bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep in Ethical Waters
Authors: Mertens Donna M. , Ginsberg Pauline E.
Published: December 2008

Given the commitment expressed by the social work community towards the furtherance of social justice as reflected not only in their ethical codes, but also in their historical legacy and current statements of purpose, the question of how research can contribute to the enhancement of human rights and social change is particularly relevant for the ethical conduct of qualitative social work research. Based on literature from ethics and social work research and the Handbook of Social Research Ethics (Mertens and Ginsberg, forthcoming), the intersection of advocacy and research is examined from a transformative stance, revealing that strict adherence to the codes and/or regulations as defined by governments, professional associations, and ethics boards are fraught with tensions with regard to such issues as informed consent, confidentiality, and beneficence. In order to investigate topics that are controversial (e.g. pedophilia, drug use) and involve participants who may be stigmatized, the researcher's role may need to be reframed as a member of a team, with differential responsibilities assumed by each team member. This article examines potential ethical alternatives in which the researcher can partner with communities for collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
Design Elements for the Development of Cancer Education Print Materials for a Latina/o Audience
Authors: Buki Lydia P. , Salazar Silvia I. , Pitton Viviana O.
Published: December 2008

Health educators can help reduce cancer disparities in Latino populations through the creation of effective print materials. In this effort, the National Cancer Institute conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to identify key design elements of cancer education programs and create a cost-effective process that would ensure consistency in the development of materials. This article introduces the Checklist of Design Elements for the Development of Cancer Education Print Materials for Latina/o Audiences (CEMLA ), which includes a total of 10 design elements related to the process of developing materials and content. Using social learning theory as a theoretical framework, design elements are included that reflect cultural sensitivity at the surface and deep structure levels. This is the most comprehensive effort to date to integrate and synthesize theory and application in the design of materials for this audience.
A Case Study in Teaching Tobacco Policy Advocacy at a Historically Black University
Authors: Jolly David H. , Wigfall Patricia M. , Scott Sheryl A. , Richardson Rosalind C. , Ray Kenneth
Published: December 2008

Policy advocacy is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of the training provided to health educators but relatively few universities offer advocacy training as part of their professional preparation programs for health educators. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) represent a natural setting for creating strong Black leaders in tobacco policy advocacy. This case study focuses on experiential education at an HBCU to develop advocacy skills around tobacco issues among Black college students. The authors describe the structure and content of two tobacco policy courses, their efforts to evaluate these courses, and the lessons they learned planning and conducting them. They believe their experience can prove useful to others developing curricula for teaching policy advocacy skills to health education students.
Confronting the Diabetes Disparity: A Look at Diabetes, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Programs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Authors: Wehrly Rebecca Anne , Mier Nelda , Ory Marcia G. , Prochaska John , Hora Kerrie , Wendel Monica , John Julie St.
Published: December 2008

Diabetes prevalence is higher along U.S.—Mexico border than in nonborder regions, and numerous community-based organizations are addressing this diabetes disparity through prevention and management programs. However, the nature, scope, and effectiveness of these efforts and programs are not well documented. This study aims at identifying key characteristics of diabetes programs in a Texas—Mexico border region with a predominately Hispanic, underserved population. A survey is administered to 84 community-based organizations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV); 25 organizations respond. Nineteen programs related to diabetes and healthy lifestyle behaviors are identified in the LRGV. The majority of the programs are based on guidelines of national and state professional associations and agencies; target low-income and minority populations; are offered at no cost; and include program evaluation activities. Future research should examine the effectiveness, as well as the fidelity of the guidelines, of diabetes programs in the border region.
Using the Internet to Educate Adolescents About Osteoporosis: Application of a Tailored Web-Education System
Authors: Randi Schoenfeld Elinor , Ng Patricia , Henderson Kevin , Wu Suh-Yuh
Published: December 2008

Osteoporosis is a “pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.” This article describes the development and pilot testing of an online system to educate high school students grades 9—12 about osteoporosis; an age where positive health changes could have long lasting effects. The intervention goal was to improve knowledge about osteoporosis and intent to adopt healthy bone practices. Online pre- and postintervention surveys evaluated participants’ pre- and postintervention osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, preventive practices, and postintervention intent to change healthy bone practices. Participants completed the Web-based program that provided detailed information about osteoporosis, and healthy bone practices, immediately after completing the pretest and just prior to completing the posttest. Eighty-nine students completed both the pre/posttests and were included in data analysis. Participants ranged in age from 13 to 17 and 75% were Caucasian (n = 65). Based on pre/posttest scores of 9 factual questions, students significantly improved their knowledge (p < .0001) and overall knowledge rating about osteoporosis at posttest (p < .001). Participants changed their perception regarding the disease’s seriousness (p < .001), and considered adopting osteoporosis prevention practices. The study shows that an interactive educational Web site is an effective method for increasing awareness and understanding of osteoporosis in high school students.
Understanding the Data-Action Cycle of Surveillance: A Qualitative Study of Federal and State Stakeholders
Authors: Lindsay Ana Cristina , Sussner Katarina M. , Greaney Mary L. , Mierzwa Sharon , Rich-Edwards Janet , Wiecha Jean , Peterson Karen
Published: December 2008

This qualitative study aims to understand how personnel in state and federal agencies view surveillance systems and the extent to which systematically collected data inform nutrition and physical activity policies and interventions addressing obesity. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 respondents purposively sampled from state health departments, federal public health agencies, and prevention research centers. All informants acknowledged the importance of surveillance systems and influence of the data-action cycle for monitoring trends and increasing obesity awareness. However, state-level respondents believed surveillance systems should be designed for programmatic purposes, whereas federal participants thought they should be designed for monitoring. Respondents held differing opinions about the flexibility, timeliness, accessibility, and usefulness of existing national surveillance systems, highlighting significant differences in state and federal agencies’ perceptions and utilization of surveillance systems. Such discrepancies call for increased communication surrounding purposes and uses of surveillance data, enabling stronger partnerships between state and federal agencies.
Culturally Specific Dance to Reduce Obesity in African American Women
Authors: Murrock Carolyn J. , Gary Faye A.
Published: December 2008

This article provides evidence of a culturally specific dance intervention to decrease obesity as measured by body fat and body mass index (BMI) in African American women. A community partnership was formed with two African American churches to develop an intervention to address the issue of obesity. The culturally specific dance intervention was delivered two times per week for 8 weeks, choreographed to gospel music selected by the experimental group participants, and taught by an African American woman. Body fat and BMI were assessed at three time points and revealed significant differences between the two groups. Attending a minimum of 7 classes was enough to show an observed dose effect and the intervention was found to be culturally specific by understanding their roles as African American women. This community partnership was an effective way to promote a church-based, culturally specific dance intervention to improve the health of African American women.
Hidden Heroines: Lone Mothers Assessing Community Health Using Photovoice
Authors: Duffy Lynne R.
Published: December 2008

Between 2005 and 2007, a small group of lone mothers in Moncton, New Brunswick, carried out participatory action research within a university—community agency partnership. Applying the method of photovoice, the women took pictures within their community context on topics that they considered important to their health, health promotion, and quality of life. Eight themes that emerged from the process were represented with pictures and captions and presented in numerous public venues and conferences. Themes included finances, stress, support, personal development, violence and abuse, place, and transportation. The visual images and accompanying captions bring to the public arena the voices of those who are often most affected by public policy but have little, if any, input into its creation. Nurses and other health professionals can play a critical role in working toward gender and economic justice, while accompanying marginalized populations in ways that respect their beliefs, perceptions, and experiences.
Lessons Learned and Challenges in Building a Filipino Health Coalition
Authors: Aguilar David E. , Abesamis-Mendoza Noilyn , Ursua Rhodora , Divino Lily Ann M. , Cadag Kara , Gavin Nicholas P.
Published: December 2008

In recent years, community-based coalitions have become an effective channel to addressing various health problems within specific ethnic communities. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) to describe the process involved in building the Kalusugan Coalition (KC), a Filipino American health coalition based in New York City, and (b) to highlight the lessons learned and the challenges from this collaborative venture. The challenges described also offer insights on how the coalition development process can be greatly affected by the partnership with an academic institution on a community-based research project. Because each cultural group has unique issues and concerns, the theoretical framework used by KC offers creative alternatives to address some of the challenges regarding coalition infrastructures, leadership development, unexpected change of coalition dynamics, and cultural nuances.
A Writer's Retreat as a Facilitator for Transformative Learning
Authors: Wittman Peggy , Velde Beth P. , Carawan Lena , Pokorny Marie , Knight Sharon
Published: December 2008

Transformational learning is frequently discussed as a desired outcome for students. The authors are five experienced academicians from different disciplines who experienced transformational learning during a writing retreat. The transformations centered on a changed worldview about academia that occured during a phenomenological study focused on “Who am I as a teacher?” An analysis of field notes taken during this 3-day writing retreat reveal five themes: (a) individual transformations, (b) immersion in a retreat setting, (c) a preexisting trusting relationship, (d) a dialogal process, and (e) reflexivity and photography. Changes in the authors' worldviews of academia related to the gendered aspects of teaching and the increased focus on teaching and research in middle adulthood result in a view of academia as interdependent and socially constructed.
Singing in My Own Voice
Authors: Shockley Kmt G. , Bond Helen , Rollins Joyce
Published: December 2008

This article explores the work of three university professors who are committed to issues of social justice and community building in a professional development master's degree program for practicing teachers. The program incorporates such traditions as arts integration, reflective practice, critical reflection, and teacher research as mechanisms to foster the transformation of teachers' “hidden inner curriculum.” Findings from an evaluation of the program include evidence of transformation by means of unveiling the hidden inner curriculum via identity development, voice experimentation, and perspective taking. Implications and suggestions for pre- and in-service teacher education include community building, individualization, and developing a sense of agency in teachers.
Autoethnography as a Tool for Transformative Learning About White Privilege
Authors: Boyd Drick
Published: December 2008

In this article, the author shares a personal experience using autoethnography as a tool for transformative learning about the impact of whiteness on his actions, words, and attitudes. Autoethnography is an emerging qualitative research method that uses the autobiographical materials of the researcher as the primary data and emphasizes cultural analysis and interpretation of one's behaviors, thoughts, and experiences in relationship to others in society. After reviewing the basic tenets of the autoethnographic method, the author tells a story of a personal experience in an interracial dialogue group and the transformative insights gained through autoethnographic analysis.
Grabbing Hold of a Moving Target
Authors: Snyder Catherine
Published: December 2008

In this literature review, 10 empirical qualitative research articles published since 1999 are analyzed to better understand how researchers use Jack Mezirow's transformative learning theory as a functional tool for measuring the transformative process. The studies investigate higher education and/or professional education settings. This analysis reveals the following themes: lack of robust results on reporting transformation in highly structured transformational contexts, need for longitudinal design, difficulty in capturing and analyzing participant self-reports, and need for multiple data pathways to verify transformation. The author also suggests that the focus of transformative learning research move from assessing whether transformation has occurred and toward analyzing the transformative process for how it can inform curricular decision making and instruction.
Modern Management of the Migraine Headache
Authors: Pesaturo Kimberly A. , Wooding Fae G.
Published: December 2008

Migraine headache is a debilitating disorder that affects millions of people in the United States and worldwide. The diagnosis of migraine can significantly affect quality of life, health care costs, and daily productivity. Hundreds of trials and many guidelines have documented various approaches to migraine management, whether via acute treatment or chronic migraine prophylaxis. Acute or abortive migraine management encompasses specific and nonspecific migraine therapeutics, including nonopioid and opioid analgesics, triptans, and ergotamines. Prophylactic migraine management data span the pharmacological spectrum from antiepileptic and antihypertensive agents to botulinum toxin type A. Special considerations for migraine management also must be applied in various populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The following review serves as an introduction to current therapeutic approaches for acute migraine treatment and provides an overview of available literature for pharmacological prophylaxis.
Children's Nutritional Health: Running on Empty?
Authors: Terre Lisa
Published: December 2008

This review discusses evidence-based perspectives on promoting children's nutritional health. Future directions for inquiry and empirically driven public policy initiatives also are addressed.
Toll-like receptor 4 in lymphatic endothelial cells contributes to LPS-induced lymphangiogenesis by chemotactic recruitment of macrophages
Authors: Kang Shinae , Lee Seung-Pyo , Kim Kyung Eun , Kim Hak-Zoo , Mémet Sylvie , Koh Gou Young
Published: December 2008

The lymphatic vessel is a major conduit for immune cell transport; however, little is known about how lymphatic vessels regulate immune cell trafficking and how lymphatic vessels themselves respond to inflammation. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a central role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced inflammation, but the role of TLR4 in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) is poorly understood. Here, we found that LECs express high amounts of TLR4 in the intracellular region, and that the TLR4 of LECs is the main mediator of nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB) activation by LPS. LPS-TLR4 signaling in LECs resulted in the production of various chemokines for chemotaxis of macrophage. In addition, TLR4 in LECs actively contributed to the recruitment of macrophages to the draining lymphatic vessel. Furthermore, the macrophages that infiltrated into the lymphatic vessel induced lymphangiogenesis by secreting lymphangiogenic growth factors. These phenomena were largely attenuated not only in the mice defective in TLR4 signaling but also in the chimeric mice defective in TLR4 signaling that were recipients for bone marrow transplantation from normal TLR4-signaling mice. In conclusion, TLR4 in LECs plays an essential role in LPS-induced inflammatory lymphangiogenesis by chemotactic recruitment of macrophages.
Identification of a particular HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell subset with a CD27+ CD45RO−/RA+ phenotype and memory characteristics after initiation of HAART during acute primary HIV infection
Authors: Lécuroux Camille , Girault Isabelle , Urrutia Alejandra , Doisne Jean-Marc , Deveau Christiane , Goujard Cécile , Meyer Laurence , Sinet Martine , Venet Alain
Published: December 2008

CD8+ T cells play an important role in controlling viral infections. Defective CD8+ T-cell responses during HIV infection could contribute to viral persistence. Early initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy during acute primary HIV infection helps to preserve HIV-specific immune responses. Here, we describe a particular CD27+ CD45RO−/RA+ HIV-specific CD8+ T cell in participants treated early during the primary infection. These cells, which were present at a very low frequency during primary HIV infection, increased markedly after early treatment, whereas their frequency remained unchanged in untreated participants and in participants treated later. These nonnaive antigen-experienced cells are in a resting state and have characteristics of long-lived memory cells. They also possess direct effector capabilities, such as cytokine production, and are able to proliferate and to acquire cytotoxic functions on reactivation. Our results suggest that these HIV-specific CD27+ CD45RO−/RA+ CD8+ T cells, observed when early viral replication is inhibited, form a pool of resting cells with memory characteristics.
Pathological rate matrices: from primates to pathogens
Authors: Schranz Harold W , Yap Von Bing , Easteal Simon , Knight Rob , Huttley Gavin A
Published: December 2008

Background

Continuous-time Markov models allow flexible, parametrically succinct descriptions of sequence divergence. Non-reversible forms of these models are more biologically realistic but are challenging to develop. The instantaneous rate matrices defined for these models are typically transformed into substitution probability matrices using a matrix exponentiation algorithm that employs eigendecomposition, but this algorithm has characteristic vulnerabilities that lead to significant errors when a rate matrix possesses certain 'pathological' properties. Here we tested whether pathological rate matrices exist in nature, and consider the suitability of different algorithms to their computation.

Results

We used concatenated protein coding gene alignments from microbial genomes, primate genomes and independent intron alignments from primate genomes. The Taylor series expansion and eigendecomposition matrix exponentiation algorithms were compared to the less widely employed, but more robust, Padé with scaling and squaring algorithm for nucleotide, dinucleotide, codon and trinucleotide rate matrices. Pathological dinucleotide and trinucleotide matrices were evident in the microbial data set, affecting the eigendecomposition and Taylor algorithms respectively. Even using a conservative estimate of matrix error (occurrence of an invalid probability), both Taylor and eigendecomposition algorithms exhibited substantial error rates: ~100% of all exonic trinucleotide matrices were pathological to the Taylor algorithm while ~10% of codon positions 1 and 2 dinucleotide matrices and intronic trinucleotide matrices, and ~30% of codon matrices were pathological to eigendecomposition. The majority of Taylor algorithm errors derived from occurrence of multiple unobserved states. A small number of negative probabilities were detected from the Padé algorithm on trinucleotide matrices that were attributable to machine precision. Although the Padé algorithm does not facilitate caching of intermediate results, it was up to 3× faster than eigendecomposition on the same matrices.

Conclusion

Development of robust software for computing non-reversible dinucleotide, codon and higher evolutionary models requires implementation of the Padé with scaling and squaring algorithm.
Methylation-sensitive linking libraries enhance gene-enriched sequencing of complex genomes and map DNA methylation domains
Authors: Nelson William , Luo Meizhong , Ma Jianxin , Estep Matt , Estill James , He Ruifeng , Talag Jayson , Sisneros Nicholas , Kudrna David , Kim HyeRan , Ammiraju Jetty SS , Collura Kristi , Bharti Arvind K , Messing Joachim , Wing Rod A , SanMiguel Phillip , Bennetzen Jeffrey L , Soderlund Carol
Published: December 2008

Background

Many plant genomes are resistant to whole-genome assembly due to an abundance of repetitive sequence, leading to the development of gene-rich sequencing techniques. Two such techniques are hypomethylated partial restriction (HMPR) and methylation spanning linker libraries (MSLL). These libraries differ from other gene-rich datasets in having larger insert sizes, and the MSLL clones are designed to provide reads localized to "epigenetic boundaries" where methylation begins or ends.

Results

A large-scale study in maize generated 40,299 HMPR sequences and 80,723 MSLL sequences, including MSLL clones exceeding 100 kb. The paired end reads of MSLL and HMPR clones were shown to be effective in linking existing gene-rich sequences into scaffolds. In addition, it was shown that the MSLL clones can be used for anchoring these scaffolds to a BAC-based physical map. The MSLL end reads effectively identified epigenetic boundaries, as indicated by their preferential alignment to regions upstream and downstream from annotated genes. The ability to precisely map long stretches of fully methylated DNA sequence is a unique outcome of MSLL analysis, and was also shown to provide evidence for errors in gene identification. MSLL clones were observed to be significantly more repeat-rich in their interiors than in their end reads, confirming the correlation between methylation and retroelement content. Both MSLL and HMPR reads were found to be substantially gene-enriched, with the Sal I MSLL libraries being the most highly enriched (31% align to an EST contig), while the HMPR clones exhibited exceptional depletion of repetitive DNA (to ~11%). These two techniques were compared with other gene-enrichment methods, and shown to be complementary.

Conclusion

MSLL technology provides an unparalleled approach for mapping the epigenetic status of repetitive blocks and for identifying sequences mis-identified as genes. Although the types and natures of epigenetic boundaries are barely understood at this time, MSLL technology flags both approximate boundaries and methylated genes that deserve additional investigation. MSLL and HMPR sequences provide a valuable resource for maize genome annotation, and are a uniquely valuable complement to any plant genome sequencing project. In order to make these results fully accessible to the community, a web display was developed that shows the alignment of MSLL, HMPR, and other gene-rich sequences to the BACs; this display is continually updated with the latest ESTs and BAC sequences.
DDESC: Dragon database for exploration of sodium channels in human
Authors: Sagar Sunil , Kaur Mandeep , Dawe Adam , Seshadri Sundararajan Vijayaraghava , Christoffels Alan , Schaefer Ulf , Radovanovic Aleksandar , Bajic Vladimir B
Published: December 2008

Background

Sodium channels are heteromultimeric, integral membrane proteins that belong to a superfamily of ion channels. The mutations in genes encoding for sodium channel proteins have been linked with several inherited genetic disorders such as febrile epilepsy, Brugada syndrome, ventricular fibrillation, long QT syndrome, or channelopathy associated insensitivity to pain. In spite of these significant effects that sodium channel proteins/genes could have on human health, there is no publicly available resource focused on sodium channels that would support exploration of the sodium channel related information.

Results

We report here Dragon Database for Exploration of Sodium Channels in Human (DDESC), which provides comprehensive information related to sodium channels regarding different entities, such as "genes and proteins", "metabolites and enzymes", "toxins", "chemicals with pharmacological effects", "disease concepts", "human anatomy", "pathways and pathway reactions" and their potential links. DDESC is compiled based on text- and data-mining. It allows users to explore potential associations between different entities related to sodium channels in human, as well as to automatically generate novel hypotheses.

Conclusion

DDESC is first publicly available resource where the information related to sodium channels in human can be explored at different levels. This database is freely accessible for academic and non-profit users via the worldwide web http://apps.sanbi.ac.za/ddesc.
Conservation and implications of eukaryote transcriptional regulatory regions across multiple species
Authors: Wan Lin , Li Dayong , Zhang Donglei , Liu Xue , Fu Wenjiang J , Zhu Lihuang , Deng Minghua , Sun Fengzhu , Qian Minping
Published: December 2008

Background

Increasing evidence shows that whole genomes of eukaryotes are almost entirely transcribed into both protein coding genes and an enormous number of non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Therefore, revealing the underlying regulatory mechanisms of transcripts becomes imperative. However, for a complete understanding of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, we need to identify the regions in which they are found. We will call these transcriptional regulation regions, or TRRs, which can be considered functional regions containing a cluster of regulatory elements that cooperatively recruit transcriptional factors for binding and then regulating the expression of transcripts.

Results

We constructed a hierarchical stochastic language (HSL) model for the identification of core TRRs in yeast based on regulatory cooperation among TRR elements. The HSL model trained based on yeast achieved comparable accuracy in predicting TRRs in other species, e.g., fruit fly, human, and rice, thus demonstrating the conservation of TRRs across species. The HSL model was also used to identify the TRRs of genes, such as p53 or OsALYL1, as well as microRNAs. In addition, the ENCODE regions were examined by HSL, and TRRs were found to pervasively locate in the genomes.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that 1) the HSL model can be used to accurately predict core TRRs of transcripts across species and 2) identified core TRRs by HSL are proper candidates for the further scrutiny of specific regulatory elements and mechanisms. Meanwhile, the regulatory activity taking place in the abundant numbers of ncRNAs might account for the ubiquitous presence of TRRs across the genome. In addition, we also found that the TRRs of protein coding genes and ncRNAs are similar in structure, with the latter being more conserved than the former.
Assessment of genetic and functional diversity of phosphate solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonads isolated from rhizospheric soil
Authors: Naik Popavath Ravindra , Raman Gurusamy , Narayanan Kannan Badri , Sakthivel Natarajan
Published: December 2008

Background

Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for the growth of plants. However, in most soils a large portion of phosphorus becomes insoluble and therefore, unavailable to plants. Knowledge on biodiversity of phosphate-solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonads is essential to understand their ecological role and their utilization in sustainable agriculture.

Results

Of 443 fluorescent pseudomonad strains tested, 80 strains (18%) showed positive for the solubilization of tri-calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) by the formation of visible dissolution halos on Pikovskaya's agar. These phosphate solubilizing strains showed high variability in utilizing various carbon sources. Numerical taxonomy of the phosphate solubilizing strains based on their carbon source utilization profiles resulted into three major phenons at a 0.76 similarity coefficient level. Genotypic analyses of strains by BOX (bacterial repetitive BOX element)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) resulted into three distinct genomic clusters and 26 distinct BOX profiles at a 80% similarity level. On the basis of phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analyses strains were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. mosselii, P. monteilii, P. plecoglossicida, P. putida, P. fulva and P. fluorescens. These phosphate solubilizing strains also showed the production of plant growth promoting enzymes, hormones and exhibited antagonism against phytopathogenic fungi that attack on various crops. Gene specific primers have identified the putative antibiotic producing strains. These putative strains were grown in fermentation media and production of antibiotics was confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Conclusion

Present study revealed a high degree of functional and genetic diversity among the phosphate solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonad bacteria. Due to their innate potential of producing an array of plant growth promoting enzymes, hormones and antifungal metabolites these phosphate solubilizing strains are considered to play a vital role in plant growth promotion, disease suppression and subsequent enhancement of yield.
A clarified position for solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiformein the evolutionary history of tomatoes (solanaceae)
Authors: Ranc Nicolas , Muños Stéphane , Santoni Sylvain , Causse Mathilde
Published: December 2008

Background

The natural phenotypic variability present in the germplasm of cultivated plants can be linked to molecular polymorphisms using association genetics. However it is necessary to consider the genetic structure of the germplasm used to avoid false association. The knowledge of genetic structure of plant populations can help in inferring plant evolutionary history. In this context, we genotyped 360 wild, feral and cultivated accessions with 20 simple sequence repeat markers and investigated the extent and structure of the genetic variation. The study focused on the red fruited tomato clade involved in the domestication of tomato and confirmed the admixture status of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). We used a nested sample strategy to set-up core collection maximizing the genetic diversity with a minimum of individuals.

Results

Molecular diversity was considerably lower in S. lycopersicum i.e. the domesticated form. Model-based analysis showed that the 144 S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme accessions were structured into two groups: one close to the domesticated group and one resulting from the admixture of the S. lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium genomes. SSR genotyping also indicates that domesticated and wild tomatoes have evolved as a species complex with intensive level of hybridization. We compiled genotypic and phenotypic data to identify sub-samples of 8, 24, 32 and 64 cherry tomato accessions that captured most of the genetic and morphological diversity present in the entire S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme collection.

Conclusion

The extent and structure of allelic variation is discussed in relation to historical events like domestication and modern selection. The potential use of the admixed group of S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme for association genetics studies is also discussed. Nested core collections sampled to represent tomato diversity will be useful in diversity studies. Molecular and phenotypic variability of these core collections is defined. These collections are available for the scientific community and can be used as standardized panels for coordinating efforts on identifying novel interesting genes and on examining the domestication process in more detail.
Genetic polymorphisms of RANTES, IL1-A, MCP-1 and TNF-A genes in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Sáenz-López Pablo , Carretero Rafael , Cózar José Manuel , Romero José Maria , Canton Julia , Vilchez José Ramón , Tallada Miguel , Garrido Federico , Ruiz-Cabello Francisco
Published: December 2008

Background

Inflammation has been implicated as an etiological factor in several human cancers, including prostate cancer. Allelic variants of the genes involved in inflammatory pathways are logical candidates as genetic determinants of prostate cancer risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes that lead to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are associated with an increased prostate cancer risk.

Methods

A case-control study design was used to test the association between prostate cancer risk and the polymorphisms TNF-A-308 A/G (rs 1800629), RANTES-403 G/A (rs 2107538), IL1-A-889 C/T (rs 1800587) and MCP-1 2518 G/A (rs 1024611) in 296 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and in 311 healthy controls from the same area.

Results

Diagnosis of prostate cancer was significantly associated with TNF-A GA + AA genotype (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.09–2.64) and RANTES GA + AA genotype (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09–2.38). A alleles in TNF-A and RANTES influenced prostate cancer susceptibility and acted independently of each other in these subjects. No epistatic effect was found for the combination of different polymorphisms studied. Finally, no overall association was found between prostate cancer risk and IL1-A or MCP-1 polymorphisms.

Conclusion

Our results and previously published findings on genes associated with innate immunity support the hypothesis that polymorphisms in proinflammatory genes may be important in prostate cancer development.
Antioxidant intervention of smoking-induced lung tumor in mice by vitamin E and quercetin
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Lu , Chen Zhaoli , Shen Zhi-Qiang , Jin Min , Wang Xin-Wei , Zheng Yufei , Qiu Zhi-Gang , Wang Jing-feng , Li Jun-Wen
Published: December 2008

Background

Epidemiological and in vitro studies suggest that antioxidants such as quercetin and vitamin E (VE) can prevent lung tumor caused by smoking; however, there is limited evidence from animal studies.

Methods

In the present study, Swiss mouse was used to examine the potential of quercetin and VE for prevention lung tumor induced by smoking.

Results

Our results suggest that the incidence of lung tumor and tumor multiplicity were 43.5% and 1.00 ± 0.29 in smoking group; Quercetin has limited effects on lung tumor prevention in this in vivo model, as measured by assays for free radical scavenging, reduction of smoke-induced DNA damage and inhibition of apoptosis. On the other hand, vitamin E drastically decreased the incidence of lung tumor and tumor multiplicity which were 17.0% and 0.32 ± 0.16, respectively (p < 0.05); and demonstrated prominent antioxidant effects, reduction of DNA damage and decreased cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). Combined treatment with quercetin and VE in this animal model did not demonstrate any effect greater than that due to vitamin E alone. In addition, gender differences in the occurrence of smoke induced-lung tumor and antioxidant intervention were also observed.

Conclusion

We conclude that VE might prevent lung tumor induced by smoking in Swiss mice.
“NOT LIKE ANY FORM OF ACTIVITY”
Authors: Davis Clark
Published: December 2008

In his meditation on Emerson's self-reliance, George Kateb argues that Emerson's entrance into antislavery politics, particularly his calls for collective mobilization, constitutes a “deviation from his theory of self-reliance, not its transformation.” Though Emerson often imagines a self-reliance that can lead to action, his descriptions of the fundamental attitude of the self towards the world suggest passivity, attention, and waiting. Because he rules out logical or teleological sources for inspiration, his conception of self-reliance is fundamentally at odds with progressivist narratives of history. His sense of “entranced waiting” flirts with an anarchic potentiality that he must reject in order to call for social solidarity and progressive action against slavery.

In “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” Melville takes the radical outsidedness of self-reliance to its conclusion, transforming Emersonian waiting into Bartleby's catatonic stillness. Emerson's waiting for inspiration becomes the copyist's quiet demand that his employer wait with him rather than use charitable actions to free himself from the burden Bartleby imposes. Bartleby obstructs the lawyer's ideas of improvement as well as his conception of himself as a moral agent in a world of moral possibility.

Simone Weil provides a similar version of a quietist waiting with. To an ungenerous “active searching” she opposes a fundamental generosity, a “waiting or attentive and faithful immobility” through which one is able to recognize “that the sufferer exists.” For Weil, as for Melville, there is no passage from such a recognition to a conception of history as progress. The sufferer is not a problem to be solved within a narrative of social improvement but the source of an unlimited and impossible obligation.
Design and performance of miniaturized solid-state thin-film batteries applicable to electrical fuses at low temperature
Authors: Ji H-J , Kang S H , Cho S B , Lee H J , Kim P H
Published: December 2008

This article describes miniaturized solid-state thin-film batteries (TFB) for electrical fuses as an in-flight power source for ammunition. The battery is composed of a cell module, a thermal switch, and a heat source. The resistance of TFB is increased seriously at low temperature since the ion conductivity of solid electrolyte is dramatically diminished with the decrease of temperature. To overcome the rapid decrease of performance at low temperature, a structure of TFB, which has heat source and thermal switch, is designed by using the simulation model. The fabricated TFB with a diameter of 5.6 mm and a height of 6.0 mm is designed to be activated over 20 000 g's. After the heat source is activated by the setback forces in firing environments, the thermal switch is operated by the heat and then the 11-cell module warmed by heat source starts to discharge. To represent the gunfire environment, the TFB connected with the capacitor of 150μ F is activated by the shock tester. The test results show that the TFB can charge the capacitor from 0 to 2 V within 0.4 s and supply enough energy to operate the electrical fuse within 0.6 s at the range of −30—20°C.
State-of-the-art in integrated vehicle health management
Authors: Benedettini O , Baines T S , Lightfoot H W , Greenough R M
Published: December 2008

Integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) is a collection of data relevant to the present and future performance of a vehicle system and its transformation into information can be used to support operational decisions. This design and operation concept embraces an integration of sensors, communication technologies, and artificial intelligence to provide vehicle-wide abilities to diagnose problems and recommend solutions. This article aims to report the state-of-the-art of IVHM research by presenting a systematic review of the literature. The literature from different sources is collated and analysed, and the major emerging themes are presented. On this basis, the article describes the IVHM concept and its evolution, discusses configurations and existing applications along with main drivers, potential benefits and barriers to adoption, summarizes design guidelines and available methods, and identifies future research challenges.
Numerical study of flow field visualizations over a payload shroud at transonic speeds
Authors: Mehta R C
Published: December 2008

The article presents a flow field visualization study on a typical payload shroud at transonic Mach numbers range. The numerical simulation over the heat shield is carried out by solving axisymmetric, turbulent, compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier—Stokes equations. The closure of these equations is achieved using the Baldwin—Lomax turbulence model. The density contour plots are obtained at Mach number 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, and 1.0. The transonic flow field features over the heat shield are captured and compared with the schlieren pictures, and good matching between them is exhibited. The movement of the terminal shock is found to be a non-linear function of freestream Mach number. The location of the shock on the heat shield is also confirmed with the flight data. The numerical studies have shown that the reliable estimation of the transonic flow field can be made in conjunction with the flow visualization technique.
Oil Export Tanker Problem-Demurrage and the Flaw of Averages
Authors: Al-Harthy Mansoor Hamood
Published: December 2008

Current practice in the oil and gas industry uses average monthly production forecasting estimates to represent daily production in the scheduling of export tankers. This practice ignores the extreme lows and highs of the daily production estimates. This paper introduces a model that can be practically used and applied in the scheduling of export tankers. A stochastic approach to capture uncertainty in production forecasting is suggested, which is more realistic than using average estimates. An export tanker problem is investigated to show the impact of using average estimates. In this example, results show that there is a 45% chance that demurrage, penalty fees, will occur compared to zero chance when average estimates are used. The added value of this paper is that it shows realistic demurrage can be forecasted and anticipated by the use of uncertainty and stochastic approach than on using average estimates.
Uncertainty Estimation through the Life of the Field
Authors: Hultzsch Paul , Lake Larry W. , Gilbert Robert B.
Published: December 2008

Investing in an oil and gas field is capital intensive and usually involves many risks. Nevertheless, the economic evaluations of these types of investment opportunities often ignore risk or are based on subjective risk assessments that are frequently biased. Furthermore, as the life of the field progresses, well and seismic data become available and the risk level of the project changes. In this paper we demonstrate a decision and risk analysis (DRA) method that minimizes the subjectivity in the evaluation and that can be consistently updated as the life of the field progresses. We use a tank production model and Monte Carlo (MC) methods to simulate the possible economic outcomes, and ensuing risk, of a primary oil recovery project as a function of the uncertainties associated with the reservoir properties. During the early stages of the field (i.e. pre-discovery) the uncertainty information comes from an analysis of analog fields. In the post-discovery stage, the initial uncertainties are updated with well and seismic data using Bayes theorem. The method demostrated here gives decision makers a consistent and relatively transparent way to evaluate E&P investment opportunities. It also allows them to track how the uncertainty of a project changes through the life of the field.
Diesel-Like Fuel Obtained by Catalytic Pyrolysis of Waste Engine Oil
Authors: Balat Mustafa
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study is to obtain gasoline like fuel from waste engine oil by catalytic pyrolysis which can be used in internal-combustion engines. Petroleum based waste engine oil can be converted into reusable products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. The aims of waste engine oil processing are upgrading via recycling and re-refining processes of the petroleum based wastes by converting them into reusable products such as gasoline and heavy oil. Possible acceptable processes are distillation, cracking and pyrolysis. The pyrolysis liquid products of waste lubricant oil can be used as alternative engine fuel. The yields of liquid products, they were called as “waste oil gasoline” increase increasing temperature and catalyst amount. To investigate the effects of catalysts on the yields of distillation the purified oil samples were blended as mass basis of 2.5%, 5.0 %, and 10.0 with catalysts known as perlite and wood ash. The highest yield of liquid product was 92.5% which can be obtained from the pyrolysis with 10% perlite. The yields of liquid products from pyrolysis of waste lubricant oil in the presence of perlite are higher than those of wood ash catalytic runs.
The Value of Oil and Gas Price Forecasts in the Presence of Futures
Authors: MacAskie R. , Jablonowski C.
Published: December 2008

This paper develops a decision-analytic model to value commodity price forecasts in the presence of futures markets. The method is applied to a data set on crude oil prices. We find that to be valuable, forecasts must be accurate at predicting both gains and losses, and that there are positive and diminishing marginal returns to forecast value from improvement in key measures of accuracy. We also find that forecast value is specific to user class, and that value is unique to specific users within the class.
Developing a New Approach to Temperature and pH Effects in the Modelling of the Adsorption Isotherms of Benzoic Acid onto Activated Carbon
Authors: Ghorbanian Sohrab Ali , Abolghasemi Hossein , Radpour Saeid Reza , Mousavian Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2008

Two models for predicting the effects of temperature and pH on isotherm curves are presented in this paper. The development of these models was based on mathematical analysis and statistical tests; they are referred to as the temperature effect term (T.E.T.) and pH effect term (pH E.T.), respectively, below. The adsorption isotherms for benzoic acid (BA) onto granular activated carbon (GAC) have been measured at various temperatures (25–60°C) and pH values (2–8). The results obtained have been analyzed using the adsorption models of Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, Toth, and Radke and Prausnitz.

The Radke–Prausnitz (Ra–Pr) isotherm model gave the best fit to the experimental data. The T.E.T. and pH E.T. models predicted the isotherm curves with absolute relative errors of 1.19% and 2.19%, respectively. It was also demonstrated that these models gave successful predictions of isotherm curves at various temperatures and pH values. This was possible using a series of experimental data at specific temperatures and pH values. It was also shown that the models could be applied to the adsorption of any dilute organic acid onto any adsorbent which exhibited isotherm curves of a similar form to those obtained in the BA/GAC system.