNA. Finally, we have demonstrated that AGG interruptions within the CGG repeat element do not influenceFMR1mRNA levels.
Trans-acting glmS catalytic riboswitch: Locked and loaded
Authors: Tinsley Rebecca A. , Furchak Jennifer R.W. , Walter Nils G.
Published: February 2007

A recently discovered class of gene regulatory RNAs, coined riboswitches, are commonly found in noncoding segments of bacterial and some eukaryotic mRNAs. Gene up- or down-regulation is triggered by binding of a small organic metabolite, which typically induces an RNA conformational change. Unique among these noncoding RNAs is the glmS catalytic riboswitch, or ribozyme, found in the 5′-untranslated region of the glmS gene in Gram-positive bacteria. It is activated by glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P), leading to site-specific backbone cleavage of the mRNA and subsequent repression of the glmS gene, responsible for cellular GlcN6P production. Recent biochemical and structural evidence suggests that the GlcN6P ligand acts as a coenzyme and participates in the cleavage reaction without inducing a conformational change. To better understand the role of GlcN6P in solution structural dynamics and function, we have separated the glmS riboswitch core from Bacillus subtilis into a trans-cleaving ribozyme and an externally cleaved substrate. We find that trans cleavage is rapidly activated by nearly 5000-fold to a rate of 4.4 min−1 upon addition of 10 mM GlcN6P, comparable to the cis-acting ribozyme. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer suggests that this ribozyme–substrate complex does not undergo a global conformational change upon ligand binding in solution. In addition, footprinting at nucleotide resolution using terbium(III) and RNase V1 indicates no significant changes in secondary and tertiary structure upon ligand binding. These findings suggest that the glmS ribozyme is fully folded in solution prior to binding its activating ligand, supporting recent observations in the crystalline state.
A National Research Agenda for the Postsecondary Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: A Road Map for the Future
Authors: Schroedel John G , Watson Douglas , Ashmore Donnell H
Published: February 2007

This article describes converging nationwide changes in the postsecondary education of students with hearing loss during the past 30 years. Simultaneous trends in the economy, labor force, and business practices have magnified the need for literacy, postsecondary training, and career skills. These conditions stimulated institutional and professional activities that led to drafting a National Research Agenda report to guide development of federally funded research projects in postsecondary education. These studies will enhance better understanding of the complex interactions of diverse support services, learning-living environments, and student populations in a broad continuum of post-high school vocational and academic training programs. The conceptual framework of the Agenda is explained, as are its expected goals, criteria for research projects, benefits, and outcomes. This article interweaves the perspectives and roles of postsecondary and vocational rehabilitation professionals, federal officials, and researchers contributing to the preparation of the Agenda report. Relevant national research studies are cited and consumer involvement in research is emphasized.
Signs of Resilience: Assets That Support Deaf Adults' Success in Bridging the Deaf and Hearing Worlds
Authors: Rogers Susan , Muir Karen , Evenson Christine Raimonde
Published: February 2007

A multiple-case exploratory study is used to describe intrapersonal,
behavioral, and environmental assets that may build bridges for
Deaf adults between the Deaf and hearing worlds. A study of three
exemplary former community college students provides new information
about internal resources that may empower Deaf individuals to achieve
work and social success in interaction with environmental support,
despite the vulnerabilities associated with their deafness. This
study identifies 15 assets that may support resilience in Deaf adults,
including authenticity and comfort with solitude. The
authors hypothesize that social authenticity and comfort with solitude
may be resilience-fostering intrapersonal assets of unique importance
in the Deaf community. From the positive psychology perspective of
recognizing and building on human strengths, the authors suggest that
support of mutual asset-building with learning partners in the classroom
is one way professors might promote optimal student achievement and life
success for all students.
The Hodge polynomial of the Fulton-MacPherson compactification of configuration spaces
Authors: Cheah Jan
Published: February 2007

Let X be a smooth complex variety. In the paper "A compactification of configuration spaces," Fulton and MacPherson construct a smooth compactification X [ n ] of the configuration space of n distinct labelled points on X ; the space X [ n ] is projective if X is projective. In this paper, we obtain a generating function which expresses the virtual Hodge polynomials of the spaces X [ n ] in terms of the virtual Hodge polynomial of X . This enables us to read off the Euler characteristic of X [ n ] in terms of that of X and in the case when X is projective, the Hodge polynomial and the Poincaré polynomial of X [ n ] in terms of those of X .
Front d'onde des représentations des groupes classiques p -adiques
Authors: Mœglin C.
Published: February 2007

Résumé.: Dans cet article, on rappelle la définition algébrique du front d'onde d'une représentation lisse d'un groupe p -adique, donnée par Kawanaka. On en donne quelques propriétés; en particulier pour les groupes classiques p -adiques, on montre que ce front d'onde ne contient que des orbites unipotentes spéciales. On termine en montrant que si ce front d'onde est induit, dans certains cas, cela entraine que la représentation est elle aussi induite.
Complete nonorientable minimal surfaces with the highest symmetry group
Authors: López Francisco J. , Martín Francisco
Published: February 2007

In this paper we present a family of complete nonorientable highly symmetrical minimal surfaces with arbitrary topology and one end. For each topology we construct the most symmetrical example with one end. Furthermore, if the Euler characteristic of the closed associated surface is even, our examples minimize the energy (or the degree of the Gauss map) among the surfaces with their symmetry, topology and one end. Finally, we characterize these surfaces in terms of their topology, symmetry, total curvature and number of ends.
Uniqueness of entire functions sharing four small functions
Authors: Li Bao Qin
Published: February 2007

It is proved that two nonconstant entire functions in C n must be identically equal if they share four distinct small meromorphic functions.
Semi-simplicity of invariant holonomic systems on a reductive Lie algebra
Authors: Levasseur T. , Stafford J. T.
Published: February 2007

Let [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /] be a reductive, complex Lie algebra, with adjoint group G , let G act on the ring of differential operators [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="02i" /] via the adjoint action and write τ: [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="03i" /] → [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="04i" /] for the differential of this action. Fix λ ∈ [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="05i" /]*. Generalizing work of Hotta and Kashiwara, we prove that the invariant holonomic system [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="06i" /] is semisimple. The simple summands of [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="07i" /] are parametrized by the irreducible representations of W λ , the stabilizer of λ in the Weyl group. Consequently, the subcategory generated by [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="08i" /] is equivalent to the category of finite dimensional representations of W λ .
Homotopical localizations of spaces
Authors: Bousfield A. K.
Published: February 2007

For a map f of spaces, Dror Farjoun and the author have constructed an f -localization functor, where a space Y is called f -local when map( f, Y ) is an equivalence. This very general construction gives all known idempotent homotopy functors of spaces. The main theorem of this paper shows that f -localization functors always preserve fiber sequences of connected H-spaces up to small error terms. For instance, the localization with respect to the n th Morava K -theory preserves such fiber sequences up to error terms with at most three nontrivial homotopy groups. This implies, for example, that a K (1)-homology equivalence of H -spaces must induce an isomorphism of v 1 -periodic homotopy groups. Results are also obtained on the A -nullification or A -periodization functors, which are just the f -localization functors for the maps f from spaces A to points. Two spaces are said to have the same nullity when they give the same nullification functors, and it is shown that arbitrary sets of nullity classes have both least upper bounds and greatest lower bounds. The A -nullifications of nilpotent Postnikov spaces are completely determined.
Divisorial extremal contractions of threefolds: Divisor to point
Authors: Luo Tie
Published: February 2007

Extremal contractions which contract divisors to points in projective threefolds with [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i" /]-factorial terminal singularities are studied and divided into two categories: index increasing contractions and index strictly decreasing contractions. A complete classification of those in the first category is given. Examples of contractions in the second category are constructed to demonstrate that they are much more difficult to deal with. An extremal contraction which contracts a divisor to a curve is always index decreasing. An example of such a contraction to a curve with a non-Gorenstein terminal singularity is given based on a method of Kollár and Mori. The classification result is then used to find a bound N depending on the Picard number of a smooth projective threefold X of general type such that the linear system | NK X | defines a birational map.
Duality for modules over finite rings and applications to coding theory
Authors: Wood Jay A.
Published: February 2007

This paper sets a foundation for the study of linear codes over finite rings. The finite Frobenius rings are singled out as the most appropriate for coding theoretic purposes because two classical theorems of MacWilliams, the extension theorem and the MacWilliams identities, generalize from finite fields to finite Frobenius rings. It is over Frobenius rings that certain key identifications can be made between the ring and its complex characters.
The Bousfield-Kan spectral sequence for periodic homology theories
Authors: Bendersky Martin , Thompson Robert D.
Published: February 2007

We construct the Bousfield-Kan (unstable Adams) spectral sequence based on certain nonconnective periodic homology theories E such as complex periodic K -theory, and define an E -completion of a space X . For X = S 2 n +1 and E = K we calculate the E 2 -term and show that the spectral sequence converges to the homotopy groups of the K -completion of the sphere. This also determines all of the homotopy groups of the (unstable) K -theory localization of S 2 n +1 including three divisible groups in negative stems.