bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediación penal adulta y reincidencia. El grado de satisfacción de los infractores y las víctimas
Authors: Soria Miguel-Ángel , Armadans Inmaculada , Viñas Ma Rosa , Manzano Juan
Published: April 2008

El objetivo de la investigación es determinar los efectos de la mediación penal sobre la reincidencia y la satisfacción de víctimas y agresores. El estudio se desarrolló en cuatro fases. En una primera se vaciaron 888 expedientes judiciales relativos a los casos de mediación penal atendidos en Cataluña. A continuación se analizó la reincidencia en la informática judicial de los imputados mediante consulta de los expedientes judiciales posteriores a la fecha de finalización de la mediación. Tercero, se construyó una escala de valoración de la satisfacción (CSM-P) y, finalmente, se aplicó la misma por vía telefónica a una muestra de 213 personas, víctimas y agresores.

Los resultados obtenidos en el estudio son concordantes con los obtenidos en otros países en la mayoría de variables analizadas. La mediación tuvo un efecto reductor sobre la reincidencia y provocó la aparición de unos niveles de satisfacción elevados entre las partes participantes en el proceso. Pese a los resultados obtenidos, no pudo establecerse una relación directa de la reincidencia con la satisfacción.
Atribución del comportamiento del agresor y consejo a la víctima en un caso de violencia doméstica
Authors: Valor-Segura Inmaculada , Expósito Francisca , Moya Miguel
Published: April 2008

Numerosa investigación ha mostrado que niveles altos de dependencia económica de la mujer predicen la probabilidad de poder sufrir maltrato psicológico o físico por parte de su pareja. Sobre esta base, uno de los objetivos de nuestra investigación fue examinar el rol de la dependencia económica en la percepción de violencia de género y verificar si las actitudes hacia una situación de violencia pueden verse afectadas por el género del observador. La investigación psicosocial también ha confirmado la existencia de creencias sexistas en la sociedad que pueden ser utilizadas para legitimar y mantener este tipo de agresión. Así, el segundo objetivo de la presente investigación consistió en analizar la relación entre las creencias sexistas y la justificación de la violencia doméstica. Los resultados muestran la influencia tanto del género del observador, de la dependencia económica de la mujer víctima, así como de las creencias sexistas en las reacciones hacia la violencia doméstica.
Is Security First Simply a Repackaged Realism?
Authors: Sanchez Peter
Published: April 2008

Security First is a welcome breath of fresh air at a time when U.S. foreign policy is in desperate need of repair. However, no book can exhaust a topic. The author will make brief observations on two arguments in the book that he found interesting but in need of more discussion.
Etzioni on Religion: Challenging the Warrior/Preacher' Faultline
Authors: Elshtain Jean Bethke
Published: April 2008

The author examines and criticizes some of the key arguments from Security First, with a focus on issues related to Etzioni's discussion of “Illiberal Moderates.” Etzioni's analysis of Christianity and Islam are found to be problematic. By looking at the just war traditions in both religions, the author finds very different models rather than the parallel ones suggested by Etzioni.
Toward a Complexity Paradigm for Understanding Gender Role Conflict
Authors: Enns Carolyn Zerbe
Published: April 2008

The well-developed body of theory and research on men's gender role conflict provides an excellent foundation for developing increasingly complex models of men's gender-related concerns. Theorists and researchers are encouraged to incorporate themes related to social structural aspects of gender as well as to examine the ways in which men's multiple identities and the intersections among these varied identities are experienced by men and boys. The complexity of men's gender-related challenges are illustrated through the exploration of the various individual, interpersonal, structural, and cultural components of gender issues faced by contemporary men in Japan.
Tragedy at Virginia Tech
Authors: Flynn Christopher , Heitzmann Dennis
Published: April 2008

While college campuses are relatively safe environments, the promise of safety and security on campus was shattered by a single gunman on April 16, 2007. Seung-Hui Cho, a senior at Virginia Tech, shot 49 students and faculty, killing 32, before killing himself. The authors are psychologists and directors of university counseling centers; they examine the many implications of this tragedy on mental health counseling. The assailant's significant psychological disturbances and previous contact with mental health professionals are critical to understanding how he was able to act out his murderous rage. The mental health response to a traumatized community of families, friends, colleagues, and peers is reviewed. Out of the tragedy, there have emerged many issues that challenge the role of counseling centers within the university including the development of threat assessment teams, the potential conflicts between client confidentiality and crisis prevention/management, and the on-going education for the university community regarding suicide prevention, mental illness and support for potentially marginalized students.
Excavating for Economics in Africana Studies
Authors: Mason Patrick L. , wa Gĩthĩnji Mwangi
Published: April 2008

For 30 years, Africana Studies has developed as an interdisciplinary field. Although much attention has been paid within the field to the humanities and arts, much less has been paid to the social sciences, particularly economics. This analysis documents the presence of economists and economics course content among Africana Studies programs. The authors also discuss the presence of economists and economic content among leading general interest journals in Africana Studies and of economics content in several influential Africana Studies texts. Only 1.72% of the faculty members in leading Africana Studies departments are economists, and economics course content among Africana Studies programs is anemic. Also, there is little economics content in Africana journals, particularly peer-reviewed journals. Recommendations include incorporating accessible economics texts into course reading lists; encouraging African American students to take economics, calculus, and statistics; teaching statistics and economic theory in the context of course content; and adding economists to the editorial boards of Black Studies journals.
Where Differences Matter
Authors: Kozleski Elizabeth B. , Engelbrecht Petra , Hess Robyn , Swart Estelle , Eloff Irma , Oswald Marietjie , Molina Amy , Jain Swati
Published: April 2008

U.S. education policy acknowledges the troubling differential rates of special education identification and placement for students who are culturally and linguistically diverse by requiring states to review annually student identification data from all local education agencies to identify and address disproportionate representation. Yet, little is known about the interaction between families that are culturally and linguistically diverse and the service providers they encounter at their local schools. The authors examine those relationships in South Africa and the United States, two countries where the legacy of racism lingers in the ways in which school personnel and families negotiate differences in how children are viewed, assessed, and offered support for learning needs. In both countries, sustained efforts from families and school personnel were needed to develop supports and services that worked well for students with disabilities and their families.
Disproportionality in Special Needs Education in England
Authors: Dyson Alan , Gallannaugh Frances
Published: April 2008

Unlike the United States, England does not have a special education system based on the identification of students as having disabilities of one or another type. Instead, the English system enables help to be provided to students on the basis of assessments of their individual “special educational needs.” The authors consider the implications of this position for the disproportional presence of students from different social groups in the special needs system. They argue that disproportionality is a reality in England, as in the United States, though it cannot be understood simply in relation to racial minorities. Nor, within a non-disability-based system, does it arise principally from the misidentification of students as having disabilities. Instead, it reflects broad educational and social inequalities. Disproportionality research, therefore, needs to concern itself with these inequalities.
The Investigation on the Vibration and Stability of Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Chen Chun-Sheng , Fung Chin-Ping , Yu Szu-Ying
Published: April 2008

An analytical formulation is derived to investigate the vibration frequencies and buckling coefficients of a hybrid functionally graded plate (FGP) with an arbitrary initial stress. The governing equations are derived using the average stress method. The ceramic—functionally graded material (FGM)—metal plates are studied in examples. The properties of FGM are assumed to vary continuously from one free surface to another, according to a simple power law of the constituent volume fractions. The initial stress is a combination of a uniaxial extensional stress and a pure bending stress. The effects of volume fraction index, initial stress and other factors on the natural frequencies and buckling loads are studied.
Mechanical and High-Temperature Properties of Glass Fibers Reinforced Phenolic Composites
Authors: Da-Peng Zhou , Hong Fan
Published: April 2008

This article discusses the mechanical and high-temperature performances of four glass fibers reinforced phenolic resins composites, which were a pure resol resin (no curing agent, named Resol), a pure novolac resin (cured with 10% hexamethylenetetramine, HMTA, named Novolac), a blend resin (50% resol and 50% novolac, named Blend), another blend resin (47.5% resol, 47.5% novolac, and 5% HMTA, named Blend1). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to investigate the curing properties of the materials, while fiber-matrix adhesion and wetting characteristics were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Blend and Blend1 composites had more loosely crosslinked structures compared with the pure Resol or Novolac composite. Moreover, the Blend, Blend1 and Resol composites had better adhesion and wetting properties with glass fibers than those of the Novolac composite, so the Blend and Blend 1 resins were prepared to obtain phenolic composites with improved impact and flexural strength, without degeneration of their high-temperature performance. On comparing the Blend1 composite held higher crosslink density and more regular crosslink structure than those of the Blend composite, which resulted in the Blend1 composite had better mechanical and high-temperature performances. It was also found that the crosslink density and the interfacial bonds between the fibers and the resin matrix of the materials could be increased by postcure, which produced an increase in their mechanical and high-temperature properties.
Statistical Scatter of Creep and Fatigue Failure Times for CFRP Laminates
Authors: Noda Junji , Nakada Masayuki , Miyano Yasushi
Published: April 2008

This article is concerned with the prediction of statistical scatter for the creep and fatigue failure times of CFRP laminates by using the statistical scatter of strength measured at constant strain rate tests (CSR strength) based on the kinetic crack growth law (Christensen and Miyano). First, the time- and temperature-dependent CSR strengths for CFRP laminates were measured at two levels of temperatures, room temperature and 120°C, in the vicinity of glass transition temperature, and the statistical scatter of these CSR strengths were determined at these two levels of temperature. Furthermore, the statistical scatters of the creep and fatigue failure times at an arbitrary load level and a constant frequency at these two levels of temperatures were predicted using the statistical scatters for CSR strengths based on the kinetic crack growth law. On the other hand, the creep and the fatigue failure times were experimentally measured at the same conditions. It was clear that the statistical scatter for creep and fatigue failure times of CFRP laminates can be predicted using those for CSR strengths from the agreement of the experimental results and the predicted ones.
A Preliminary Investigation of How States Are Responding to the Transition Assessment Requirements under IDEIA 2004
Authors: Morningstar Mary E. , Liss Jerald M.
Published: April 2008

The most recent reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, retitled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004), strengthened the transition requirements by including specific language regarding age-appropriate transition assessments. This study was designed to examine how states are interpreting and implementing the new transition assessment requirements. Thirty-six state educational agencies responded to an online survey that examined state activities with respect to state education agency (SEA) interpretation of the transition assessment language in IDEIA. In addition, data were collected regarding whether state policies, guidance documents, and recommendations to the field were being developed. The results indicated that 2 years after the reauthorization, most of the SEAs had at least begun to discuss the regulations, but very few have developed policy and guidance documents for the field. Implications for future research are addressed.
Development of Magnetorheological Dampers with Embedded Piezoelectric Force Sensors for Structural Vibration Control
Authors: Or S.W. , Duan Y.F. , Ni Y.Q. , Chen Z.H. , Lam K.H.
Published: April 2008

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers with embedded piezoelectric force sensors are developed to enable real-time, closed-loop vibration control of civil and mechanical structures. In this study, a prestress-type piezoelectric force sensor is fabricated and integrated with an actuation-only MR damper to form a smart MR damper possessing the attractive functionality of force sensing-while-damping with a high degree of sensor—damper collocation. Calibration of the piezoelectric force sensor is performed in a servohydraulic material testing system operating in force-controlled excitations of sine and ramp waveforms at different combinations of amplitude and frequency. The sensing and damping performance of the smart MR damper is evaluated by operating the material testing system in displacement-controlled sine and ramp excitations while adjusting different DC control currents to the damper. A good agreement between the piezoelectric force sensor outputs and the material testing system force inputs is observed, besides the highly controllable force—displacement and force—velocity hysteretic characteristics. The results show great promise of deploying the smart MR damper in intelligent structural vibration control systems.
Thermomechanical Characterization of Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Atli Bilim , Gandhi Farhan , Karst Greg
Published: April 2008

Data from comprehensive thermomechanical tests of shape memory polymers are reported, with specimens tested up to 75% strain and between 30—120°C temperatures. The data is analyzed and key observations are drawn. The stress/strain behavior during loading at temperatures above glass transition for the Veriflex TM shape memory polymer tested was linear and did not show much variation with the actual temperature. When the polymer is cooled with end constraints, thermally-induced tensile stresses developed, but only after the temperature reduced below glass transition and the material stiffened. When the constraints were then released, 97—98% of the original strain was locked in. Reheating the shape memory polymer beyond the glass transition temperature resulted in shape recovery (shape memory effect). When the polymer was reheated while constraining the strain, the full recovery stress developed was about the stress that the polymer was initially loaded to during deformation at high temperature. Examining the Young's modulus at elevated and low temperature showed that the loading modulus at high temperatures is around 60 times lower than the low temperature unloading modulus of the stretched sample, and around 3000 times lower than the low temperature loading modulus of an unstretched sample.
Characterization of Amylose-lipid Complexes Derived from Different Wheat Varieties and their Susceptibility to Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Kwaśniewska-Karolak I. , Nebesny E. , Rosicka-Kaczmarek J.
Published: April 2008

Starches from eight wheat varieties were analyzed for contents of dry matter, protein, pentosans, apparent and total amylose, total lipids, starch lipids, phosphorus, lysophospholipids and amylose-lipid complex (AML). Processes of starch gelatinization, reversible dissociation of AMLs and its susceptibility to degradation by α-amylase were monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Degree of crystallinity of starches were evaluated based on X-ray diffraction pattern. Starches from different wheat varieties show some slight differences in terms of chemical composition, thermal properties and susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. Endotherms and exotherms of most starch samples obtained by DSC contained single peaks, which indicated that AML complexes existed in one polymorphic form. Only AMLs formed by amylose from Symfonia cultivar was reflected by the double-peak exotherm on cooling of starch gel. Our studies showed that there was no correlation between AML content and enthalpy of its degradation in native starch. During enzymatic hydrolysis of starch AML complex in all examined starches underwent considerable degradation. Enthalpies of dissociation of AMLs, which remained after amylolysis were significantly lowered (80—90%) as compared to that of undigested starch. The susceptibility of AMLs to degradation by α-amylase did not depend on its amount (based on calculation from LPLs), but probably on its structure.
Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity of Mushroom Leucopaxillus giganteus Mycelium at Different Carbon Sources
Authors: Barros L. , Ferreira I.C.F.R. , Baptista P.
Published: April 2008

This article reports the first approach to the antioxidant potential evaluation of the edible mushroom Leucopaxillus giganteus mycelium obtained in the presence of four different carbon sources: glucose, sucrose, fructose and mannitol. Despite the use of Leucopaxillus mushroom species in chemical industry for extraction of clitocybin antibiotic, the production of its mycelium for pharmacological applications has not been explored. The concentration of antioxidant compounds increased along the growth time as a response to the oxidative stress and therefore free radicals production. The aldohexose glucose proved to be the most appropriate carbon source to increase antioxidant activity, leading to the highest phenols content and lowest EC50 values. Significant negative linear regressions were established between phenols and flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activity, which support that the extracts mechanism of action for the different antioxidant activity assays may be identical, being related with the content in those compounds and their free radical scavenging activity.
Capsicum and Mycotoxin Contamination: State of the Art in a Global Context
Authors: Santos L. , Marín S. , Sanchis V. , Ramos A.J.
Published: April 2008

Owing to their usual conditions of production in countries with warm and humid climates and to poor storage conditions, products derived from Capsicum sp. are susceptible to fungal contamination and development, which can lead to the accumulation of mycotoxins in these foods. Thus, products as chilli or paprika can be contaminated with fungal toxins, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins and other mycotoxins, which pose a serious risk to public health. This study reviews the main aspects regarding mycotoxin contamination of Capsicum, in the context of the importance of this product in a global market and approaches the effect of processing on final contamination of foods, as well as reviews the analytical methodology commonly employed in fungal and mycotoxin analysis in these types of products.
A Comparative Analysis of Cultural Value Orientations of Indians and Migrant Indians in the USA
Authors: Budhwar Pawan S. , Woldu Habte , Ogbonna Emmanuel
Published: April 2008

Understanding the cultural value systems of nations is a key factor in anticipating the behaviour of business managers and employees in a specific business environment. Many research studies have acknowledged the impact of culture on communication across nations and its impact on business operations, however no study has attempted to measure and quantify the cultural orientations of people originating from one nation, but working in two different national settings. This study adopted Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's framework to examine cultural dimensions of a total of 580 Indian respondents comprising two groups: 429 Indian natives living and working in India and 151 Indian migrants living and working in the USA. It initially compares the cultural orientations of the total population of each of the two groups and then examines cultural differences in the same based on demographic characteristics consisting of occupation, gender, age, and level of education. The study found significant cultural value differences between the two groups on both levels of analysis. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in detail.
Troubling the Angels Revisited
Authors: Perselli Victoria
Published: April 2008

2007 marks the 10th anniversary of Patti Lather and Chris Smithies' (1997) Troubling the Angels: Women Living with HIV/AIDS. In this article the author revisits the methodology of Lather and Smithies toward an understanding of how this intercepts the research object of HIV/AIDS. The author chose this work partly as an exemplar of Lather's larger ouvre, interpreted through the lens of "dissident scholarship," partly because she believes women's sexualities constitute a rich form of cultural text, inviting critical methodological reading. Although her primary motivation is methodological, therefore, this is not with the intention of privileging process over content. Indeed, working through Troubling the Angels in this way has served to substantiate the view that sexuality research is significant in its own right and a signifier of many other absent/present aspects of education and the educative act, at this moment in time.
Calculation of valence electron structures and melting points in Ti–Al alloys with interstitial impurities
Authors: Peng J. Z. , Yang X. Z. , Zhou F. C. , Gray M. F.
Published: April 2008

According to the average lattice and atom model of the empirical electron theory (EET) of solids and molecules, effects of interstitial impurities on valence electron structures (VESs) and phase transformation of Ti–Al alloys are analysed. In particular, melting points or allotropic transformation in Ti–Al phase diagram affected by interstitial impurities are calculated using the bond energy formula of the EET. It is demonstrated that because of the effects of interstitial impurities, the atom states of VESs increase, and the chemical bonds are seriously anisotropic. Such changes in VESs and chemical bonds make the melting points decrease. The decrease in the melting points can be further estimated by the EET, which is basically consistent with the available experimental results.
Numerical analysis of particle transport during solidification using models based on stochastic differential equation
Authors: Ganguly S. , Chakraborty S.
Published: April 2008

In the present work, a comprehensive theoretical model is developed to describe the particle transport mechanisms in a solidifying binary melt in the presence of random thermofluidic fluctuations offered by the surrounding fluid medium. The detailed transport phenomena in the particle and bulk phases are coupled together through a stochastic formalism, capturing the physical mechanisms and consequences of complex interparticle interactions and the associated growth and/or dissolution of the crystals. The equation of the motion of the particles is modelled using the theory of stochastic differential equations. Numerical simulation study reveals the statistically randomised nature of the evolution of particle phase, which otherwise cannot be captured from a purely deterministic viewpoint. The mathematical model is also tested by comparing present numerical results with reported experimental observations; a very good agreement can be observed in this regard, thereby establishing the authenticity of the proposed formulation.
Stress transfer along reinforced fibres of Cf/Al composite during compaction
Authors: Murali S. , Chandrasekaran M.
Published: April 2008

Carbon fibre reinforced aluminium composite (Cf/Al) was successfully produced by a powder metallurgical (PM) method using low volume fraction (1%) reinforcement. It was impossible to produce a high (10%) fraction composite. This paper explains the difficulties in producing a high fraction fibre reinforced composite, especially when the carbon fibre (with large aspect ratio) modulus is superior to that of the aluminium powder particle. During compaction, stress (load) transfer is along the carbon fibre. On releasing the applied load, displaced fibres return to their original positions (elastic recovery). This causes a gap to appear between the fibre and the aluminium matrix, leading to a poor metallurgical bond. The disparity between the modulus of the carbon fibre and that of aluminium particles contributes to stress transfer along the reinforced fibre.
Prevention of nosocomial infections in acute respiratory failure patients
Authors: Girou E.
Published: April 2008

Patients with acute respiratory failure are predisposed to acquire nosocomial infection primarily because they may need ventilatory support, usually invasive mechanical ventilation. The presence of an endotracheal tube impairs natural defences of the respiratory tract and favours airways colonisation and lung infection. Cross transmission of microorganisms may also occurviacontaminated hands of healthcare workers that manipulate invasive devices. Thus, avoiding the endotracheal tube and increasing hand hygiene compliance are major measures to prevent ventilator­associated pneumonia. The use of noninvasive ventilation has been shown to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections and should be used whenever possible.

Using hand rubbing with waterless alcohol­based products evidenced higher efficacy to reduce hand contamination as compared to conventional hand washing with soap. Due to its rapid activity and ease of access, hand rubbing constitutes a promising avenue for improving hand hygiene compliance and thus reducing cross infection.
RNACompress: Grammar-based compression and informational complexity measurement of RNA secondary structure
Authors: Liu Qi , Yang Yu , Chen Chun , Bu Jiajun , Zhang Yin , Ye Xiuzi
Published: April 2008

Background

With the rapid emergence of RNA databases and newly identified non-coding RNAs, an efficient compression algorithm for RNA sequence and structural information is needed for the storage and analysis of such data. Although several algorithms for compressing DNA sequences have been proposed, none of them are suitable for the compression of RNA sequences with their secondary structures simultaneously. This kind of compression not only facilitates the maintenance of RNA data, but also supplies a novel way to measure the informational complexity of RNA structural data, raising the possibility of studying the relationship between the functional activities of RNA structures and their complexities, as well as various structural properties of RNA based on compression.

Results

RNACompress employs an efficient grammar-based model to compress RNA sequences and their secondary structures. The main goals of this algorithm are two fold: (1) present a robust and effective way for RNA structural data compression; (2) design a suitable model to represent RNA secondary structure as well as derive the informational complexity of the structural data based on compression. Our extensive tests have shown that RNACompress achieves a universally better compression ratio compared with other sequence-specific or common text-specific compression algorithms, such as Gencompress, winrar and gzip. Moreover, a test of the activities of distinct GTP-binding RNAs (aptamers) compared with their structural complexity shows that our defined informational complexity can be used to describe how complexity varies with activity. These results lead to an objective means of comparing the functional properties of heteropolymers from the information perspective.

Conclusion

A universal algorithm for the compression of RNA secondary structure as well as the evaluation of its informational complexity is discussed in this paper. We have developed RNACompress, as a useful tool for academic users. Extensive tests have shown that RNACompress is a universally efficient algorithm for the compression of RNA sequences with their secondary structures. RNACompress also serves as a good measurement of the informational complexity of RNA secondary structure, which can be used to study the functional activities of RNA molecules.
Data capture in bioinformatics: requirements and experiences with Pedro
Authors: Jameson Daniel , Garwood Kevin , Garwood Chris , Booth Tim , Alper Pinar , Oliver Stephen G , Paton Norman W
Published: April 2008

Background

The systematic capture of appropriately annotated experimental data is a prerequisite for most bioinformatics analyses. Data capture is required not only for submission of data to public repositories, but also to underpin integrated analysis, archiving, and sharing – both within laboratories and in collaborative projects. The widespread requirement to capture data means that data capture and annotation are taking place at many sites, but the small scale of the literature on tools, techniques and experiences suggests that there is work to be done to identify good practice and reduce duplication of effort.

Results

This paper reports on experience gained in the deployment of the Pedro data capture tool in a range of representative bioinformatics applications. The paper makes explicit the requirements that have recurred when capturing data in different contexts, indicates how these requirements are addressed in Pedro, and describes case studies that illustrate where the requirements have arisen in practice.

Conclusion

Data capture is a fundamental activity for bioinformatics; all biological data resources build on some form of data capture activity, and many require a blend of import, analysis and annotation. Recurring requirements in data capture suggest that model-driven architectures can be used to construct data capture infrastructures that can be rapidly configured to meet the needs of individual use cases. We have described how one such model-driven infrastructure, namely Pedro, has been deployed in representative case studies, and discussed the extent to which the model-driven approach has been effective in practice.
Roots of angiosperm formins: The evolutionary history of plant FH2 domain-containing proteins
Authors: Grunt Michal , Žárský Viktor , Cvrčková Fatima
Published: April 2008

Background

Shuffling of modular protein domains is an important source of evolutionary innovation. Formins are a family of actin-organizing proteins that share a conserved FH2 domain but their overall domain architecture differs dramatically between opisthokonts (metazoans and fungi) and plants. We performed a phylogenomic analysis of formins in most eukaryotic kingdoms, aiming to reconstruct an evolutionary scenario that may have produced the current diversity of domain combinations with focus on the origin of the angiosperm formin architectures.

Results

The Rho GTPase-binding domain (GBD/FH3) reported from opisthokont and Dictyostelium formins was found in all lineages except plants, suggesting its ancestral character. Instead, mosses and vascular plants possess the two formin classes known from angiosperms: membrane-anchored Class I formins and Class II formins carrying a PTEN-like domain. PTEN-related domains were found also in stramenopile formins, where they have been probably acquired independently rather than by horizontal transfer, following a burst of domain rearrangements in the chromalveolate lineage. A novel RhoGAP-related domain was identified in some algal, moss and lycophyte (but not angiosperm) formins that define a specific branch (Class III) of the formin family.

Conclusion

We propose a scenario where formins underwent multiple domain rearrangements in several eukaryotic lineages, especially plants and chromalveolates. In plants this replaced GBD/FH3 by a probably inactive RhoGAP-like domain, preserving a formin-mediated association between (membrane-anchored) Rho GTPases and the actin cytoskeleton. Subsequent amplification of formin genes, possibly coincident with the expansion of plants to dry land, was followed by acquisition of alternative membrane attachment mechanisms present in extant Class I and Class II formins, allowing later loss of the RhoGAP-like domain-containing formins in angiosperms.
A systematic survey in Arabidopsis thaliana of transcription factors that modulate circadian parameters
Authors: Hanano Shigeru , Stracke Ralf , Jakoby Marc , Merkle Thomas , Domagalska Malgorzata A , Weisshaar Bernd , Davis Seth J
Published: April 2008

Background

Plant circadian systems regulate various biological processes in harmony with daily environmental changes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the underlying clock mechanism is comprised of multiple integrated transcriptional feedbacks, which collectively lead to global patterns of rhythmic gene expression. The transcriptional networks are essential within the clock itself and in its output pathway.

Results

Here, to expand understanding of transcriptional networks within and associated to the clock, we performed both an in silico analysis of transcript rhythmicity of transcription factor genes, and a pilot assessment of functional phenomics on the MYB, bHLH, and bZIP families. In our in silico analysis, we defined which members of these families express a circadian waveform of transcript abundance. Up to 20% of these families were over-represented as clock-controlled genes. To detect members that contribute to proper oscillator function, we systematically measured rhythmic growth via an imaging system in hundreds of misexpression lines targeting members of the transcription-factor families. Three transcription factors were found that conferred aberrant circadian rhythms when misexpressed: MYB3R2, bHLH69, and bHLH92.

Conclusion

Transcript abundance of many transcription factors in Arabidopsis oscillates in a circadian manner. Further, a developed pipeline assessed phenotypic contribution of a panel of transcriptional regulators in the circadian system.
Genetic and functional association of FAM5C with myocardial infarction
Authors: Connelly Jessica J , Shah Svati H , Doss Jennifer F , Gadson Shera , Nelson Sarah , Crosslin David R , Hale A Brent , Lou Xuemei , Wang Ty , Haynes Carol , Seo David , Crossman David C , Mooser Vincent , Granger Christopher B , Jones Christopher JH , Kraus William E , Hauser Elizabeth R , Gregory Simon G
Published: April 2008

Background

We previously identified a 40 Mb region of linkage on chromosome 1q in our early onset coronary artery disease (CAD) genome-wide linkage scan (GENECARD) with modest evidence for linkage (n = 420, LOD 0.95). When the data are stratified by acute coronary syndrome (ACS), this modest maximum in the overall group became a well-defined LOD peak (maximum LOD of 2.17, D1S1589/D1S518). This peak overlaps a recently identified inflammatory biomarker (MCP-1) linkage region from the Framingham Heart Study (maximum LOD of 4.27, D1S1589) and a region of linkage to metabolic syndrome from the IRAS study (maximum LOD of 2.59, D1S1589/D1S518). The overlap of genetic screens in independent data sets provides evidence for the existence of a gene or genes for CAD in this region.

Methods

A peak-wide association screen (457 SNPs) was conducted of a region 1 LOD score down from the peak marker (168–198 Mb) in a linkage peak for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on chromosome 1, within a family-based early onset coronary artery disease (CAD) sample (GENECARD).

Results

Polymorphisms were identified within the 'family with sequence similarity 5, member C' gene (FAM5C) that show genetic linkage to and are associated with myocardial infarction (MI) in GENECARD. The association was confirmed in an independent CAD case-control sample (CATHGEN) and strong association with MI was identified with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3' end ofFAM5C.FAM5Cgenotypes were also correlated with expression of the gene in human aorta. Expression levels ofFAM5Cdecreased with increasing passage of proliferating aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) suggesting a role for this molecule in smooth muscle cell proliferation and senescence.

Conclusion

These data implicateFAM5Calleles in the risk of myocardial infarction and suggest further functional studies ofFAM5Care required to identify the gene's contribution to atherosclerosis.
A randomised clinical trial of subgrouping and targeted treatment for low back pain compared with best current care. The STarT Back Trial Study Protocol
Authors: Hay Elaine M , Dunn Kate M , Hill Jonathan C , Lewis Martyn , Mason Elizabeth E , Konstantinou Kika , Sowden Gail , Somerville Simon , Vohora Kanchan , Whitehurst David , Main Chris J
Published: April 2008

Background

Back pain is a major health problem and many sufferers develop persistent symptoms. Detecting relevant subgroups of patients with non-specific low back pain has been highlighted as a priority area for research, as this could enable better secondary prevention through the targeting of prognostic indicators for persistent, disabling symptoms. We plan to conduct a randomised controlled trial to establish whether subgrouping using a novel tool, combined with targeted treatment, is better than best current care at reducing long-term disability from low back pain.

Methods/Design

We will recruit 800 participants aged 18 years and over with non-specific low back pain from 8–10 GP practices within two Primary Care Trusts in Staffordshire, England. Our primary outcome measures are low back pain disability and catastrophising. Secondary outcomes include back pain intensity, global change, leg pain, fear avoidance, anxiety, depression, illness perceptions, patient satisfaction, overall health status and cost-effectiveness. Data will be collected before randomisation, and 4 and 12 months later. Participants are randomised to receive either newly developed interventions, delivered by trained physiotherapists and targeted according to subgroups defined by tool scores, or best current care.

Discussion

This paper presents detail on the rationale, design, methods and operational aspects of the trial.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN37113406.
Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendronextract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kalman Douglas S , Feldman Samantha , Feldman Robert , Schwartz Howard I , Krieger Diane R , Garrison Robert
Published: April 2008

Background

Recent research has established correlations between stress, anxiety, insomnia and excess body weight and these correlations have significant implications for health. This study measured the effects of a proprietary blend of extracts ofMagnolia officinalisandPhellodendron amurense (Relora®) on anxiety, stress and sleep in healthy premenopausal women.

Methods

This randomized, parallel, placebo controlled clinical studywas conducted with healthy, overweight (BMI 25 to 34.9), premenopausal female adults, between the ages of 20 and 50 years, who typically eat more in response to stressful situations and scores above the national mean for women on self-reporting anxiety. The intervention wasRelora (250 mg capsules) or identical placebo 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE-TRAIT questionnaires, salivary amylase and cortisol levels, Likert Scales/Visual Analog Scores for sleep quality and latency, appetite, and clinical markers of safety. The study was conducted by Miami Research Associates, a clinical research organization in Miami, FL.

Results

The intent-to-treat population consisted of 40 subjects with 26 participants completing the study. There were no significant adverse events. Relora was effective, in comparison to placebo, in reducing temporary, transitory anxiety as measured by the Spielberger STATE anxiety questionnaire. It was not effective in reducing long-standing feelings of anxiety or depression as measured using the Spielberger TRAIT questionnaire. Other assessments conducted in this study including salivary cortisol and amylase levels, appetite, body morphology and sleep quality/latency were not significantly changed by Relora in comparison to placebo.

Conclusion

This pilot study indicates that Relora may offer some relief for premenopausal women experiencing mild transitory anxiety. There were no safety concerns or significant adverse events observed in this study.
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is not associated with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rosu Valentina , Ahmed Niyaz , Paccagnini Daniela , Pacifico Adolfo , Zanetti Stefania , Sechi Leonardo A
Published: April 2008

Background

The role of pathogenic mycobacteria in diabetes has been a focus of speculation since a decade without any meaningful insights into the mechanism of diabetes causation vis a vis mycobacterial factors. Two of our studies based on PCR identification of mycobacterial DNA and detection of antibodies specific to the recombinant antigens and whole cell lysates of the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) shown a clear association of MAP with the presence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

In this study, we sought to investigate if or not type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients harbour humoral responses to MAP. Using three different MAP antigen preparations, humoral antibody profiles were estimated for 57 T2DM patients and 57 healthy controls. Statistical analysis was performed with the Chi-square test with Yates' corrections.

Results

We observed insignificant levels of humoral antibodies against recombinant heparin binding haemagglutinin (HbHA), glycosyl transferase (Gsd) and MAP whole cell lysate in the blood of subjects with T2DM as compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

We found no obvious association of MAP with the incidence of T2DM in Sardinian patients.
DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit modulates the stability of c-Myc oncoprotein
Authors: An Jing , Yang Dong-Yan , Xu Qin-Zhi , Zhang Shi-Meng , Huo Yan-Ying , Shang Zeng-Fu , Wang Yu , Wu De-Chang , Zhou Ping-Kun
Published: April 2008

Background

C-Myc is a short-lived oncoprotein that is destroyed by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Dysregulated accumulation of c-Myc commonly occurs in human cancers. Some of those cases with the dysregulated c-Myc protein accumulation are attributed to gene amplification or increased mRNA expression. However, the abnormal accumulation of c-Myc protein is also a common finding in human cancers with normal copy number and transcription level of c-Myc gene. It seems that the mechanistic dysregulation in the control of c-Myc protein stabilization is another important hallmark associated with c-Myc accumulation in cancer cells. Here we report a novel mechanistic pathway through which DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) modulates the stability of c-Myc protein.

Results

Firstly, siRNA-mediated silencing of DNA-PKcs strikingly downregulated c-Myc protein levels in HeLa and HepG2 cells, and simultaneously decreased cell proliferation. The c-Myc protein level in DNA-PKcs deficient human glioma M059J cells was also found much lower than that in DNA-PKcs efficient M059K cells. ATM deficiency does not affect c-Myc expression level. Silencing of DNA-PKcs in HeLa cells resulted in a decreased stability of c-Myc protein, which was associated the increasing of c-Myc phosphorylation on Thr58/Ser62 and ubiquitination level. Phosphorylation of Akt on Ser473, a substrate of DNA-PKcs was found decreased in DNA-PKcs deficient cells. As the consequence, the phosphorylation of GSK3 β on Ser9, a negatively regulated target of Akt, was also decreased, and which led to activation of GSK 3β and in turn phosphorylation of c-Myc on Thr58. Moreover, inhibition of GSK3 activity by LiCl or specific siRNA molecules rescued the downregulation of c-Myc mediated by silencing DNA-PKcs. Consistent with this depressed DNA-PKcs cell model, overexpressing DNA-PKcs in normal human liver L02 cells, by sub-chronically exposing to very low dose of carcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), increased c-Myc protein level, the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3 β, as well as cell proliferation. siRNA-mediated silencing of DNA-PKcs in this cell model reversed above alterations to the original levels of L02 cells.

Conclusion

A suitable DNA-PKcs level in cells is necessary for maintaining genomic stability, while abnormal overexpression of DNA-PKcs may contribute to cell proliferation and even oncogenic transformation by stabilizing the c-Myc oncoprotein via at least the Akt/GSK3 pathway. Our results suggest DNA-PKcs a novel biological role beyond its DNA repair function.
Synergistic effects of high fat feeding and apolipoprotein E deletion on enterocytic amyloid-beta abundance
Authors: Galloway Susan , Pallebage-Gamarallage Menuka MS , Takechi Ryusuke , Jian Le , Johnsen Russell D , Dhaliwal Satvinder S , Mamo John CL
Published: April 2008

Background

Amyloid-β (Aβ), a key protein found in amyloid plaques of subjects with Alzheimer's disease is expressed in the absorptive epithelial cells of the small intestine. Ingestion of saturated fat significantly enhances enterocytic Aβ abundance whereas fasting abolishes expression. Apolipoprotein (apo) E has been shown to directly modulate Aβ biogenesis in liver and neuronal cells but it's effect in enterocytes is not known. In addition, apo E modulates villi length, which may indirectly modulate Aβ as a consequence of differences in lipid absorption. This study compared Aβ abundance and villi length in wild-type (WT) and apo E knockout (KO) mice maintained on either a low-fat or high-fat diet. Wild-type C57BL/6J and apo E KO mice were randomised for six-months to a diet containing either 4% (w/w) unsaturated fats, or chow comprising 16% saturated fats and 1% cholesterol. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to assess Aβ abundance in small intestinal enterocytes. Apo E KO mice given the low-fat diet had similar enterocytic Aβ abundance compared to WT controls.

Results

The saturated fat diet substantially increased enterocytic Aβ in WT and in apo E KO mice, however the effect was greater in the latter. Villi height was significantly greater in apo E KO mice than for WT controls when given the low-fat diet. However, WT mice had comparable villi length to apo E KO when fed the saturated fat and cholesterol enriched diet. There was no effect of the high-fat diet on villi length in apo E KO mice.

Conclusion

The findings of this study are consistent with the notion that lipid substrate availability modulates enterocytic Aβ. Apo E may influence enterocytic lipid availability by modulating absorptive capacity.