bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying a General Analytic Method for Assessing Bias Sensitivity to Bias-Adjusted Threat and Equitable Threat Scores
Authors: Brill Keith F. , Mesinger Fedor
Published: June 2009

Bias-adjusted threat and equitable threat scores were designed to account for the effects of placement errors in assessing the performance of under- or overbiased forecasts. These bias-adjusted performance measures exhibit bias sensitivity. The critical performance ratio (CPR) is the minimum fraction of added forecasts that are correct for a performance measure to indicate improvement if bias is increased. In the opposite case, the CPR is the maximum fraction of removed forecasts that are correct for a performance measure to indicate improvement if bias is decreased. The CPR is derived here for the bias-adjusted threat and equitable threat scores to quantify bias sensitivity relative to several other measures of performance including conventional threat and equitable threat scores. The CPR for a bias-adjusted equitable threat score may indicate the likelihood of preserving or increasing the conventional equitable threat score if forecasts are bias corrected based on past performance.
Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity
Authors: Mintz Laurie B. , Bieschke Kathleen J.
Published: June 2009

This article provides a brief overview of this Major Contribution. In addition to previewing the articles contained in this Major Contribution, two principles guiding the use of the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity (henceforth referred to as the “Values Statement”) are discussed. In addition, the authors present a concise summary of the development of the Values Statement, including a description of how feedback received influenced the final product. The authors conclude by articulating their hope that this Major Contribution will move the field forward in terms of more directly discussing, and perhaps even resolving, the long-standing dilemma of resolving value clashes.
The Need for a Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity
Authors: Mintz Laurie B. , Jackson Aaron P. , Neville Helen A. , Illfelder-Kaye Joyce , Winterowd Carrie L. , Loewy Michael I.
Published: June 2009

The authors articulate the need for a Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity (henceforth “Values Statement”). They discuss the historic unwillingness of the field to address values in a sophisticated or complex way and highlight the increasingly common training scenario in which trainees state that certain professional requirements are in conflict with their personal values. The authors explain that the Values Statement grew out of trainers' expressed need for guidance in dealing with these complex and often emotionally charged value clashes in training. They explain how the Values Statement can assist training programs to (a) clearly articulate the profession's diversity-related values, (b) connect individual and professional values to societal value structures that either reinforce or challenge systems of oppression, and (c) help students to develop the philosophical sophistication to reconcile their personal values and the profession's values. Overall, the authors explicate that the Values Statement is needed to assists trainees to comprehend and perform required diversity-related professional behaviors.
The Failure of Electoral Modernization: The Elections of May 1936 in Granada
Authors: Villa García Roberto
Published: June 2009

There are many studies of elections under the Second Spanish Republic, some of them of great merit. Most, however, are narrow accounts lacking in contextualization, and fail to examine the broader history of parliamentary politics in Spain. The present article analyzes Republican democracy in its final phase — the months in which the Popular Front was in power — through an examination of the elections of May 1936, the last to be held in Spain until 1977. The comparison between the general elections of February 1936 and the partial elections of May, as well as the comparison with broader electoral history in Spain, reveals the rapid deterioration of parliamentary and electoral practice on the eve of the Civil War.
The American Century? Migration and the Voluntary Social Contract
Authors: Moses Jonathon W.
Published: June 2009

This piece argues that free migration was a central if implicit part of the liberal social contract and that America’s founders were both aware of this and exploited it to legitimate their new state. The piece begins by describing this uniquely American contribution to liberal political thought. It then juxtaposes this contribution against the nature of our own international order, to show just how foreign the American Century has become. The piece closes with a short depiction of what an American Century would look like today—were it true to this early ideal—and comments on its feasibility.
Probabilistic Analysis of Market-based Algorithms for Initial Robotic Formations
Authors: Viguria Antidio , Howard Ayanna M.
Published: June 2009

In this paper, we present a probabilistic analysis approach for analyzing market-based algorithms applied to the initial formation problem. These algorithms determine an assignment scheme for associating individual robots with goal positions necessary to achieve a desired formation while minimizing an objective function. The main contribution of this paper is a method that calculates the expected value of the objective function, which allows us to estimate and compare theoretically the performance of two task allocation algorithms. This probabilistic analysis is applied in different runtime scenarios. We validate our approach through both simulations and experiments with real robots.
Civilising the Irish
Authors: McVeigh Robbie , Rolston Bill
Published: June 2009

Taking Norbert Elias' work on the concept of civilisation as their cue, the authors explore the long history of the 'civilising process' in Ireland, showing how a dichotomy between the civilised and the barbarians is central to English colonialism there. Examining comparative examples such as the colonisation of North America and Australia, justifications of the violence of the colonisers are surveyed to show their reliance on the idea of civilising a racially inferior people. That inferiority can be demonstrated, in different contexts, by a nomadic lifestyle, a lack of industriousness or a different religion. 'Civilisation', it is argued, is the process of rendering colonial subjects fit for purpose, first by transforming resistance into subjecthood and, finally, recruiting 'natives' as actively co-opted citizens. This process is examined in depth in the Irish context, with particular focus on the early conquest, the seventeenth-century Plantations and the eighteenth-century Famine. The symbolic ritual humiliation that continues to be imposed on nationalists in Northern Ireland — for example, compulsory poppy-wearing — shows that the Irish are still required to prove their 'civilisation'.
British radicals
Authors: Seabrook Jeremy
Published: June 2009

How are the dissenting voices of the past — pilloried and persecuted in their own time — later domesticated and neutered in order to embellish the myth of inevitable progress to today's best of all possible worlds?
Civil Service Reform in Action
Authors: Sims Ronald R.
Published: June 2009

Civil service reform interventions are designed to address institutional weaknesses associated with human resource management (HRM) and processes. This article discusses the case of a federal court order reform of a HRM system. More specifically, the article offers a firsthand look at efforts to reform the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, Alabama, following the imposition of a receivership.
Privatizing Human Resources in the Public Sector
Authors: Battaglio R. Paul , Ledvinka Christine B.
Published: June 2009

The inclination to privatize public services has raised a number of challenges for practitioners and researchers alike. Although proponents of market reform continue to champion the promises of efficiency, a growing body of research would suggest that there is still much we do not know about privatization’s limitations. This article examines the legal challenges public managers may encounter when faced with the “make-or-buy” decision in human resource—related services. The analysis suggests that public managers have the potential both to reduce liability and to reinforce merit and equity by recognizing the need for expertise in constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and contract law and by working to use the outsourcing contract as a mechanism to integrate public values into private sector human resources production.
From Client to Pimp
Authors: Karandikar Sharvari , Próspero Moisés
Published: June 2009

The present study explores intimate partner violence (IPV) among female sex workers from the red-light area based in Mumbai, India. Using a grounded theory approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten sex workers to explore their experiences of IPV in the context of commercial sex work. Narratives were analyzed and themes constructed. A prevalent theme was the complex development of the male role among sex workers, starting as male clients, becoming intimate partners, and ending as their coercive pimps. In addition, themes were compared to the model of coercion in IPV. The model was generally supported, as sex workers reported exploitation from male partners, followed by coercion and ending with intense IPV victimization. This study draws attention to the drawbacks of criminalization of sex work.
Biofuels—Breaking the Myth of ‘Indestructible Energy’?
Authors: Shunmugam V.
Published: June 2009

With the pervasive use of oil-based energy in the global economy, even the slightest movement in the price of crude oil reverberates across all economies and businesses. This paper attempts to gauge the importance of the thrust on renewable energy against the backdrop of the perils of untamed energy (mainly fossil fuel) use. It looks at the strengths and weaknesses of various sources of renewable energy, with an emphasis on biofuels. Given their renewable nature and environmental friendliness, do biofuels have the potential to become the energy of the future or will it remain another form of energy? The paper concludes that socio-political repercussions from the widespread use of biofuels would warrant that the sector be driven by sound policy initiatives.
“In a Country as Affluent as America, People Should be Eating”: Experiences With and Perceptions of Food Insecurity Among Rural and Urban Oregonians
Authors: De Marco Molly , Thorburn Sheryl , Kue Jennifer
Published: June 2009

Many factors are associated with food insecurity in the United States. We conducted interviews with 25 low-income and/or food-insecure Oregonians to explore their experiences with food insecurity, the role of social support, and whether these experiences differed based on rural/urban residence. Ill health and unemployment emerged as food-insecurity contributors. Coping strategies cited included use of nutrition assistance programs, alternate food sources, and drawing on social support. The findings suggest that policy and practice efforts should be directed at increasing the human capital of low-income Oregonians and the benefit levels of essential nutrition assistance programs.
Educator Study Groups
Authors: Herner-Patnode Leah
Published: June 2009

Professional development can take many forms. The most effective development includes individual educators in the formation and planning process. Educator study groups are one form of professional development that allows major stakeholders in the education process the autonomy to develop individual and group goals. This often translates into an improved ability to read research and translate it effectively in the classroom. This article focuses on the organization and planning process needed to create study groups with the focus of improving the inclusion of students with diverse needs in the general education classroom.
Activity theory, imitation and their role in teacher development
Authors: Feryok Anne
Published: June 2009

This article uses activity theory to consider how teacher learning and development occurs. It aims to show that imitation and orienting activity, both of which make use of the analysis of actions into means and goals, can help explain how a group of Malaysian mathematics and science teachers learned to use the language-teaching practice of tasks for English medium content teaching. It focuses on four Malaysian mathematics and science teachers who participated in a teacher-development programme by comparing their peer microteaching lessons on weeks 2/3 and 10 of the programme. The findings show that the teachers learned to use tasks by being able to successfully imitate some task criteria before others, with the crucial criterion of a `gap' being particularly difficult to imitate. This suggests they were orienting to tasks through incomplete images, possibly because of their prior experiences as content teachers. Role reversal helped clarify their images of tasks, enabling faithful transmission to occur. This study concludes by suggesting that imitation and transmission are important to teacher development, and that further research using Galperin's orienting activity is called for.
An inquiry into expressive writing: a classroom-based study
Authors: Bilton Linda , Sivasubramaniam Sivakumar
Published: June 2009

This article makes a plea for using expressive writing in EFL/ESL writing courses. It examines the current unsatisfactory state of EFL/ESL writing and locates its causes in the pragmatic approach of textbook writers and practitioners. Next it reports a longitudinal case study of a university writing class at the upper-intermediate level of English where response writing was introduced over one semester. Results show student progress along a continuum of responsiveness with growing pleasure in the opportunity for self-expression leading to increased mastery of the language and more sophisticated thinking. Based on our findings we strongly recommend that expressive writing be factored into mainstream tertiary EFL/ESL writing courses. The problematic state of EFL/ESL writing today has prompted the present study. An examination of the current malaise will uncover educational and social concerns that are fundamental to institutional teaching and learning. Once these are addressed, a better way of teaching writing can be developed. An example of such a way is offered as a report of some action research undertaken in the English department of a Middle Eastern university.
A Field Survey of the Expected Desirable Thermal Environment for Older People
Authors: Wong L.T. , Fong K.N.K. , Mui K.W. , Wong W.W.Y. , Lee L.W.
Published: June 2009

In order to identify an indoor thermally comfortable environment for older people, this study examined the thermal acceptance of 384 older people of ages from 60 to 97 years under various thermal environmental conditions in 19 centers for older people in Hong Kong. The results were compared to those of the younger residents in Hong Kong. A probable decay of one predicted mean vote (PMV) for every 25.3 years was reported for older people beyond the age of 60 years ( p ≤ 0.05), which indicated that the older age group probably has a different expectation of a thermoneutral environment as compared with younger age groups. It was also noted that the expected PMV for a thermoneutral environment of older females was apparently higher than that for older males in the same age group. The results should be a useful reference for an acceptable thermally comfortable environment in centers for older people up to the age group over 90 years.
`What is the usefulness of your schoolwork?'
Authors: Vansteenkiste Maarten , Soenens Bart , Verstuyf Joke , Lens Willy
Published: June 2009

Various motivational frameworks converge to suggest that highlighting the relevance of a learning activity yields benefits for students' learning and performance. Herein, we review a set of studies grounded in self-determination theory's distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic goals, which show that the beneficial effect of a learning activity's utility value should be nuanced. Specifically, this effect depends on the particular goal that activity is thought to serve, such that intrinsic goal framing enhances learning and performance, whereas extrinsic goal framing does not. Such effects emerge regardless of students' personal goal preferences. Overall, this research suggests that teachers might do well to consider the content of the promoted goal when highlighting the utility value of a learning activity.
Large-scale school reform as viewed from the self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Deci Edward L.
Published: June 2009

Successful school reform requires that administrators, teachers, and students internalize the value of improved teaching and learning and of the policies, structures, procedures, and behaviors implicit in the reform. This is most likely to happen when school personnel and students experience satisfaction of their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness while planning and implementing the reform. When the components of a reform are relatively flexible rather than rigid and when the processes through which the reform is introduced and implemented are autonomy supportive, people will experience greater need satisfaction and will be more likely to internalize and endorse the reform. This article focuses on one approach to comprehensive school reform, namely, First Things First, and examines it in terms of self-determination theory principles.
Pedagogical power
Authors: Pykett Jessica
Published: June 2009

While accounts of the so-called `Totally Pedagogised Society' (Bonal and Rambla) or `Public Pedagogy' (Giroux) have been important to our conceptions of civil society, democracy and education, lessons can be drawn from schooling which complicate this story and undermine any simple division between the state, civil society and non-governmental organizations, in relation to both formal education and the broader narratives of radical or critical pedagogy. This article develops an account of pedagogical power which values the inciting and enabling practices of pedagogy as the art of teaching. It then considers pedagogical forms of power both within formal state schooling in the UK and the pedagogical strategies employed by non-governmental organizations within and outside of the formal educational sphere — arguing that the latter does not automatically promote values of social justice and democracy.
A global conscience collective?
Authors: Arnot Madeleine
Published: June 2009

This article explores the challenges to citizenship associated with globalization, focusing in particular on the growth of interest in human rights, cosmopolitanism and moral outrage in the context of increasing fragmentation, individualization and social inequality. It suggests that there is an interest in developing through global citizenship education a `global conscience collective' that would provide the basis of a new form of moral solidarity. In this context, there would be a major challenge of addressing the severe inequalities faced by women globally as a result of global exploitation, poverty, sexual and reproductive repression and violence. The agenda for schools teaching such a global citizenship education would be controversial in its focus on gender power relations.
Non-equilibrium grain boundary co-segregation of nickel and tin in 2·6 NiCrMoV steel
Authors: Wang M. Q. , Wang K. , Deng Q.
Published: June 2009

The grain boundary segregation isotherms of several elements were recorded by Misra (R. D. K. Misra: Surf. Inter. Anal., 2001, 31, (7), 509–521.) at 853 and 883 K on 2·6NiCrMoV low alloy steel. It is of interest that parallel kinetics of segregation and simultaneous concentration maximum of Ni and Sn at grain boundaries were observed during isothermal process. In the present article, the phenomenon will be analysed, from which the authors conclude that non-equilibrium grain boundary cosegregation of Ni and Sn occurs in 2·6NiCrMoV steel.
Development of rapid heating and cooling (flash processing) process to produce advanced high strength steel microstructures
Authors: Lolla T , Cola G , Narayanan B , Alexandrov B , Babu S S
Published: June 2009

Flash processing of an AISI8620 steel sheet, which involves rapid heating and cooling with an overall process duration of <10 s, produced a steel microstructure with a high tensile strength and good ductility similar to that of advanced high strength steels. Flash processed steel [ultimate tensile strength (UTS): 1694 MPa, elongation: 7·1], showed at least 7 higher UTS and 30 greater elongation than published results on martensitic advanced high strength steel (UTS: 1585 MPa, elongation: 5·1). The underlying microstructure was characterised with optical, scanning electron, transmission electron microscopy as well as hardness mapping. A complex distribution of bainitic and martensite microstructures with carbides was observed. A mechanism for the above microstructure evolution is proposed.
TLR7 stimulation in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells leads to the induction of early IFN-inducible genes in the absence of type I IFN
Authors: Di Domizio Jérémy , Blum Ariane , Gallagher-Gambarelli Maighread , Molens Jean-Paul , Chaperot Laurence , Plumas Joël
Published: June 2009

On recognition of influenza virus (Flu) by TLR7, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce type I IFN in significant amounts. Synthetic TLR7 ligands induce the maturation of pDCs, as evidenced by the expression of costimulatory molecules and the production of proinflammatory cytokines; however, they induce only low-level production of IFN-α. To dissect the TLR7 signaling in pDCs and how these different profiles are induced, we studied the effects of 2 TLR7 ligands (Flu and CL097) on the activation of blood-isolated pDCs and the human GEN2.2 pDC cell line. Type I IFN production by pDCs correlates with differential interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) translocation into the nucleus induced by the 2 TLR7 ligands. Surprisingly, with both activators we nevertheless observed the rapid expression of the IFN-inducible genes mxa, cxcl10, and trail within 4 hours of stimulation. This expression, controlled by STAT1 phosphorylation, was independent of type I IFN. STAT1 activation was found to be strictly dependent on the PI3K-p38MAPK pathway, showing a new signaling pathway leading to rapid expression of IFN-inducible genes after TLR7 triggering. Thus, pDCs, through this unusual TLR7 signaling, have the capacity to promptly respond to viral infection during the early phases of the innate immune response.
Evidence for a mitochondrial localization of the retinoblastoma protein
Authors: Ferecatu Ioana , Le Floch Nathalie , Bergeaud Marie , Rodríguez-Enfedaque Aida , Rincheval Vincent , Oliver Lisa , Vallette François M , Mignotte Bernard , Vayssière Jean-Luc
Published: June 2009

Background

The retinoblastoma protein (Rb) plays a central role in the regulation of cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis. In cancer cells, ablation of Rb function or its pathway is a consequence of genetic inactivation, viral oncoprotein binding or deregulated hyperphosphorylation. Some recent data suggest that Rb relocation could also account for the regulation of its tumor suppressor activity, as is the case for other tumor suppressor proteins, such as p53.

Results

In this reported study, we present evidence that a fraction of the total amount of Rb protein can localize to the mitochondria in proliferative cells taken from both rodent and human cells. This result is also supported by the use of Rb siRNAs, which substantially reduced the amount of mitochondrial Rb, and by acellular assays, in which [35S]-Methionine-labeled Rb proteins bind strongly to mitochondria isolated from rat liver. Moreover, endogenous Rb is found in an internal compartment of the mitochondria, within the inner-membrane. This is consistent with the protection of Rb from alkaline treatment, which destroys any interaction of proteins that are weakly bound to mitochondria.

Conclusion

Although a few data regarding an unspecific cytosolic localization of Rb protein have been reported for some tumor cells, our results are the first evidence of a mitochondrial localization of Rb. The mitochondrial localization of Rb is observed in parallel with its classic nuclear location and paves the way for the study of potential as-yet-unknown roles of Rb at this site.
Analysis of salivary transcripts and antigens of the sand fly Phlebotomus arabicus
Authors: Hostomská Jitka , Volfová Věra , Mu Jianbing , Garfield Mark , Rohoušová Iva , Volf Petr , Valenzuela Jesus G , Jochim Ryan C
Published: June 2009

Background

Sand fly saliva plays an important role in blood feeding andLeishmaniatransmission as it was shown to increase parasite virulence. On the other hand, immunity to salivary components impedes the establishment of infection. Therefore, it is most desirable to gain a deeper insight into the composition of saliva in sand fly species which serve as vectors of various forms of leishmaniases. In the present work, we focused onPhlebotomus (Adlerius) arabicus, which was recently shown to transmitLeishmania tropica, the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Israel.

Results

A cDNA library from salivary glands ofP. arabicusfemales was constructed and transcripts were sequenced and analyzed. The most abundant protein families identified were SP15-like proteins, ParSP25-like proteins, D7-related proteins, yellow-related proteins, PpSP32-like proteins, antigen 5-related proteins, and 34 kDa-like proteins. Sequences coding for apyrases, hyaluronidase and other putative secreted enzymes were also represented, including endonuclease, phospholipase, pyrophosphatase, amylase and trehalase. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of 20 proteins predicted to be secreted in the salivary proteome. Humoral response of mice bitten byP. arabicusto salivary antigens was assessed and many salivary proteins were determined to be antigenic.

Conclusion

This transcriptomic analysis ofP. arabicussalivary glands is the first description of salivary proteins of a sand fly in the subgenusAdlerius. Proteomic analysis ofP. arabicussalivary glands produced the most comprehensive account in a single sand fly species to date. Detailed information and phylogenetic relationships of the salivary proteins are provided, expanding the knowledge base of molecules that are likely important factors of sand fly-host and sand fly-Leishmaniainteractions. Enzymatic and immunological investigations further demonstrate the value of functional transcriptomics in advancing biological and epidemiological research that can impact leishmaniasis.
Breast cancer stem cells: tools and models to rely on
Authors: Charafe-Jauffret Emmanuelle , Ginestier Christophe , Birnbaum Daniel
Published: June 2009

There is increasing evidence for the "cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis", which holds that cancers are driven by a cellular component that has stem cell properties, including self-renewal, tumorigenicity and multi-lineage differentiation capacity. Researchers and oncologists see in this model an explanation as to why cancer may be so difficult to cure, as well as a promising ground for novel therapeutic strategies. Given the specific stem cell features of self-renewal and differentiation, which drive tumorigenesis and contribute to cellular heterogeneity, each marker and assay designed to isolate and characterize CSCs has to be functionally validated. In this review, we survey tools and markers available or promising to identify breast CSCs. We review the main models used to study breast CSCs and how they challenge the CSC hypothesis.
Simulation of the cost-effectiveness of malaria vaccines
Authors: Tediosi Fabrizio , Maire Nicolas , Penny Melissa , Studer Alain , Smith Thomas A
Published: June 2009

Background

A wide range of possible malaria vaccines is being considered and there is a need to identify which vaccines should be prioritized for clinical development. An important element of the information needed for this prioritization is a prediction of the cost-effectiveness of potential vaccines in the transmission settings in which they are likely to be deployed. This analysis needs to consider a range of delivery modalities to ensure that clinical development plans can be aligned with the most appropriate deployment strategies.

Methods

The simulations are based on a previously published individual-based stochastic model for the natural history and epidemiology ofPlasmodium falciparummalaria. Three different vaccine types: pre-erythrocytic vaccines (PEV), blood stage vaccines (BSV), mosquito-stage transmission-blocking vaccines (MSTBV), and combinations of these, are considered each delivered via a range of delivery modalities (Expanded Programme of Immunization – EPI-, EPI with booster, and mass vaccination combined with EPI). The cost-effectiveness ratios presented are calculated for four health outcomes, for assumed vaccine prices of US$ 2 or US$ 10 per dose, projected over a 10-year period.

Results

The simulations suggest that PEV will be more cost-effective in low transmission settings, while BSV at higher transmission settings. Combinations of BSV and PEV are more efficient than PEV, especially in moderate to high transmission settings, while compared to BSV they are more cost-effective in moderate to low transmission settings. Combinations of MSTBV and PEV or PEV and BSV improve the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness compared to PEV and BSV alone only when applied with EPI and mass vaccinations. Adding booster doses to the EPI is unlikely to be a cost-effective alternative to delivering vaccines via the EPI for any vaccine, while mass vaccination improves effectiveness, especially in low transmission settings, and is often a more efficient alternative to the EPI. However, the costs of increasing the coverage of mass vaccination over 50% often exceed the benefits.

Conclusion

The simulations indicate malaria vaccines might be efficient malaria control interventions, and that both transmission setting and vaccine delivery modality are important to their cost-effectiveness. Alternative vaccine delivery modalities to the EPI may be more efficient than the EPI. Mass vaccination is predicted to provide substantial health benefits at low additional costs, although achieving high coverage rates can lead to substantial incremental costs.
Co-activation of hedgehog and AKT pathways promote tumorigenesis in zebrafish
Authors: Ju Bensheng , Spitsbergen Jan , Eden Christopher J , Taylor Michael R , Chen Wenbiao
Published: June 2009

The zebrafish has become an important model for cancer research. Several cancer models have been established by transgenic expression of human or mouse oncogenes in zebrafish. Since it is amenable to efficient transgenesis, zebrafish have immense potential to be used for studying interaction of oncogenes and pathways at the organismal level. Using the Gal4VP16-UAS binary transgenic expression approach, we established stable transgenic lines expressing an EGFP fusion protein of an activated zebrafish Smoothened (Smoa1-EGFP). Expression of the zebrafish Smoa1-EGFP itself did not lead to tumor formation either in founder fish or subsequent generations, however, co-expressing a constitutively active human AKT1 resulted in several tumor types, including spindle cell sarcoma, rhabdomyoma, ocular melanoma, astrocytoma, and myoxma. All tumor types showed GFP expression and increased Patched 1 levels, suggesting involvement of zebrafish Smoa1 in tumorigenesis. Immunofluorescence studies showed that tumors also expressed elevated levels of phosphorylated AKT, indicating activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. These results suggest that co-activation of the hedgehog and AKT pathways promote tumorigenesis, and that the binary transgenic approach is a useful tool for studying interaction of oncogenes and oncogenic pathways in zebrafish.
Klassevirus 1, a previously undescribed member of the family Picornaviridae, is globally widespread
Authors: Holtz Lori R , Finkbeiner Stacy R , Zhao Guoyan , Kirkwood Carl D , Girones Rosina , Pipas James M , Wang David
Published: June 2009

Background

Diarrhea is the third leading infectious cause of death worldwide and is estimated to be responsible for approximately 2 million deaths a year. While many infectious causes of diarrhea have been established, approximately 40% of all diarrhea cases are of unknown etiology. In an effort to identify novel viruses that may be causal agents of diarrhea, we used high throughput mass sequencing to analyze stool samples collected from patients with acute diarrhea.

Results

Sequences with limited similarity to known picornaviruses were detected in a stool sample collected in Australia from a child with acute diarrhea. Using a combination of mass sequencing, RT-PCR, 5' RACE and 3' RACE, a 6383 bp fragment of the viral genome was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this virus was highly divergent from, but most closely related to, members of the genus Kobuvirus. We have tentatively named this novel virus klassevirus 1. We also detected klassevirus 1 by RT-PCR in a diarrhea specimen collected from a patient in St. Louis, United States as well as in untreated sewage collected in Barcelona, Spain.

Conclusion

Klassevirus 1 is a previously undescribed picornavirus that is globally widespread and present on at least three continents. Further investigations to determine whether klassevirus 1 is a human pathogen are needed.
A gene signature for post-infectious chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Gow John W , Hagan Suzanne , Herzyk Pawel , Cannon Celia , Behan Peter O , Chaudhuri Abhijit
Published: June 2009

Background

At present, there are no clinically reliable disease markers for chronic fatigue syndrome. DNA chip microarray technology provides a method for examining the differential expression of mRNA from a large number of genes. Our hypothesis was that a gene expression signature, generated by microarray assays, could help identify genes which are dysregulated in patients with post-infectious CFS and so help identify biomarkers for the condition.

Methods

Human genome-wide Affymetrix GeneChip arrays (39,000 transcripts derived from 33,000 gene sequences) were used to compare the levels of gene expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of male patients with post-infectious chronic fatigue (n = 8) and male healthy control subjects (n = 7).

Results

Patients and healthy subjects differed significantly in the level of expression of 366 genes. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated functional implications in immune modulation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Prototype biomarkers were identified on the basis of differential levels of gene expression and possible biological significance

Conclusion

Differential expression of key genes identified in this study offer an insight into the possible mechanism of chronic fatigue following infection. The representative biomarkers identified in this research appear promising as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Role of human papillomavirus and its detection in potentially malignant and malignant head and neck lesions: updated review
Authors: Chaudhary Ajay Kumar , Singh Mamta , Sundaram Shanthy , Mehrotra Ravi
Published: June 2009

Head and neck malignancies are characterized by a multiphasic and multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Tobacco and alcohol consumption are the most common risk factors for head and neck malignancy. Other factors, including DNA viruses, especially human papilloma virus (HPV), may also play a role in the initiation or development of these lesions. The pathways of HPV transmission in the head and neck mucosal lesions include oral-genital contact, more than one sexual partner and perinatal transmission of HPV to the neonatal child. The increase in prevalence of HPV infection in these lesions may be due to wider acceptance of oral sex among teenagers and adults as this is perceived to be a form of safe sex. The prevalence of HPV in benign lesions as well as malignancies has been assessed by many techniques. Among these, the polymerase chain reaction is the most sensitive method. Review of literature reveals that HPV may be a risk factor for malignancies, but not in all cases. For confirmation of the role of HPV in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, large population studies are necessary in an assortment of clinical settings. Prophylactic vaccination against high-risk HPV types eventually may prevent a significant number of cervical carcinomas. Of the two vaccines currently available, Gardasil® (Merck & Co., Inc.) protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18, while the other vaccine, Cervarix® (GlaxoSmithKline, Rixensart, Belgium) protects against HPV types 16 and 18 only. However, the HPV vaccine has, to the best of our knowledge, not been tried in head and neck carcinoma. The role of HPV in etiopathogenesis, prevalence in benign and malignant lesions of this area and vaccination strategies are briefly reviewed here.
Exercise therapy for the management of osteoarthritis of the hip joint: a systematic review
Authors: McNair Peter J , Simmonds Marion A , Boocock Mark G , Larmer Peter J
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Recent guidelines pertaining to exercise for individuals with osteoarthritis have been released. These guidelines have been based primarily on studies of knee-joint osteoarthritis. The current study was focused on the hip joint, which has different biomechanical features and risk factors for osteoarthritis and has received much less attention in the literature. The purpose was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the exercise programs used in intervention studies focused solely on hip-joint osteoarthritis, to decide whether their exercise regimens met the new guidelines, and to determine the level of support for exercise-therapy interventions in the management of hip-joint osteoarthritis.

Methods

A systematic literature search of 14 electronic databases was undertaken to identify interventions that used exercise therapy as a treatment modality for hip osteoarthritis. The quality of each article was critically appraised and graded according to standardized methodologic approaches. A 'pattern-of-evidence' approach was used to determine the overall level of evidence in support of exercise-therapy interventions for treating hip osteoarthritis.

Results

More than 4,000 articles were identified, of which 338 were considered suitable for abstract review. Of these, only 6 intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Few well-designed studies specifically investigated the use of exercise-therapy management on hip-joint osteoarthritis. Insufficient evidence was found to suggest that exercise therapy can be an effective short-term management approach for reducing pain levels, improving joint function and the quality of life.

Conclusions

Limited information was available on which conclusions regarding the efficacy of exercise could be clearly based. No studies met the level of exercise recommended for individuals with osteoarthritis. High-quality trials are needed, and further consideration should be given to establishing the optimal exercises and exposure levels necessary for achieving long-term gains in the management of osteoarthritis of the hip.
β-catenin controls differentiation of the retinal pigment epithelium in the mouse optic cup by regulating Mitf and Otx2 expression
Authors: Westenskow Peter , Piccolo Stefano , Fuhrmann Sabine
Published: June 2009

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) consists of a monolayer of cuboidal,pigmented cells that is located between the retina and the choroid. The RPE is vital for growth and function of the vertebrate eye and improper development results in congenital defects, such as microphthalmia or anophthalmia, or a change of cell fate into neural retina called transdifferentiation. The transcription factors microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf)and orthodenticle homolog 2 (Otx2) are crucial for RPE development and function; however, very little is known about their regulation. Here, by using a Wnt-responsive reporter, we show that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated in the differentiating mouse RPE. Cre-mediated, RPE-specific disruption of β-catenin after the onset of RPE specification causes severe defects, resulting in microphthalmia with coloboma, disturbed lamination, and mislocalization of adherens junction proteins. Uponβ-catenin deletion, the RPE transforms into a multilayered tissue in which the expression of Mitf and Otx2 is downregulated, while retina-specific gene expression is induced, which results in the transdifferentiation of RPE into retina. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assays indicate that β-catenin binds near to and activates potential TCF/LEF sites in the Mitf and Otx2 enhancers. We conclude that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for differentiation of the RPE by directly regulating the expression of Mitf and Otx2. Our study is the first to show that an extracellular signaling pathway directly regulates the expression of RPE-specific genes such as Mitf and Otx2, and elucidates a new role for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in organ formation and development.
Two distinct types of mouse melanocyte: differential signaling requirement for the maintenance of non-cutaneous and dermal versus epidermal melanocytes
Authors: Aoki Hitomi , Yamada Yasuhiro , Hara Akira , Kunisada Takahiro
Published: June 2009

Unlike the thoroughly investigated melanocyte population in the hair follicle of the epidermis, the growth and differentiation requirements of the melanocytes in the eye, harderian gland and inner ear - the so-called non-cutaneous melanocytes - remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of the factors that regulate melanocyte development on the stem cells or the precursors of these non-cutaneous melanocytes. In general, a reduction in KIT receptor tyrosine kinase signaling leads to disordered melanocyte development. However, melanocytes in the eye,ear and harderian gland were revealed to be less sensitive to KIT signaling than cutaneous melanocytes. Instead, melanocytes in the eye and harderian gland were stimulated more effectively by endothelin 3 (ET3) or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signals than by KIT signaling, and the precursors of these melanocytes expressed the lowest amount of KIT. The growth and differentiation of these non-cutaneous melanocytes were specifically inhibited by antagonists for ET3 and HGF. In transgenic mice induced to express ET3 or HGF in their skin and epithelial tissues from human cytokeratin 14 promoters, the survival and differentiation of non-cutaneous and dermal melanocytes, but not epidermal melanocytes, were enhanced, apparently irrespective of KIT signaling. These results provide a molecular basis for the clear discrimination between non-cutaneous or dermal melanocytes and epidermal melanocytes, a difference that might be important in the pathogenesis of melanocyte-related diseases and melanomas.
The effects of social desirability response bias on STAXI‐2 profiles in a clinical forensic sample
Authors: McEwan Troy E. , Davis Michael R. , MacKenzie Rachel , Mullen Paul E.
Published: June 2009

Objectives. This study investigated the proposition that the ‘State–trait anger expression inventory’ (2nd ed.; STAXI‐2) is susceptible to impression management (IM) and Self‐Deceptive Enhancement (SDE) in clinical forensic populations. It was hypothesized that individuals engaging in IM would report significantly lower levels of trait anger, external expression of anger, and internal expression of anger on the STAXI‐2. Those reporting above average SDE were predicted to claim higher levels of anger control.

Design. A between‐groups design was used, comparing STAXI‐2 scores of individuals who reported high levels of IM and SDE to those who did not.

Method. One‐hundred and fifty‐nine male patients of a community forensic mental health service, referred for assessment of stalking behaviours, completed the STAXI‐2 and Paulhus Deception Scales (PDS). Individuals engaging in high levels of IM and SDE were compared to low scorers in regard to STAXI‐2 scales using Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results. Individuals engaging in IM had significantly lower levels of reported trait anger, outward expression of anger, and inward expression of anger, and higher levels of anger control. Similar results were found with the SDE scale, although the magnitude of the effect was smaller and not apparent on all subscales.

Conclusions. The STAXI‐2 was vulnerable to social desirability response bias in this sample of forensic clients. Where the STAXI‐2 is used as a basis for treatment recommendations and decisions, it should be administered and interpreted in conjunction with a recognized measure of such bias to improve validity.
Social cognitive predictors of peer acceptance at age 5 and the moderating effects of gender
Authors: Braza Francisco , Azurmendi Aitziber , Muñoz José M. , Carreras María R. , Braza Paloma , García Ainhoa , Sorozabal Aizpea , Sánchez‐Martín José R.
Published: June 2009

In this study we examined the effects of social intelligence, empathy, verbal ability and appearance‐reality distinction on the level of peer acceptance, as well as the moderating role of gender. Participants were 98 five‐year‐old children (43 boys and 55 girls; mean age 5 years 3 months for boys and girls). Our results showed a main effect of social intelligence on peer acceptance, as well as several other effects that were moderated by gender: a significant and positive effect of verbal ability on social acceptance was found for boys; appearance‐reality distinction was found to have a positive effect on social acceptance in the case of girls; and although empathy had a significant positive effect on social acceptance for both boys and girls, this effect was more pronounced among boys. Our results suggest that abilities promoting peer acceptance are different for boys and girls.
Children's judgments about their own self‐knowledge: The role of disclosure to other
Authors: Bennett Mark , Mitchell Peter , Murray Pauline
Published: June 2009

Previous research has suggested that children of 5/6 years fail to understand that they are the authority on their own self‐knowledge. That is, when asked questions like, ‘Who knows best when you are feeling tired?’, they tend to cite their mother rather than themselves. Here we report a study that, rather than asking about generalities (‘Who knows best what you are thinking?’), presented 5‐, 7‐ 9‐ and 11‐year‐children with hypothetical vignettes about specific circumstances in which they were described as either disclosing or not disclosing a specified state to their mother. Children were subsequently asked to judge who would best know the state. Over all age groups children were significantly more likely to identify themselves as authorities on their own self‐knowledge when states had not been disclosed to mother than when they had. However, in the case of disclosed states, young children (though not older ones) asserted that, ‘mum knows best’. These findings are interpreted as suggesting not that young children entirely fail to understand first person authority, but instead that they make the relatively sophisticated assumption that mothers' interpretive competence is greater than their own.