bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Constitutive Outside to the Politics of Extinction: Critical Race Theory, Feminist Theory, and Political Theory
Authors: Hawkesworth Mary
Published: August 2010

Although feminist theory and critical race theory engage questions about human nature and subjectivity, criteria of legitimacy, philosophies of history, structures of power, forms of social and communal organization; and characteristics of a just polity, questions that are central concerns of political theorists, these distinctive theoretical approaches are often ignored, neglected, or marginalized within the subfield of political theory. This article examines the dimensions, causes, and political implications of such exclusion.
Comparing Two Logics of Interlocal Cooperation: The Cases of France and Germany
Authors: Wollmann Hellmut
Published: August 2010

In this article the interaction and cooperation of local level actors is conceived as being premised on two organizational logics, that is, on the territorialitybased general purpose elected local government form and on institutionalized functionality-based single-purpose non-elected intermunicipal cooperation. Drawing on the work by Hooghe and Marks the two variants are identified as “type I” and “type II” institutional arrangements. Germany and France are treated as comparative cases in point.In Germany the institutional development resulted, with federalism-typical variance between the Länder, in a mono structure of type I local government in some and in a dual structure with type II intermunicipal bodies in others, whereas in France the dual structure with a multitude of type II intermuncipal bodies (intercommunalité) has prevailed. Recently a new wave of territorial reforms in East German Länder has extended the coverage of type I local government and reduced that of type II intermunicipal bodies, while in France the introduction of the type II communautés bears traces of the type I local government form. In both countries these reform moves have been triggered largely by mounting criticism of the operational (conflict and transaction) costs and democratic deficits of the dual structure with type II intermuncipal bodies. These advances of the type I local government form concur with local level territorial reforms put into effect in a growing number of other European countries. Finally the article interprets the findings by drawing on and applying the conceptual government/governance scheme.
Debunking Myths and Urban Legends About Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Pierce Charles A. , Bosco Frank A. , Dalton Dan R. , Dalton Catherine M.
Published: August 2010

Meta-analysis is the dominant approach to research synthesis in the organizational sciences. We discuss seven meta-analytic practices, misconceptions, claims, and assumptions that have reached the status of myths and urban legends (MULs). These seven MULs include issues related to data collection (e.g., consequences of choices made in the process of gathering primary-level studies to be included in a meta-analysis), data analysis (e.g., effects of meta-analytic choices and technical refinements on substantive conclusions and recommendations for practice), and the interpretation of results (e.g., meta-analytic inferences about causal relationships). We provide a critical analysis of each of these seven MULs, including a discussion of why each merits being classified as an MUL, their kernels of truth value, and what part of each MUL represents misunderstanding. As a consequence of discussing each of these seven MULs, we offer best-practice recommendations regarding how to conduct meta-analytic reviews.
Meeting Review: The management of multiple sclerosis in children: a European view
Authors: Ghezzi Angelo , Banwell Brenda , Boyko Alexey , Amato Maria Pia , Anlar Banu , Blinkenberg Morten , Boon Maartje , Filippi Massimo , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Ketelslegers Immy , Kornek Barbara , Ming Lim  , Lindstrom Eva , Nadj Congor , Neuteboom Rinze , Rocca Maria A , Rostasy Kevin , Tardieu Marc , Wassmer Evangeline , Catsman-Berrevoets Coriene , Hintzen Rogier
Published: August 2010

About 3—5% of all patients with multiple sclerosis experience the onset of their disease under the age of 16. A significant proportion of paediatric multiple sclerosis patients develop significant cognitive disturbances and persistent physical disability. The high relapse rate and the morbidity in the paediatric multiple sclerosis population has triggered the use of disease-modifying therapies that have been shown to reduce relapse rate, disease progression and cognitive decline in adult patients with multiple sclerosis. Hard evidence for the right treatment and its appropriate timing is scarce in paediatric multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, expertise in this field has grown thanks to recent open-label trials and experience generated in specialized centres. In spring 2009, a first meeting was held in Rotterdam with clinicians from 11 European countries (one from Canada) that are all active in the management of paediatric multiple sclerosis. One of the aims was to generate a common view on the management of paediatric multiple sclerosis patients. The result of this meeting is presented here to help standardize treatment and to support clinicians with less experience in this field.
Characteristic brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in central nervous system aquaporin-4 autoimmunity
Authors: Kim Woojun , Min Su Park  , Sang Hyun Lee  , Kim Su-Hyun , In Ja Jung  , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Misu Tatsuro , Fujihara Kazuo , Ho Jin Kim
Published: August 2010

Background: Although neuromyelitis optica has been traditionally regarded as a disease without brain involvement, brain abnormalities are not uncommon in patients with neuromyelitis optica-related disorders.

Methods: We aimed to characterize the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients who are seropositive for anti-aquaporin-4 autoantibody (AQP4 Ab). Of 236 consecutive patients with inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system diseases, we retrospectively analyzed MRI characteristics of 78 patients who were seropositive for AQP4 Ab.

Results: For an average observational period of 6.3 years, 62 patients (79%) had brain lesions on MRI. Twenty-four patients (31%) had brain MRI abnormalities at the onset of disease, and 35 (45%) had symptomatic brain involvement. Characteristic brain MRI abnormalities were classified into five categories: (1) lesions involving corticospinal tracts (e.g. posterior limb of internal capsule and cerebral peduncle (44%); (2) extensive hemispheric lesions likely due to vasogenic edema (29%); (3) periependymal lesions surrounding aqueduct and the third and fourth ventricles (22%); (4) periependymal lesions surrounding lateral ventricles (40%); and (5) medullary lesions, often contiguous with cervical lesions (31%). Fifty-four patients (69%) showed at least one kind of brain abnormality among the five characteristic MRI lesions. Ten patients showed gadolinium-enhancing lesions, which were characterized by multiple patchy enhancing patterns with blurred margins. Conclusions: In central nervous system AQP4 autoimmunity, brain MRI abnormalities were more common than is generally appreciated and were characterized by their unique localization and configuration.
Muscle fiber size increases following resistance training in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dalgas U , Stenager E , Jakobsen J , Petersen T , Overgaard K , Ingemann-Hansen T
Published: August 2010

Objective: To test the hypothesis that lower body progressive resistance training (PRT) leads to an increase of the muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and a shift in the proportion of fiber types in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: The present study was a two-arm, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Thirty-eight MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3—5.5) were randomized to a PRT group (Exercise, n = 19) or a control group (Control, n = 19). The Exercise group performed a biweekly 12-week lower body PRT program [five exercises progressing from 15RM (Repetition Maximum) towards 8RM], whereas the Control group maintained their usual daily activity level during the trial period. Muscle biopsies from vastus lateralis were taken before (pre) and after the trial (post). Thigh volume (TV) was estimated from anthropometric measurements. Isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) were evaluated at slow (90°/s) and fast (180°/s) angular velocities.

Results: In the Exercise group the mean CSA of all muscle fibers (7.9 ± 15.4% vs. -3.5 ± 9.0%, p = 0.03) and of type II muscle fibers (14.0 ± 19.4% vs. -2.6 ± 15.5%, p = 0.02) increased in comparison with the Control group. No changes occurred in the proportion of fiber types in the Exercise group. Neither was there any change in total TV. Isokinetic strength at KE180, KF90 and KF180 improved significantly after PRT when compared with the control group (10.2—21.3%, p ≤ 0.02).

Conclusions: We conclude that progressive resistance training induces a compensatory increase of muscle fiber size in patients with the central nervous system disorder, multiple sclerosis.
Treatment of Depression in Patients from Ethnic Minority Groups in the Netherlands
Authors: Blom Marc B.J. , Hoek Hans W. , Spinhoven Philip , Hoencamp Erik , Judith Haffmans P.M. , van Dyck Richard
Published: August 2010

This article presents the results of a large efficacy study comparing different forms of therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD), including interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and pharmacotherapy. Patients were randomized to either IPT, IPT in combination with anti-depressant medication, IPT in combination with pill-placebo or medication only. The primary outcome measure was the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). Patients were treated for 12 to 16 weeks. Ratings were performed at baseline, after 6 weeks of treatment and at the end of treatment. Ethnic minority patients (EMP) had higher scores on the HAMD than non-EMP for every rating period. However, the rate of improvement was the same for EMP and non-EMP. The higher mean scores of EMP on the HAMD could not be explained as solely due to higher scores on somatic items of the rating scales. The attrition rate in EMP (45.9%) was significantly higher than in non-EMP (24.4%), even in the structured treatment format studied. The results suggest that standard antidepressant therapy, be it medication, psychotherapy or both, may be effective for depressed minority patients but therapists should focus on enhancing adherence to treatment.
Diabetes and thyroid disorders
Authors: Brenta Gabriela
Published: August 2010

It has long been recognised that thyroid hormones have marked effects on glucose homeostasis. Glucose intolerance is associated with hyperthyroidism and most recently it was shown that hypothyroidism is characterised by insulin resistance. Although autoimmune thyroid disease is more prevalent in type 1 diabetes as a result of their common origin, in patients with type 2 diabetes the prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is similar to that of the general population. However, in type 2 diabetic patients, the presence of the highly frequent sub-clinical forms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism should be ruled out since they may be associated with higher cardiovascular risk. While there are no doubts about the therapeutic impact of normalising hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the information available about the benefit of treating subclinical thyroid disease in diabetes remains insufficient.
Moral education and caring
Authors: Noddings Nel
Published: August 2010

Michael Slote’s very interesting work on moral sentimentalism and moral education raises some important questions on the meaning of empathy, the limitations of ‘inductions’, and the development of moral education from the perspective of care ethics. These questions are addressed in this commentary.
Reply to Noddings, Darwall, Wren, and Fullinwider
Authors: Slote Michael
Published: August 2010

I respond to Noddings with further clarification of the notion of empathy and also argue that previous care ethics has put too much of an exclusive emphasis on relationships. I respond to Darwall by pointing out some implausible implications of his own and Kantian views about respect and by showing how a sentimentalist approach can avoid those difficulties. In my reply to Wren I indicate how a sentimentalist metaethics can be accurate to what we mean by ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ even if Kantians and others would emphatically deny what it says about these terms. And, finally, I argue that Fullinwider’s dismissive remarks on moral theories fail to reckon with what is significant and important about moral theorizing and also point out how a sentimentalist ethics and its view of moral education can, pace Fullinwider, be of some practical use to moral educators.
Project GRACE: A Staged Approach to Development of a Community—Academic Partnership to Address HIV in Rural African American Communities
Authors: Corbie-Smith Giselle , Adimora Adaora A. , Youmans Selena , Muhammad Melvin , Blumenthal Connie , Ellison Arlinda , Akers Aletha , Council Barbara , Thigpen Yolanda , Wynn Mysha , Lloyd Stacey W.
Published: August 2010

The HIV epidemic is a health crisis in rural African American communities in the Southeast United States; however, to date little attention has been paid to community—academic collaborations to address HIV in these communities. Interventions that use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to address individual, social, and physical environmental factors have great potential for improving community health. Project GRACE (Growing, Reaching, Advocating for Change and Empowerment) uses a CBPR approach to develop culturally sensitive, feasible, and sustainable interventions to prevent the spread of HIV in rural African American communities. This article describes a staged approach to community—academic partnership: initial mobilization, establishment of organizational structure, capacity building for action, and planning for action. Strategies for engaging rural community members at each stage are discussed; challenges faced and lessons learned are also described. Careful attention to partnership development has resulted in a collaborative approach that has mutually benefited both the academic and community partners.
Benefits of Professional Organization Membership and Participation in National Conferences: Considerations for Students and New Professionals
Authors: Mata Holly , Latham Teaniese P. , Ransome Yusuf
Published: August 2010

The focus of this manuscript is on the next generation of health education professionals and is written by those who are part of that next generation. This manuscript serves as a good reminder to all health educators regarding the importance of professional association membership and attending professional conferences. The co-editors hope that established health education professionals—whether serving as faculty members teaching in professional preparation programs or those practitioners mentoring the next generation—will share this article with students and/ or colleagues regarding the benefits of attending professional conferences and joining professional organizations. Joining professional organizations like the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and attending professional conferences can provide tremendous career development, skill-building, and professional networking opportunities.
The Health Disparities Industry: Is It an Ethical Conundrum?
Authors: Shaw-Ridley Mary , Ridley Charles R.
Published: August 2010

Reducing health disparities is the purported mission of a huge network of professionals representing many specialties and organizations offering a variety of products and services. Given its elaborate infrastructure and specialized set of activities, we identity the network as the health disparities industry. In this article, we question the ethics of this industry. Specifically, we ask whether the public mission is trumped by questionable industry leadership, ethics, and quality assurances. Drawing on general principles of ethics and differentiating ethical concerns from ethical problems, we conclude that the collective behaviors within the industry may represent an ethical conundrum. The article concludes with a call for the cross-examination of the industry practices.
c-myb supports erythropoiesis through the transactivation of KLF1 and LMO2 expression
Authors: Bianchi Elisa , Zini Roberta , Salati Simona , Tenedini Elena , Norfo Ruggiero , Tagliafico Enrico , Manfredini Rossella , Ferrari Sergio
Published: August 2010

The c-myb transcription factor is highly expressed in immature hematopoietic cells and down-regulated during differentiation. To define its role during the hematopoietic lineage commitment, we silenced c-myb in human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Noteworthy, c-myb silencing increased the commitment capacity toward the macrophage and megakaryocyte lineages, whereas erythroid differentiation was impaired, as demonstrated by clonogenic assay, morphologic and immunophenotypic data. Gene expression profiling and computational analysis of promoter regions of genes modulated in c-myb–silenced CD34+ cells identified the transcription factors Kruppel-Like Factor 1 (KLF1) and LIM Domain Only 2 (LMO2) as putative targets, which can account for c-myb knockdown effects. Indeed, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that c-myb binds to KLF1 and LMO2 promoters and transactivates their expression. Consistently, the retroviral vector-mediated overexpression of either KLF1 or LMO2 partially rescued the defect in erythropoiesis caused by c-myb silencing, whereas only KLF1 was also able to repress the megakaryocyte differentiation enhanced in Myb-silenced CD34+ cells. Our data collectively demonstrate that c-myb plays a pivotal role in human primary hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells lineage commitment, by enhancing erythropoiesis at the expense of megakaryocyte diffentiation. Indeed, we identified KLF1 and LMO2 transactivation as the molecular mechanism underlying Myb-driven erythroid versus megakaryocyte cell fate decision.
Inhibition of erythropoiesis in malaria anemia: role of hemozoin and hemozoin-generated 4-hydroxynonenal
Authors: Skorokhod Oleksii A. , Caione Luisa , Marrocco Tiziana , Migliardi Giorgia , Barrera Valentina , Arese Paolo , Piacibello Wanda , Schwarzer Evelin
Published: August 2010

Severe malaria anemia is characterized by inhibited/altered erythropoiesis and presence of hemozoin-(HZ)-laden bone-marrow macrophages. HZ mediates peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and production of bioactive aldehydes such as 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). HZ-laden human monocytes inhibited growth of cocultivated human erythroid cells and produced HNE that diffused to adjacent cells generating HNE-protein adducts. Cocultivation with HZ or treatment with low micromolar HNE inhibited growth of erythroid cells interfering with cell cycle without apoptosis. After HZ/HNE treatment, 2 critical proteins in cell-cycle regulation, p53 and p21, were increased and the retinoblastoma protein, central regulator of G1-to-S-phase transition, was con-sequently hypophosphorylated, while GATA-1, master transcription factor in erythropoiesis was reduced. The resultant decreased expression of cyclin A and D2 retarded cell-cycle progression in erythroid cells and the K562 cell line. As a second major effect, HZ and HNE inhibited protein expression of crucial receptors (R): transferrinR1, stem cell factorR, interleukin-3R, and erythropoietinR. The reduced receptor expression and the impaired cell-cycle activity decreased the production of cells expressing glycophorin-A and hemoglobin. Present data confirm the inhibitory role of HZ, identify HNE as one HZ-generated inhibitory molecule and describe molecular targets of HNE in erythroid progenitors possibly involved in erythropoiesis inhibition in malaria anemia.
Rethinking warfarin reversal
Authors: Garcia David
Published: August 2010

Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists are very effective for the treatment and prevention of both arterial and venous thromboembolism. Recombinant factor VIIa may not be as effective as previously thought for the urgent reversal of warfarin.
O tissue factor, where art thou?
Authors: McVey John H.
Published: August 2010

In this issue of Blood, Pawlinski and colleagues identify myeloid cells and an unidentified nonhematopoietic cell(s) as the source of TF responsible for intravascular coagulation in a mouse model of endotoxemia, excluding a role for EC, VSMC, and platelet cell TF expression.1
How I treat patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: 2010
Authors: George James N.
Published: August 2010

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is the common name for adults with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, with or without neurologic or renal abnormalities, and without another etiology; children without renal failure are also described as TTP. The diagnosis of TTP is an indication for plasma exchange treatment, but beginning treatment requires sufficient confidence in the diagnosis to justify the risk of plasma exchange complications. Documentation of a severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity, defined as less than 10% of normal, is not essential for the diagnosis of TTP. Some patients without severe ADAMTS13 deficiency may benefit from plasma exchange treatment; in addition, some patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency may subsequently be diagnosed with another cause for their clinical features. However, severe acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency does define a subgroup of patients who appear to benefit from treatment with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents in addition to plasma exchange but who have a high risk for relapse. Approximately 80% of patients survive their acute episode, a survival rate that has not changed since the introduction of plasma exchange treatment. Although recovery may appear to be complete, many patients have persistent minor cognitive abnormalities. More effective as well as safer treatment for TTP is needed.
Octamer-binding factor 6 (Oct-6/Pou3f1) is induced by interferon and contributes to dsRNA-mediated transcriptional responses
Authors: Hofmann Elisabeth , Reichart Ursula , Gausterer Christian , Guelly Christian , Meijer Dies , Müller Mathias , Strobl Birgit
Published: August 2010

Background

Octamer-binding factor 6 (Oct-6, Pou3f1, SCIP, Tst-1) is a transcription factor of the Pit-Oct-Unc (POU) family. POU proteins regulate key developmental processes and have been identified from a diverse range of species. Oct-6 expression is described to be confined to the developing brain, Schwann cells, oligodendrocyte precursors, testes, and skin. Its function is primarily characterised in Schwann cells, where it is required for correctly timed transition to the myelinating state. In the present study, we report that Oct-6 is an interferon (IFN)-inducible protein and show for the first time expression in murine fibroblasts and macrophages.

Results

Oct-6 was induced by type I and type II IFN, but not by interleukin-6. Induction of Oct-6 after IFNβ treatment was mainly dependent on signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1) and partially on tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2). Chromatin immunopreciptitation experiments revealed binding of Stat1 to the Oct-6 promoter in a region around 500 bp upstream of the transcription start site, a region different from the downstream regulatory element involved in Schwann cell-specific Oct-6 expression. Oct-6 was also induced by dsRNA treatment and during viral infections, in both casesviaautocrine/paracrine actions of IFNα/β. Using microarray and RT-qPCR, we furthermore show that Oct-6 is involved in the regulation of transcriptional responses to dsRNA, in particular in the gene regulation of serine/threonine protein kinase 40 (Stk40) and U7 snRNA-associated Sm-like protein Lsm10 (Lsm10).

Conclusion

Our data show that Oct-6 expression is not as restricted as previously assumed. Induction of Oct-6 by IFNs and viruses in at least two different cell types, and involvement of Oct-6 in gene regulation after dsRNA treatment, suggest novel functions of Oct-6 in innate immune responses.
MLTreeMap - accurate Maximum Likelihood placement of environmental DNA sequences into taxonomic and functional reference phylogenies
Authors: Stark Manuel , Berger Simon A , Stamatakis Alexandros , von Mering Christian
Published: August 2010

Background

Shotgun sequencing of environmental DNA is an essential technique for characterizing uncultivated microbes in situ. However, the taxonomic and functional assignment of the obtained sequence fragments remains a pressing problem.

Results

Existing algorithms are largely optimized for speed and coverage; in contrast, we present here a software framework that focuses on a restricted set of informative gene families, using Maximum Likelihood to assign these with the best possible accuracy. This framework ('MLTreeMap'; http://mltreemap.org/) uses raw nucleotide sequences as input, and includes hand-curated, extensible reference information.

Conclusions

We discuss how we validated our pipeline using complete genomes as well as simulated and actual environmental sequences.
Recurrent advanced colonic cancer occurring 11 years after initial endoscopic piecemeal resection: a case report
Authors: Kishino Takayoshi , Matsuda Takahisa , Sakamoto Taku , Nakajima Takeshi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Saito Yutaka
Published: August 2010

Background

The high frequency of local recurrence occurring after endoscopic piecemeal resection (EPMR) for large colorectal tumors is a serious problem. However, almost all of these cases of local recurrence can be detected within 1 year and cured by additional endoscopic resection. We report a rare case of recurrent advanced colonic cancer diagnosed 11 years after initial EPMR treatment.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old male was diagnosed with a sigmoid colon lesion following a routine health check-up. Total colonoscopy revealed a 12 mm type 0-Is lesion in the sigmoid colon, which was diagnosed as an adenoma or intramucosal cancer and treated by EPMR in 1996. The post-resection defect was closed completely using metallic endoclips to avoid delayed bleeding. In 2007, at the third follow up, colonoscopy revealed a 20 mm submucosal tumor (SMT) like recurrence at the site of the previous EPMR. The recurrent lesion was treated by laparoscopic assisted sigmoidectomy with lymph node dissection.

Conclusion

When it is difficult to evaluate the depth and margins of resected tumors following EPMR, it is important that the defect is not closed in order to avoid tumor implantation, missing residual lesions and to enable earlier detection of recurrence. It is crucial that the optimal follow-up protocol for EPMR cases is clarified, particularly how often and for how long they should be followed.
Population screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiencies in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands, using a modified enzyme assay on filter paper dried bloodspots
Authors: Kuwahata Melissa , Wijesinghe Rushika , Ho Mei-Fong , Pelecanos Anita , Bobogare Albino , Landry Losi , Bugora Hugo , Vallely Andrew , McCarthy James
Published: August 2010

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency poses a significant impediment to primaquine use for the elimination of liver stage infection withPlasmodium vivaxand for gametocyte clearance, because of the risk of life-threatening haemolytic anaemia that can occur in G6PD deficient patients. Although a range of methods for screening G6PD deficiency have been described, almost all require skilled personnel, expensive laboratory equipment, freshly collected blood, and are time consuming; factors that render them unsuitable for mass-screening purposes.

Methods

A published WST8/1-methoxy PMS method was adapted to assay G6PD activity in a 96-well format using dried blood spots, and used it to undertake population screening within a malaria survey undertaken in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands. The assay results were compared to a biochemical test and a recently marketed rapid diagnostic test.

Results

Comparative testing with biochemical and rapid diagnostic test indicated that results obtained by filter paper assay were accurate providing that blood spots were assayed within 5 days when stored at ambient temperature and 10 days when stored at 4 degrees. Screening of 8541 people from 41 villages in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands revealed the prevalence of G6PD deficiency as defined by enzyme activity < 30% of normal control was 20.3% and a prevalence of severe deficiency that would predispose to primaquine-induced hemolysis (WHO Class I-II) of 6.9%.

Conclusions

The assay enabled simple and quick semi-quantitative population screening in a malaria-endemic region. The study indicated a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Isabel Province and highlights the critical need to consider G6PD deficiency in the context ofP. vivaxmalaria elimination strategies in Solomon Islands, particularly in light of the potential role of primaquine mass drug administration.
A kinetic model of TBP auto-regulation exhibits bistability
Authors: Gokhale Sucheta A , Roshan Reema , Khetan Vivek , Pillai Beena , Gadgil Chetan J
Published: August 2010

Background

TATA Binding Protein (TBP) is required for transcription initiation by all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases. It participates in transcriptional initiation at the majority of eukaryotic gene promoters, either by direct association to the TATA box upstream of the transcription start site or by indirectly localizing to the promoter through other proteins. TBP exists in solution in a dimeric form but binds to DNA as a monomer. Here, we present the first mathematical model for auto-catalytic TBP expression and use it to study the role of dimerization in maintaining the steady state TBP level.

Results

We show that the autogenous regulation of TBP results in a system that is capable of exhibiting three steady states: an unstable low TBP state, one stable state corresponding to a physiological TBP concentration, and another stable steady state corresponding to unviable cells where no TBP is expressed. Our model predicts that a basal level of TBP is required to establish the transcription of the TBP gene, and hence for cell viability. It also predicts that, for the condition corresponding to a typical mammalian cell, the high-TBP state and cell viability is sensitive to variation in DNA binding strength. We use the model to explore the effect of the dimer in buffering the response to changes in TBP levels, and show that for some physiological conditions the dimer is not important in buffering against perturbations.

Conclusions

Results on the necessity of a minimum basal TBP level support the in vivo observations that TBP is maternally inherited, providing the small amount of TBP required to establish its ubiquitous expression. The model shows that the system is sensitive to variations in parameters indicating that it is vulnerable to mutations in TBP. A reduction in TBP-DNA binding constant can lead the system to a regime where the unviable state is the only steady state. Contrary to the current hypotheses, we show that under some physiological conditions the dimer is not very important in restoring the system to steady state. This model demonstrates the use of mathematical modelling to investigate system behaviour and generate hypotheses governing the dynamics of such nonlinear biological systems.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Tomasz Lipniacki, James Faeder and Anna Marciniak-Czochra.
Kisspeptin Directly Regulates Neuropeptide Y Synthesis and Secretion via the ERK1/2 and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways in NPY-Secreting Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Kim Ginah L. , Dhillon Sandeep S. , Belsham Denise D.
Published: August 2010

Kisspeptin is a key component of reproduction that directly stimulates GnRH neurons. However, recent studies indicate that kisspeptin can indirectly stimulate GnRH neurons through unidentified afferent networks. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is another key reproductive hormone that is an afferent stimulator of GnRH neurons. Herein, we report kisspeptin receptor Kiss1r mRNA expression in native NPY neurons FAC-sorted from NPY-GFP transgenic mice. Thus, we hypothesized that kisspeptin indirectly stimulates GnRH neurons through direct regulation of NPY neurons. Using hypothalamic NPY-secreting cell lines, we determined that kisspeptin stimulates NPY mRNA expression and secretion in the mHypoE-38 cells, but not the mHypoE-42 cells, using quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme immunoassays. Furthermore, agouti-related peptide, ghrelin, neurotensin, or Kiss1r mRNA expression was not changed upon exposure to kisspeptin in either cell line. These results concur with our previous work identifying the mHypoE-38 cell line as a putative reproductive NPY neuron and the mHypoE-42 cell line as a potential feeding-related NPY neuron. In the mHypoE-38 cells, kisspeptin activated the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK kinases as shown by Western blot analysis. Moreover, inhibiting the ERK1/2 and p38 pathways with U0126 and SB239063, respectively, prevented kisspeptin induction of NPY mRNA expression and secretion. Altogether, we find that kisspeptin directly regulates NPY synthesis and secretion via the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways in a NPY-secreting cell line, and we propose NPY neurons as an afferent network by which kisspeptin indirectly stimulates GnRH secretion.
Research Resource: Tissue-Specific Transcriptomics and Cistromics of Nuclear Receptor Signaling: A Web Research Resource
Authors: Ochsner Scott A. , Watkins Christopher M. , LaGrone Benjamin S. , Steffen David L. , McKenna Neil J.
Published: August 2010

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-regulated transcription factors that recruit coregulators and other transcription factors to gene promoters to effect regulation of tissue-specific transcriptomes. The prodigious rate at which the NR signaling field has generated high content gene expression and, more recently, genome-wide location analysis datasets has not been matched by a committed effort to archiving this information for routine access by bench and clinical scientists. As a first step towards this goal, we searched the MEDLINE database for studies, which referenced either expression microarray and/or genome-wide location analysis datasets in which a NR or NR ligand was an experimental variable. A total of 1122 studies encompassing 325 unique organs, tissues, primary cells, and cell lines, 35 NRs, and 91 NR ligands were retrieved and annotated. The data were incorporated into a new section of the Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas Molecule Pages, Transcriptomics and Cistromics, for which we designed an intuitive, freely accessible user interface to browse the studies. Each study links to an abstract, the MEDLINE record, and, where available, Gene Expression Omnibus and ArrayExpress records. The resource will be updated on a regular basis to provide a current and comprehensive entrez into the sum of transcriptomic and cistromic research in this field.
Liquid–Liquid Relaxation in the Supercooled Liquid State of Ethylbenzene: Thermal Studies Using a Prototype DTA Sensor for the Study of Vapor-deposited Samples
Authors: Ishii Kikujiro , Yokoyama Yuki , Moriyama Ryo , Nakayama Hideyuki
Published: August 2010

A prototype sensor for differential thermal analysis (DTA) was developed for in situ studies of the thermal behavior of molecular films vapor-deposited onto a cold substrate in a vacuum. The system was applied to the study of ethylbenzene (EB). By raising the temperature at a constant rate, we observed in the supercooled liquid (SCL) state a small exothermic peak simultaneously with the characteristic light scattering reported previously. These observations and additional optical experiments on the irreversibility of the phenomena indicated that a structural relaxation occurred from a less stable SCL to a more stable SCL.
Synthesis and CO2 Absorption Properties of Single-phase Li2CuO2 as a CO2 Absorbent
Authors: Matsukura Yusuke , Okumura Takeshi , Kobayashi Ryota , Oh-ishi Katsuyoshi
Published: August 2010

Synthesis and CO2 absorption properties of single-phase Li2CuO2 oxide were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetry. Samples of Li2CuO2 were prepared in solid state using Li2CO3 and CuO as starting reagents. A mixture of Li2CO3 and CuO was heated at temperatures of 600–1000 °C and then quenched to room temperature. From XRD, it was found that single-phase Li2CuO2 can be obtained by heat treatment at 680–685 °C with the quenching operation. The single phase was never obtained without quenching; that is, quenching rate (°C s−1) seems to be an important factor which determinates whether sample is obtained as a single phase or not. From thermogravimetry, it was found that Li2CuO2 begins to absorb CO2 at around 230 °C, then drastically absorbs CO2 at over 600 °C, reaching 40.2 mass % maximum CO2 absorption, and finally emits CO2 over 900 °C. The maximum CO2 absorption (40.2 mass %) is larger than that (36.7 mass %) of Li4SiO4 CO2 absorbent.
Resolution of 1,2,3,3a,4,8b-Hexahydrocyclopenta[b]indole via Diastereomeric Salt Formation with N-Tosyl-(R)-phenylglycine
Authors: Higashijima Shinji , Inoue Yukiko , Maehashi Takaya , Miura Hidetoshi , Kubota Yasuhiro , Funabiki Kazumasa , Matsui Masaki
Published: August 2010

Enantiopure 1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydrocyclopenta[b]indole, the starting material of indoline dyes, could be obtained from the diastereomeric salt with N-tosyl-(R)-phenylglycine in ethanol.
Control of Ag+ Permeation by Na+ Concentration on the Basis of Volume Change in Poly(acrylic acid) Gel
Authors: Takada Kazutake , Shibata Atsushi , Yuchi Akio
Published: August 2010

A molecular gate for Ag+ ion, consisting of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) gel-coated Au mesh, was developed based on a volume change of the gel in response to the Na+ concentration. The permeation of Ag+ through the gate was reduced when the Na+ concentration was lower than 1 × 10−3 M where the gel swells, whereas it increased when the concentration was higher than 1 × 10−2 M where the gel contracts.
Carbon Isotopic Characteristics of Jurassic Alkane Gases in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Wu Xiaoqi , Huang Shipeng , Liao Fengrong , Li Zhensheng
Published: August 2010

There are plentiful natural gas resources in Jurassic in the Sichuan basin, where a lot of gas fields (reservoirs) have been discovered, and the natural gas is mainly alkane gas. Comprehensive study on carbon isotopic characteristics indicated that Jurassic alkane gas in Sichuan Basin can be divided into two types, coal-formed gas and oil-type gas. As the majority of the natural gas, coal-formed gas distributed in Central and Northwest gas districts and was mainly from the underlying coal-measure hydrocarbon source rocks in Xujiahe Formation. The carbon isotopic series were mainly normal, while a minority were reversed. The reversal ones in Northwest gas district were caused by mixing of gases from the same source rocks with different maturity, while those in Central gas district were caused by mixing of oil-type and coal-formed gases. Oil-type gas was only discovered in Bajiaochang gas field in Central oil and gas district, and derived from self-generation and self-accumulation in Lower Jurassic, with normal carbon isotopic series and without any reversal. Comprehensive analysis suggested that the carbon isotopic characteristics of Jurassic alkane gas were different according to different regions and layers. The δ13C1 and δ13C2 values of Jurassic alkane gas in central area were significantly lower than those in northwestern area for the influence by oil-type gas generated from Lower Jurassic Ziliujing Formation.
Concentrations of Lithium in Chinese Coals
Authors: Sun Yuzhuang , Li Yanheng , Zhao Cunliang , Lin Mingyue , Wang Jinxi , Qin Shenjun
Published: August 2010

Lithium is an important energy metal. Its concentrations in coals have been studied by many geologists. Its average content is only 14 mg/kg in the coals of the world. Lithium has never been reported as a coal associated deposit before. In order to study the concentrations in Chinese coals, 159 coal and gangue samples were taken from six coal mines and were determined by ICP-MS and the minerals in the samples were identified by X-ray powder diffraction. The results indicate that the Li contents in the coal samples from the Antaibao Coal Mine have reached the industry grade of coal associated deposits. In Tongxing Coal Mine, Li contents in the coal floor rock samples have reached the industry grade of independent lithium deposits. Main minerals are polylithionite, triphylite, zinnwaldite, lithionite and cookeite, which were transported into the peats. Therefore, lithium enriched most likely in the synsedimentary stage in both coal mines. Furthermore, a revised average Li content in Chinese coals was given.
Analysis of Geometry Related Constraints of Minimum Effort Active Noise Control System
Authors: Ahmad R. K. Raja , Tokhi M. O.
Published: August 2010

This paper presents an analysis of the geometry-related constraints of a single-input single output (SISO) minimum effort active noise control system with feedback inclusion architecture which includes the feedback path in the controller formulation. Realisation of this type of minimum effort controller imposes an infinite gain control (IGC) requirement for certain geometrical arrangements. In the investigation into these geometrical arrangements with fixed primary and secondary source locations, the IGC locus is found to be two circles occupied by the detector and observer respectively in three dimensions. Varying the minimum effort parameter term has the effect of moving these two circles closer or away from each other, hence varying their location and radii. As a result, the minimum effort parameter, apart from constraining the control signal has a potential of overcoming the IGC constraints for a fixed geometrical arrangement.
Carbon Dioxide Capture by MgO-modified MCM-41 Materials
Authors: Fu Xin , Zhao Ning , Li Junping , Xiao Fukui , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: August 2010

MgO/MCM-41 materials with weak basic sites were synthesized by dispersing MgO onto mesoporous Si-MCM-41. Such MgO-modified MCM-41 materials were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption/desorption measurements. The results indicated that the surface area, pore size and pore volume of the materials decreased with the introduction of MgO. Their CO2 uptakes could be significantly improved when the MgO loading was increased from 0 wt% to 20 wt%. CO2-TPD and in situ FT-IR measurements showed that the materials possessed weak basic sites which could react with CO2 to form bicarbonate species and thereby improve the CO2 uptake. As a result, the adsorbed CO2 could be desorbed completely from the sample at 200 °C. In addition, the MgO/MCM-41 materials had a high thermal stability and showed promising performances in practical applications.
Physicochemical Characterization of Natural and Na+-, K+-, Ca2+- and Mg2+-modified Clinoptilolite from Gördes (Manisa, Turkey)
Authors: Ünaldı Tevfik , Orhun Önder , Kadir Selahattin
Published: August 2010

Physicochemical characterization of the natural solid-phase Gördes clinoptilolite and of the Na+-, K+-, Ca2+- and Mg2+-modified forms of the mineral (as obtained through ion-exchange) by batch methods, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is described. It was found that the Na+- and Ca2+-forms exhibit high ion-exchange rates relative to the Mg2+- and K+-forms. In addition, the high rate of ion selectivity towards Na+ and K+ ions, together with lower rates for Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions, indicate that the rate of ion selectivity is negatively correlated with the ionic potential of the ions. Such ion-exchange and ion selectivity result in a decrease in pore size and an increase in the surface area of the modified clinoptilolite relative to the natural form; this may possibly be related to the entrance of the ions into the mineral structure. It was concluded that clinoptilolite modified with exchangeable ions from aqueous solutions at two different normalities exhibits features which differ from those of natural clinoptilolite. Thus, modification of clinoptilolite by different cationic forms from aqueous solutions at different normalities might prove suitable for applications in other fields of study.
Texture and Microstructure of Thermally-Treated Acid-Leached Kaolinitic Clays
Authors: Hassan Mervat , El-Shall Hassan
Published: August 2010

Natural and modified kaolinitic clays were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM and EDS) and N2 adsorption techniques. Disordered, poorly crystalline kaolinite, containing some quartz and very little mica, was calcined at different temperatures and different times and then leached with 25 wt% sulphuric acid for 1 h at 98 °C. Calcination led to a reduction in both the specific surface area and the total pore volume due to dehydroxylation of kaolinite to meta-kaolinite (MK). However, subsequent leaching of the meta-kaolinite had a striking effect on the microporosity of the modified products. Thus, heating at 886 °C at 2 h (to yield MK2 886°C) and subsequent leaching for 1 h produced porous silica with a specific surface area of 233 m2/g and a total pore volume of 0.22 m2/g. The increase in the specific surface area (SBET) of the porous silica was due to the formation of micropores of 1.2–1.8 nm diameter and mesopores of 4.0–5.5 nm diameter inside the porous structure. The variation in the specific surface area and the porosity of acid-leached meta-kaolinite was found to depend not only on the calcination temperatures but also on the calcination time. Increasing the calcination time up to 6 h had a negative effect on the microporosity, attributed to a condensation reaction. The characteristics of the hysteresis loops in the corresponding adsorption/desorption isotherms indicated the formation of mainly slit-shaped pores. A broad band at 2θ = 21.8° in the XRD patterns of the modified samples was assigned to amorphous silica. The infrared spectra of acid-leached meta-kaolinite showed bands at 1095 cm−1 and 795–802 cm−1, respectively, which could be assigned to a three-dimensional amorphous silica phase.