bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actor-partner effects in the associations between relationship characteristics and reactions to marital sexual intimacy
Authors: Theiss Jennifer A. , Nagy Mary E.
Published: October 2010

This study uses the relational turbulence model and dyadic data analysis to examine how marital relationship characteristics affect emotional and cognitive reactions to sex. We surveyed both spouses from 220 married couples about their sexual relationship. Results indicated that: (i) relational uncertainty and interference from partners were negatively associated with sexual satisfaction and positively associated with negative cognitive and emotional reactions to sex; (ii) an actor’s sexual satisfaction was negatively associated with the partner’s relational uncertainty and interference from actors; and (iii) an actor’s negative emotion and negative cognition following sex were positively associated with the partner’s relational uncertainty and interference from partners. These findings highlight dyadic interdependence between spouses’ perceptions of sexual intimacy.
Spouses’ demand and withdrawal during marital conflict in relation to their subjective well-being
Authors: Siffert Andrea , Schwarz Beate
Published: October 2010

This study investigated the link between spouses’ demanding and withdrawing behavior during conflict and their subjective well-being (SWB) in a community sample of 126 couples. Demand and withdrawal were analyzed in combination in the demand/ withdraw pattern, as well as individually. Results showed that the model with the individual conflict behavior provided a better representation of the data than the demand/withdraw pattern model. Women’s, as well as men’s, demands were directly associated with men’s SWB. Furthermore, the individual conflict behavior was indirectly linked with both spouses’ SWB via their own marital satisfaction. Results highlight the potential importance of couple’s conflict behavior for spouses’ SWB.
‘‘They don’t know what it’s like to be in my shoes’’: Topic avoidance about race in transracially adoptive families
Authors: Docan-Morgan Sara
Published: October 2010

Families formed through transracial adoption face communicative challenges not faced by single-race families. Drawing upon communication privacy management theory and research on topic avoidance, this paper explores Korean adult adoptees’ reports of racial derogation in their youth and the extent to which they avoided discussing these interactions with their White adoptive parents. Results from qualitative interviews and surveys suggest that adoptee participants reported having received a range of racially derogatory messages, including appearance attacks, ethnicity attacks, and physical attacks. Most participants reported avoiding discussing these occurrences with their adoptive parents due to parent unresponsiveness and/or self-protection. This study extends the work on topic avoidance by offering sub-themes for parent unresponsiveness and sheds light on privacy management in transracially adoptive families.
Egoistic versus altruistic concerns in communal relationships
Authors: Park Lora E. , Troisi Jordan D. , Maner Jon K.
Published: October 2010

Although communal relationships are seemingly characterized by altruistic concern for others, individuals may differ in their degree of egoistic versus altruistic concerns in communal relationships. In the present research, we developed a measure to assess egoistic versus altruistic concerns underlying a communal relationship orientation. These concerns were empirically distinct and predicted personal and interpersonal functioning. In Study 1, altruistic concerns predicted increased relatedness, empathy, and decreased anger, hostility, and aggression, whereas egoistic concerns predicted decreased relatedness, empathy, and increased anger, hostility, and aggression. In Study 2, altruistic concerns predicted more other-oriented (e.g., community) goals; egoistic concerns predicted more self-oriented (e.g., image) goals and depressive symptoms. Together, these findings highlight the importance of examining distinct concerns underlying a communal relationship orientation.
Electrical properties of oil shale/polystyrene composites
Authors: Adaileh Abeer , Zihlif Awwad
Published: October 2010

The dielectric and AC conductivity of oil shale/polystyrene composites were studied as a function of frequency, temperature, and oil shale concentration through impedance measurements. It was found that the AC conductivity and the dielectric constant increase by increasing the applied frequency, temperature, and oil shale content in the composites. The activation energy and relaxation time of the thermally electrical conduction were determined. The dielectric behavior of the prepared composites was mainly attributed to the dielectric properties of the oil shale filler. The observed increase in the AC conductivity was mainly produced from the carbon content and metallic impurities existing in the composites. Fitting of the measured AC-electrical quantities through some theoretical models was satisfactory.
Investigation into the effect of drilling parameters on delamination in drilling GFRP
Authors: Kilickap Erol
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence of the cutting parameters, such as cutting speed and feed rate, and point angle on delamination and surface roughness produced when drilling a glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite. All tests were run without coolant at cutting speeds of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m/min and feed rates of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm/rev and point angle of 118° and 135°. The damage generated associated with drilling GFRP composites was observed, both at the entrance and the exit during the drilling process. It was observed that the delamination on drilled holes increased with increasing cutting speed and feed rate. The best results of the delamination are obtained at lower cutting speed and feed rates. For minimum damage on drilled holes, glass fiber-reinforced plastic composite must be drilled at a lower feed rate. It is shown that the point angle of drill is an important parameter on delamination and surface roughness.
Dynamic behavior of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites: experiments and modeling
Authors: Wen Huang  , Zhongwei Huang
Published: October 2010

A statistical constitutive model, which takes into account the effect of strain rate, was presented to describe the stress— strain relationship of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites (UFRC). To verify its reliability, tensile tests on two kinds of UFRC: a glass fiber-reinforced polyster and a unidirectional SiC/Al composite wire, were carried out at different strain rates, and the stress—strain curves were obtained. The testing results show that the strength and ductility of the two composites all increase with increasing strain rate. Simulated stress—strain curves, derived from the constitutive model, fit the tested results well, which indicates that the model is valid and reliable.
How Important Are Competitive Wages? Exploring the Impact of Relative Wage Rates on Employee Turnover in State Government
Authors: Llorens Jared J. , Stazyk Edmund C.
Published: October 2010

In recent years, public management research has made great strides in explaining the drivers of employee turnover in the public sector, with key findings related to the role of employee loyalty, organizational satisfaction, person-organization fit, and compensation. This article contributes to this growing body of literature by assessing the influence of a previously untested driver of employee turnover at the state level of government: public—private wage equity. Contrary to conventional wisdom, results suggest that public—private wage equity does not significantly influence voluntary separation rates, whereas state government unionization and the average age of state government employees are found to be indirectly related to voluntary separation. Results also point to the potential implications of ethnicity, gender, and public service motivation in state government employee turnover and provide key insights for those seeking to further understand the impact of reduced expenditures on public sector wages and shifting age distributions in public sector employment.
Is Social Work Advocacy Worth the Cost? Issues and Barriers to an Economic Analysis of Social Work Political Practice
Authors: McNutt John
Published: October 2010

Advocacy is central to the social work profession’s commitment to social betterment and justice, yet much of what we know about it is based on conventional wisdom. We have little evidence on the effectiveness of interventions and even less on the costs and benefits of advocacy campaigns. This article discusses some of the conceptual and methodological issues involved with advocacy research and provides some direction for combining research on the effectiveness of advocacy with research on its cost utility.
Moving to Place: Childhood Cancer Treatment Decision Making in Single-Parent and Repartnered Family Structures
Authors: Kelly Katherine Patterson , Ganong Lawrence
Published: October 2010

Few researchers have studied how parents from diverse family structures cope with childhood chronic illness. We designed this study to discern the childhood cancer treatment decision-making (TDM) process in these families. Using grounded theory, we interviewed 15 custodial parents, nonresidential parents, and stepparents who had previously made a major treatment decision for their children with cancer. “Moving to place” was the central psychosocial process by which parents negotiated involvement in TDM. Parents moved toward or were moved away from involvement based on parent position in the family (custodial, nonresidential, and stepparent), prediagnosis family dynamics, and time since diagnosis. Parents used the actions of stepping up, stepping back, being pushed, and stepping away to respond to the need for TDM. Parents faced additional stressors because of their family situations, which affected the TDM process. Findings from this study provide important insight into diverse families and their unique parental TDM experiences.
More Than a Marriage of Convenience: The Convergence of Management and Indigenous Educational Practice
Authors: Nursey-Bray Melissa , Haugstetter Hilary
Published: October 2010

In today’s globalized world, there is an increasing imperative to operate in multiple and culturally diverse contexts. An intercultural approach to management education prepares students to work anywhere in the world. What lessons can be learned from other cultures that can enhance how managers operate in international forums? The authors seek to answer that question by reviewing the lessons learned from teaching Indigenous peoples in Australia. Using a conversational narrative, this study reflects on the understanding and incorporating of different cultural domains and knowledge systems into management education. The study concludes with suggestions for the inclusion of cultural standards for management curricula.
Vertical Diffusion and the Policy-Making Process
Authors: Karch Andrew
Published: October 2010

This article examines the influence of national government activity on the politics of embryonic stem cell research in the American states. Its analysis of bill introduction patterns between 1999 and 2008 suggests that President Bush’s nationally televised address on stem cell research and the debate over the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act increased the probability that officials in a state would introduce stem-cell-related legislation in a given year. National activity also seemed to increase the number of bills that legislators introduced. These results illustrate how political forces can increase the salience of public policies and thereby serve as diffusion mechanisms during the agenda-setting process.
The Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire: A Measurement Invariance Examination Among U.S. Anglos and U.S. Hispanics
Authors: Culhane Scott E. , Morera Osvaldo F. , Watson P.J. , Millsap Roger E.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this article is to assess the measurement invariance of the Bermond—Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) in U.S. Anglo ( n = 490) and U.S. Hispanic ( n = 379) samples of college students. The BVAQ items demonstrated invariance of the factor loadings, the latent item intercepts, and unique factor variances. However, Hispanics had higher verbalizing scores and lower fantasizing scores on the latent variables. As a whole, the BVAQ requires additional testing and/or refinement for use with a Hispanic sample. Until such refinements, the authors recommend that the Toronto Alexithymia Scale—20 be used with U.S. Hispanic samples.
Voices From the Inside: African American Women’s Perspectives on Healthy Lifestyles
Authors: Rowe Jill
Published: October 2010

The author of this study conducted focus groups with African American women to explore their perspectives on obesity, disease causation, and their ideas on the functionality of cultural, social, historical, environmental, and psychological forces in altering healthy eating habits. Reoccurring themes centered on four areas: (a) the definition of health as a mind, body, and spiritual construct; (b) conceptualizations of cultural norms regarding healthy foods versus unhealthy foods; (c) the importance of eating and social rituals on food choices; and (d) the impact of the environment in sustaining healthy initiatives. Structural constraints that uphold legacies of disenfranchisement, environmental injustice, and segregation influence the food choices available in low-wealth communities. These factors continue to operate and are vital issues to consider when designing culturally relevant wellness programs.
How groups contest depends on group power and the likelihood that power determines victory and defeat
Authors: Kamans Elanor , Otten Sabine , Gordijn Ernestine H. , Spears Russell
Published: October 2010

The aim of the current study was to show that the type of conflict behavior (constructive vs. unconstructive) groups use in conflicts depends on their power position as well as the likelihood that power determines victory and defeat. In an alleged online debate, we created a conflict between two opinion based groups. We then measured participant’s action tendencies and their actual behavior. Overall, the results show that especially when the likelihood that power determines victory and defeat is low, power plays a role: those low in power become more constructive, while those high in power show no constructive behavior at all. Next to that, powerless groups tend to behave more unconstructively when it is likely that power detremines victory and defeat. The implications for intergroup relations are discussed.
How intragroup dynamics affect behavior in intergroup conflict: The role of group norms, prototypicality, and need to belong
Authors: Steinel Wolfgang , Van Kleef Gerben A. , Van Knippenberg Daan , Hogg Michael A. , Homan Astrid C. , Moffitt Graham
Published: October 2010

This study explores the role of intragroup dynamics in intergroup conflict. In a computer-mediated negotiation experiment (N = 107), we investigated how a group representative’s standing in the group, group norm, and the representative’s need to belong influence behavior in intergroup negotiations. We hypothesized that the extent to which peripheral representatives adhere to group norms is contingent on their need to belong, whereas prototypical representatives behave in norm-congruent ways regardless of their need to belong. In support of this idea, results showed that prototypicals behaved more cooperatively when the group norm prescribed cooperation rather than competition. By contrast, peripherals only adhered to the group norm when they had a high need to belong. These findings suggest that peripherals only represent the interests of their group when doing so furthers their self-interest. We discuss implications for theorizing about prototypicality, social exclusion, and conformity to group norms.
Introduction: Negotiation in intergroup conflict
Authors: Demoulin Stéphanie , de Dreu Carsten K.W.
Published: October 2010

Although conflicts most often occur between groups, research and theory on conflict management and negotiation have largely focused on the interpersonal system and ignored how groups negotiate a solution to their intergroup conflict. Thus we have a thorough understanding of the motivational, cognitive, and affective processes underlying the development of high quality solutions in interpersonal negotiation, but we know little about the extent to which these insights can be comfortably generalized to intergroup settings. Likewise, the large volume of work on intergroup perceptions and intergroup relations has much to say about intergroup negotiation, but these research areas have rarely been connected and produced systematic analysis. The current Special Issue presents research on these topics and aims at promoting cross-talk between negotiation researchers and social psychologists in the intergroup relation domain.
A novel way of utilising Radiance-Matlab visualisation for façade design optimisation
Authors: Araji MT , Boubekri M.
Published: October 2010

This paper presents a parametric study for optimising façade design of a private office space. High dynamic range images are processed to document design conditions measured against established standards of visual comfort and needed light levels for circadian rhythm entrainment. Assessed lighting indices include luminance ratios, daylight glare index, vertical illuminance and its duration of exposure at eye level. An investigation is conducted based on the effect of a multitude of variables including façade orientation, seasonal variation, sky conditions, task type, glazing height and visible transmittance values. Results indicate that among the three head-heights tested, namely 1.2 m, 1.8 m and 2.4 m, the latter performed best in terms of discomfort glare and light exposure for an observer looking through the façade or at a computer screen. A visible transmittance of 50% is also recommended for year round conditions. Nevertheless, lower values may be required to prevent glare, especially on the south and west façades or for higher window—wall ratios.
Measuring circadian light and its impact on adolescents
Authors: Figueiro MG , Brons JA , Plitnick B. , Donlan B. , Leslie RP , Rea MS
Published: October 2010

A field study was conducted with eighth-grade students to determine the impact of morning light on circadian timing, sleep duration and performance. Before and during school hours for a week in February 2009, half the students studied wore orange glasses that minimised the short-wavelength light exposure needed for circadian system stimulation. A control group did not wear the orange glasses. The Daysimeter, a circadian light meter, measured light/dark exposures in both groups for 7 days. Circadian timing was significantly delayed for those students who wore orange glasses compared to the control group. Sleep durations were slightly, but not significantly, curtailed in the orange-glasses group. Performance scores on a brief, standardised psychomotor vigilance test and self-reports of well-being were not significantly different between the two groups.
Classifying Medication Use in Clinical Research
Authors: Rizzo Dorrie , Creti Laura , Bailes Sally , Baltzan Marcel , Grad Roland , Amsel Rhonda , Fichten Catherine S. , Libman Eva
Published: October 2010

Background: Medication use data are usually collected in clinical research. Yet no standardized method for categorizing these exists, either for sample description or for the study of medication use as a variable. Objective: The present investigation was designed to develop a simple, empirically based classification scheme for medication use categorization. Method: The authors used factor analysis to reduce the number of possible medication groupings. This permitted a pattern of medication usage to emerge that appeared to characterize specific clinical constellations. To illustrate the technique’s potential, the authors applied this classification system to samples where sleep disorders are prominent: chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep apnea. Results: The authors’ classification approach resulted in 5 factors that appear to cohere in a logical fashion. These were labeled Cardiovascular or Metabolic Syndrome Medication, Symptom Relief Medication, Psychotropic Medication, Preventative Medication, and Hormonal Medication. Conclusions: The findings show that medication profile varies according to clinical sample. The medication profile for participants with sleep apnea reflects known comorbid conditions; the medication profile associated with chronic fatigue syndrome appears to reflect the common perception of this condition as a psychogenic disorder.
Prenatal Presentation of Inguinoscrotal Hernia
Authors: Thornburg Loralei , Smith-Hartman Susan , Pegoli Walter , Eggers Paula
Published: October 2010

Prenatal diagnosis of inguinal hernia is rare and easily confused with other entities, including masses of the scrotum, abdominal wall, and perineum. Pathologic processes of the scrotum rarely result in enlargement beyond 7 cm. Peristalsis can help to indentify bowel within the mass, suggestive of hernia or omphalocele rather than hydroceles or tumors that contain no bowel. Torsions have a double-ring appearance with no testicular blood flow, whereas hydroceles have visible testicles within a fluid-filled scrotum. Doppler evaluation may be helpful, as hernias typically have minimal vascularity, unlike tumors and teratomas, which are vascular with a widely variable appearance. The authors present the sonographic features of a late-presenting fetal mass that was clinically indistinguishable from omphalocele other than its skin thickness and was larger than typically reported for hernias. Skin thickness and subcapsular fluid are useful adjuncts in distinguishing inguinoscrotal hernia from omphalocele in late gestation.
Regulation of steady-state neutrophil homeostasis by macrophages
Authors: Gordy Claire , Pua Heather , Sempowski Gregory D. , He You-Wen
Published: October 2010

The timely clearance of apoptotic neutrophils from inflammation sites is an important function of macrophages; however, the role of macrophages in maintaining neutrophil homeostasis under steady-state conditions is less well understood. By conditionally deleting the antiapoptotic gene cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (C-FLIP) in myeloid cells, we have generated a novel mouse model deficient in marginal zone and bone marrow stromal macrophages. These mice develop severe neutrophilia, splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, decreased body weight, and increased production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and IL-1β, but not IL-17. c-FLIPf/f LysM-Cre mice exhibit delayed clearance of circulating neutrophils, suggesting that failure of macrophages to efficiently clear apoptotic neutrophils causes production of cytokines that drive excess granulopoiesis. Further, blocking G-CSF but not IL-1R signaling in vivo rescues this neutrophilia, suggesting that a G-CSF–dependent, IL-1β–independent pathway plays a role in promoting neutrophil production in mice with defective clearance of apoptotic cells.
Phosphodiesterase 6 subunits are expressed and altered in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Nikolova Sevdalina , Guenther Andreas , Savai Rajkumar , Weissmann Norbert , Ghofrani Hossein A , Konigshoff Melanie , Eickelberg Oliver , Klepetko Walter , Voswinckel Robert , Seeger Werner , Grimminger Friedrich , Schermuly Ralph T , Pullamsetti Soni S
Published: October 2010

Background

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is an unresolved clinical issue. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are known therapeutic targets for various proliferative lung diseases. Lung PDE6 expression and function has received little or no attention. The present study aimed to characterize (i) PDE6 subunits expression in human lung, (ii) PDE6 subunits expression and alteration in IPF and (iii) functionality of the specific PDE6D subunit in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs).

Methodology/Principal Findings

PDE6 subunits expression in transplant donor (n = 6) and IPF (n = 6) lungs was demonstrated by real-time quantitative (q)RT-PCR and immunoblotting analysis. PDE6D mRNA and protein levels and PDE6G/H protein levels were significantly down-regulated in the IPF lungs. Immunohistochemical analysis showed alveolar epithelial localization of the PDE6 subunits. This was confirmed by qRT-PCR from human primary alveolar type (AT)II cells, demonstrating the down-regulation pattern of PDE6D in IPF-derived ATII cells. In vitro, PDE6D protein depletion was provoked by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in A549 AECs. PDE6D siRNA-mediated knockdown and an ectopic expression of PDE6D modified the proliferation rate of A549 AECs. These effects were mediated by increased intracellular cGMP levels and decreased ERK phosphorylation.

Conclusions/Significance

Collectively, we report previously unrecognized PDE6 expression in human lungs, significant alterations of the PDE6D and PDE6G/H subunits in IPF lungs and characterize the functional role of PDE6D in AEC proliferation.
Assessment of genetic variation for the LINE-1 retrotransposon from next generation sequence data
Authors: Rouchka Eric , Montoya-Durango Diego E , Stribinskis Vilius , Ramos Kenneth , Kalbfleisch Ted
Published: October 2010

Background

In humans, copies of the Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1 (LINE-1) retrotransposon comprise 21% of the reference genome, and have been shown to modulate expression and produce novel splice isoforms of transcripts from genes that span or neighbor the LINE-1 insertion site.

Results

In this work, newly released pilot data from the 1000 Genomes Project is analyzed to detect previously unreported full length insertions of the retrotransposon LINE-1. By direct analysis of the sequence data, we have identified 22 previously unreported LINE-1 insertion sites within the sequence data reported for a mother/father/daughter trio.

Conclusions

It is demonstrated here that next generation sequencing data, as well as emerging high quality datasets from individual genome projects allow us to assess the amount of heterogeneity with respect to the LINE-1 retrotransposon amongst humans, and provide us with a wealth of testable hypotheses as to the impact that this diversity may have on the health of individuals and populations.
Consistent levels of A-to-I RNA editing across individuals in coding sequences and non-conserved Alu repeats
Authors: Greenberger Shoshana , Levanon Erez Y , Paz-Yaacov Nurit , Barzilai Aviv , Safran Michal , Osenberg Sivan , Amariglio Ninette , Rechavi Gideon , Eisenberg Eli
Published: October 2010

Background

Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA-editing is an essential post-transcriptional mechanism that occurs in numerous sites in the human transcriptome, mainly within Alu repeats. It has been shown to have consistent levels of editing across individuals in a few targets in the human brain and altered in several human pathologies. However, the variability across human individuals of editing levels in other tissues has not been studied so far.

Results

Here, we analyzed 32 skin samples, looking at A-to-I editing level in three genes within coding sequences and in the Alu repeats of six different genes. We observed highly consistent editing levels across different individuals as well as across tissues, not only in coding targets but, surprisingly, also in the non evolutionary conserved Alu repeats.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that A-to-I RNA-editing of Alu elements is a tightly regulated process and, as such, might have been recruited in the course of primate evolution for post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
A bacteria-specific 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin is essential in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Elsen Sylvie , Efthymiou Georgios , Peteinatos Panagiotis , Diallinas George , Kyritsis Panayotis , Moulis Jean-Marc
Published: October 2010

Background

Ferredoxins are small iron-sulfur proteins belonging to all domains of life. A sub-group binds two [4Fe-4S] clusters with unequal and extremely low values of the reduction potentials. These unusual properties are associated with two specific fragments of sequence. The functional importance of the very low potential ferredoxins is unknown.

Results

A bioinformatic screening of the sequence features defining very low potential 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxins has revealed the almost exclusive presence of the corresponding fdx gene in the Proteobacteria phylum, without occurrence in Archaea and Eukaryota. The transcript was found to be monocistronic in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and not part of an operon in most bacteria. Only fdx genes of bacteria which anaerobically degrade aromatic compounds belong to operons. As this pathway is not present in all bacteria having very low potential 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxins, these proteins cannot exclusively be reductants of benzoyl CoA reductases. Expression of the ferredoxin gene did not change in response to varying growth conditions, including upon macrophage infection or aerobic growth with 4-hydroxy benzoate as carbon source. However, it increased along the growth curve in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in Escherichia coli. The sequence immediately 5' upstream of the coding sequence contributed to the promotor activity. Deleting the fdx gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa abolished growth, unless a plasmid copy of the gene was provided to the deleted strain.

Conclusions

The gene of the very low potential 2[4Fe-4S] ferredoxin displays characteristics of a housekeeping gene, and it belongs to the minority of genes that are essential in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These data identify a new potential antimicrobial target in this and other pathogenic Proteobacteria.
Whole genome wide expression profiles of Vitis amurensisgrape responding to downy mildew by using Solexa sequencing technology
Authors: Wu Jiao , Zhang Yali , Zhang Huiqin , Huang Hong , Folta Kevin M , Lu Jiang
Published: October 2010

Background

Downy mildew (DM), caused by pathogenPlasmopara viticola(PV) is the single most damaging disease of grapes (VitisL.) worldwide. However, the mechanisms of the disease development in grapes are poorly understood. A method for estimating gene expression levels using Solexa sequencing of Type I restriction-endonuclease-generated cDNA fragments was used for deep sequencing the transcriptomes resulting from PV infected leaves ofVitis amurensisRupr. cv. Zuoshan-1. Our goal is to identify genes that are involved in resistance to grape DM disease.

Results

Approximately 8.5 million (M) 21-nt cDNA tags were sequenced in the cDNA library derived from PV pathogen-infected leaves, and about 7.5 M were sequenced from the cDNA library constructed from the control leaves. When annotated, a total of 15,249 putative genes were identified from the Solexa sequencing tags for the infection (INF) library and 14,549 for the control (CON) library. Comparative analysis between these two cDNA libraries showed about 0.9% of the unique tags increased by at least five-fold, and about 0.6% of the unique tags decreased more than five-fold in infected leaves, while 98.5% of the unique tags showed less than five-fold difference between the two samples. The expression levels of 12 differentially expressed genes were confirmed by Real-time RT-PCR and the trends observed agreed well with the Solexa expression profiles, although the degree of change was lower in amplitude. After pathway enrichment analysis, a set of significantly enriched pathways were identified for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which associated with ribosome structure, photosynthesis, amino acid and sugar metabolism.

Conclusions

This study presented a series of candidate genes and pathways that may contribute to DM resistance in grapes, and illustrated that the Solexa-based tag-sequencing approach was a powerful tool for gene expression comparison between control and treated samples.
Can near real-time monitoring of emergency department diagnoses facilitate early response to sporadic meningococcal infection? - prospective and retrospective evaluations
Authors: O'Toole Libby , Muscatello David J , Zheng Wei , Churches Tim
Published: October 2010

Background

Meningococcal infection causes severe, rapidly progressing illness and reporting of cases is mandatory in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The NSW Department of Health operates near real-time Emergency Department (ED) surveillance that includes capture and statistical analysis of clinical preliminary diagnoses. The system can provide alerts in response to specific diagnoses entered in the ED computer system. This study assessed whether once daily reporting of clinical diagnoses of meningococcal infection using the ED surveillance system provides an opportunity for timelier public health response for this disease.

Methods

The study involved a prospective and retrospective component. First, reporting of ED diagnoses of meningococcal infection from the ED surveillance system prospectively operated in parallel with conventional surveillance which requires direct telephone reporting of this scheduled medical condition to local public health authorities by hospitals and laboratories when a meningococcal infection diagnosis is made. Follow-up of the ED diagnoses determined whether meningococcal infection was confirmed, and the time difference between ED surveillance report and notification by conventional means. Second, cases of meningococcal infection reported by conventional surveillance during 2004 were retrospectively matched to ED visits to determine the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of ED surveillance.

Results

During the prospective evaluation, 31 patients were diagnosed with meningococcal infection in participating EDs. Of these, 12 had confirmed meningococcal disease, resulting in a PPV of 38.7%. All confirmed cases were notified earlier to public health authorities by conventional reporting.

Of 149 cases of notified meningococcal disease identified retrospectively, 130 were linked to an ED visit. The sensitivity and PPV of the ED diagnosis for meningococcal infection was 36.2% and 36.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on prospective evaluation, it is reassuring that existing mechanisms for reporting meningococcal infection perform well and are timely. The retrospective evaluation found low sensitivity and PPV of ED diagnoses for meningococcal disease. Even if more rapid forwarding of ED meningococcal diagnoses to public health authorities were possible, the low sensitivity and PPV do not justify this. In this study, use of an ED surveillance system to augment conventional surveillance of this scheduled medical condition did not demonstrate a benefit.
Resveratrol represses YKL-40 expression in human glioma U87 cells
Authors: Zhang Wei , Murao Koji , Zhang Xiang , Matsumoto Kensuke , Diah Suwarni , Okada Masaki , Miyake Keisuke , Kawai Nobuyuki , Fei Zhou , Tamiya Takashi
Published: October 2010

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant intracranial tumour that develops in both adults and children. Microarray gene analyses have confirmed that the human YKL-40 gene is one of the most over-expressed genes in these tumours but not in normal brain tissue. Clinical studies have shown that serum YKL-40 levels are positively correlated with tumour burden in addition to being an independent prognostic factor of a short relapse-free interval as well as short overall survival in patients with various cancers. Our previous study revealed that YKL-40 was closely correlated with the pathological grades of human primary astrocytomas and played a crucial role in glioma cell proliferation. Hence, YKL-40 could be an attractive target in the design of anti-cancer therapies.

Methods

Cell viability and invasion assays were performed to detect the cell proliferation and invasive ability of U87 cells induced by resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxystilbene; Res) or YKL-40 small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In addition, the luciferase assay, real-time RT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA were used to measure YKL-40 promoter activity, mRNA, and protein expression, respectively. The expressions of phosphor-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 were determined by western blotting.

Results

Res inhibited U87 cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and repressed YKL-40 in U87 cells by decreasing the activity of its promoter and reducing mRNA transcription and protein expression in vitro. YKL-40 siRNA treatment also impaired the invasiveness of U87 cells. When U87 cells were cultured with 20 μM PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) alone, with 20 μM PD98059 and 100 μM Res, or with 100 μM Res alone for 48 h, YKL-40 protein expression decreased most significantly in the Res-treated group. PD98059 partially reversed the decrease of YKL-40 protein expression induced by Res. Furthermore, phosphor-ERK1/2 expression was reduced by Res treatment in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

We demonstrated for the first time that Res represses YKL-40 expression in vitro; in addition, the ERK1/2 pathway is involved in this repression. This finding could extend the prospective use of Res in glioma research and enlarge the armamentarium for treating gliomas.
Stages of chronicity in fibromyalgia and pain catastrophising: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rodero Baltasar , Casanueva Benigno , García-Campayo Javier , Roca Miquel , Magallón Rosa , López del Hoyo Yolanda
Published: October 2010

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent and disabling disorder characterised by widespread pain and other symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue and depression. Catastrophisation is considered to be a key clinical symptom in FM; however, few studies have investigated how contextual factors, such as catastrophisation, might contribute to the duration of the pain. The present research examined the relationship among pain, catastrophic thinking and FM impact, as a function of stage of chronicity.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the sample of 328 patients diagnosed with FM was divided into 3 groups based on level of chronicity: Group A (6 months to 2 years, N = 46); Group B (2-4 years, N = 59); and Group C (more than 4 years, N = 223). The three subscales of the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), rumination, magnification, and helplessness, were used as predictors of dysfunction. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were also administered. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed on the entire sample and, subsequently, for each group to determine the effect of the continuous process variables (castastrophising and pain) on the stages of chronicity.

Results

Total score and PCS subscales were strongly associated with pain and impact in all the stages of chronicity in FM patients (r = 0.27-0.73, p < 0.05). For Group A, a regression analysis revealed that rumination predicted FM impact beyond the variance accounted for by age and pain. Both magnification and helplessness predicted impact in Group B, and helplessness was a significant predictor of impact in Group C.

Conclusion

These findings provide preliminary evidence that stage of chronicity is an important moderator of psychological vulnerability for FM impact and should be taken into account by tailoring psychological interventions.
A miniaturized sandwich immunoassay platform for the detection of protein-protein interactions
Authors: Liu Qiongming , Chen Qing , Wang Jian , Zhang Ying , Zhou Ying , Lin Cong , He Wei , He Fuchu , Xu Danke
Published: October 2010

Background

Analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is a valuable approach for the characterization of huge networks of protein complexes or proteins of unknown function. Co-immunoprecipitation (coIP) using affinity resins coupled to protein A/G is the most widely used method for PPI detection. However, this traditional large scale resin-based coIP is too laborious and time consuming. To overcome this problem, we developed a miniaturized sandwich immunoassay platform (MSIP) by combining antibody array technology and coIP methods.

Results

Based on anti-FLAG antibody spotted aldehyde slides, MSIP enables simple, rapid and large scale detection of PPIs by fluorescent labeling anti-myc antibody. By analyzing well-known interacting and non-interacting protein pairs, MSIP was demonstrated to be highly accurate and reproducible. Compared to traditional resin-based coIP, MSIP results in higher sensitivity and enhanced throughput, with the additional benefit of digital read-outs. In addition, MSIP was shown to be a highly useful validation platform to confirm PPI candidates that have been identified from yeast two hybrid systems.

Conclusions

In conclusion, MSIP is proved to be a simple, cost-saving and highly efficient technique for the comprehensive study of PPIs.
Determination of the differentiation capacities of murines' primary mononucleated cells and MC3T3-E1 cells
Authors: Yazid Muhammad Dain , Ariffin Shahrul Hisham Zainal , Senafi Sahidan , Razak Mohamad Abdul , Wahab Rohaya Megat Abdul
Published: October 2010

Background

The main morphological features of primitive cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are that these cells consists only one nucleus. The main purpose of this study was to determine the differentiation capacities of stem and progenitor cells. This study was performed using mononucleated cells originated from murine peripheral blood and MC3T3-E1 cells. Three approaches were used to determine their differentiation capacities: 1) Biochemical assays, 2) Gene expression analysis, and 3) Morphological observations.

Results

We found that both cells were able to differentiate into mature osteoblasts, as assayed by ALP activity. RT-PCR analysis showed the activation of the Opn gene after osteoblast differentiation. Morphological observations of both cells revealed the formation of black or dark-brown nodules after von Kossa staining. Nevertheless, only mononucleated cells showed the significant increase in TRAP activity characteristic of mature osteoclasts. The osteoclast-specific CatK gene was only upregulated in mononucleated cells. Morphological observations indicated the existence of multinucleated osteoclasts. Sca-1 was activated only in undifferentiated mononucleated cells, indicating that the cells were hematopoietic stem cells. In both cell lines, the housekeeping Gapdh gene was activated before and after differentiation.

Conclusion

The isolated mononucleated cells were able to differentiate into both osteoblasts and osteoclasts; indicating that they are stem cells. On the other hand, MC3T3-E1 cells can only differentiate into osteoblasts; a characteristic of progenitor cells.
Fine specificity of anti-MSP119 antibodies and multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 types in individuals in Nigeria with sub-microscopic infection
Authors: Ngoundou-Landji Josiane , Nwuba Roseangela I , Anumudu Chiaka I , Odaibo Alexander B , Matondo Maya Wenceslas D , Awobode Henrietta O , Okafor Christian M , Morenikeji Olajumoke A , Asinobi Adanze , Nwagwu Mark , Holder Anthony A , Ntoumi Francine
Published: October 2010

Background

The absence of antibodies specific for the 19 kDa C-terminal domain of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119) has been associated with high-density malaria parasitaemia in African populations. The hypothesis that a high prevalence and/or level of anti-MSP119 antibodies that may inhibit erythrocyte invasion would be present in apparently healthy individuals who harbour a sub-microscopic malaria infection was tested in this study.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from residents in a region in Nigeria hyperendemic for malaria, who had no detectable parasitaemia by microscopy. Using a competition-based enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay with two invasion-inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 12.10 and 12.8, the levels and prevalence of specific antibodies were measured. The minimum multiplicity of infection was determined using PCR. The prevalence of anaemia was also measured.

Results

Plasma samples from 85% of individuals contained antibodies that bound to MSP119. The inhibition of mAb 12.10 binding was strongly correlated with the prevalence (Spearman correlation test, p < 0.0001) and mean titre of anti-MSP119 antibodies (Spearman correlation test, p < 0.001) in the samples. Comparing samples from individuals with multiple infection (group M) and single infection (Group S), group M contained a higher (p = 0.04) prevalence of anti-MSP119 antibodies that competed with mAb 12.10. Using a logistic regression model, it was found that the presence of antibodies competitive with mAb 12.10 was affected negatively by anaemia (p = 0.0016) and positively by the carriage of multiple parasite genotypes (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

In the search for correlates of protection against malaria, which will be essential to evaluate clinical trials of malaria vaccines based on MSP1, this study examines some potential assays and the factors that need to taken into account during their evaluation, using samples from individuals naturally exposed to malaria infection.
Decoding hand movement velocity from electroencephalogram signals during a drawing task
Authors: Lv Jun , Li Yuanqing , Gu Zhenghui
Published: October 2010

Background

Decoding neural activities associated with limb movements is the key of motor prosthesis control. So far, most of these studies have been based on invasive approaches. Nevertheless, a few researchers have decoded kinematic parameters of single hand in non-invasive ways such as magnetoencephalogram (MEG) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Regarding these EEG studies, center-out reaching tasks have been employed. Yet whether hand velocity can be decoded using EEG recorded during a self-routed drawing task is unclear.

Methods

Here we collected whole-scalp EEG data of five subjects during a sequential 4-directional drawing task, and employed spatial filtering algorithms to extract the amplitude and power features of EEG in multiple frequency bands. From these features, we reconstructed hand movement velocity by Kalman filtering and a smoothing algorithm.

Results

The average Pearson correlation coefficients between the measured and the decoded velocities are 0.37 for the horizontal dimension and 0.24 for the vertical dimension. The channels on motor, posterior parietal and occipital areas are most involved for the decoding of hand velocity. By comparing the decoding performance of the features from different frequency bands, we found that not only slow potentials in 0.1-4 Hz band but also oscillatory rhythms in 24-28 Hz band may carry the information of hand velocity.

Conclusions

These results provide another support to neural control of motor prosthesis based on EEG signals and proper decoding methods.