bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cradle or crucible
Authors: Atakuman Çiğdem
Published: May 2008

The Turkish History Thesis of the 1930s played an influential role in the construction of the discipline of archaeology in the early years of the Turkish Republic. The Thesis argued that the Turks belonged to a high culture that brought civilization to many parts of the world through episodes of migration from their original homeland in Central Asia. Following the launch of the first series of state-supported excavations in 1933, the arguments of the Thesis took on more specific forms. Two important points were made, mainly through the help of archaeology, as well as linguistics and anthropology. First, the Thesis argued that Anatolia became the real Turkish homeland during migrations from Central Asia, and it hoped archaeology would confirm this by demonstrating Anatolia's identity as Turkish since prehistoric times. Second, as an alternative to the Orientalist discourse that viewed European civilization as having originated in Mesopotamia and Greece, Turkish archaeologists offered a new version of the origins of civilization that highlighted Central Asia and Anatolia. Believed to be the positivistic science of history, archaeology was able to convey powerful messages for framing the exclusiveness of national unity as well as the inclusiveness of the nation-state in the international arena. This article discusses the image of Anatolia and its reciprocal relationship with archaeology in the early years of the Turkish Republic.
Copper mining and the transformation of environmental knowledge in Bronze Age Britain
Authors: Johnston Robert
Published: May 2008

The argument presented in this article is that copper mining during the Bronze Age in north Wales transformed the cultural landscape, specifically people's understandings of underground spaces — the mines themselves and nearby caves. The basis for the argument is a correlation between mining and a hiatus in the depositional history in the region's caves. The interpretation offered for this evidence is that through the creation and appropriation of underground spaces during mining people developed a different knowledge of how caves were formed. This new environmental knowledge denied the caves a status as mediatory or liminal places where rituals associated with other spheres of social life might be undertaken. Such knowledge was constituted by and served to structure the use and perception of the landscape by the communities who worked the mines.
Lost Horizons
Authors: Vale Peter
Published: May 2008

Politics chartered the development of the Humanities in South Africa. Under the apartheid system three separate traditions — English-speaking, Afrikaner and Homeland —co-existed, albeit uneasily, in separate institutional forms. As apartheid crumbled in the 1980s, the Humanities, by drawing the three traditions together, established a growing voice in what would follow its demise. But the Humanities were blind-sided by the rise and power of neo-liberal globalization which now commands the discourse on public policy in the `New' South Africa. The `New' South Africa is different from what was once imagined, and Humanities are on the back foot.
Teaching English for Special Purposes in Iran
Authors: Hayati A. Majid
Published: May 2008

The academic requirement for students majoring in fields other than English to pass English for Special or Specific Purposes (ESP) courses at university level has led to a rapid growth of such classes in Iran. However, despite this growth, not much literature on the practical aspects of these classes is available. The aim of the present article is to throw light on the problems of teaching ESP in Iran, beginning with a discussion of some key notions about the discipline. After evaluating the problems of ESP programs, some practical suggestions for improvement are made.
Digital Storytelling and American Studies
Authors: Oppermann Matthias
Published: May 2008

In recent years, digital storytelling has emerged as an alternative medium of knowledge production for students in American studies. A growing number of faculty are creating assignments which combine methodological markers of American studies and reinvented notions of critical pedagogy in a multimedia learning environment. Based on an analysis of student learning and interviews with student producers of digital stories, this essay investigates the potential of digital storytelling for the development of voice and intellectual depth at the intersection of affective and cognitive dimensions of learning. Evidence from student-produced digital stories suggests that affective developmental processes can enable epistemological expertise instead of opposing it. In the same way, the multimedia authoring process does not obscure traditional forms of expert research and scholarship, but makes expert strategies visible and explicit.
Engaging Gender
Authors: Coventry Michael
Published: May 2008

Enabling students' engagement with gender theory can be a difficult task. One of the best ways to help students learn difficult conceptual material, such as theoretical texts, is to provide them with opportunities to state and restate those ideas in multiple ways and through multiple means. Digital storytelling provides an effective pedagogy that enhances this process of stating and restating, forcing students to express themselves in the `new language' of multimedia. Through a detailed reading of one student's work the essay proposes a taxonomy for novice uses of theory, ranging from summary to development of theoretical symbols. I then argue that digital storytelling uniquely enables students to illustrate and apply difficult conceptual material. In some cases, the visual form can even open up new possibilities for the application and refinement of concepts.
Slowing Down, Talking Back, and Moving Forward
Authors: Leon Sharon M.
Published: May 2008

Humanities teachers in higher education strive to locate and implement pedagogical approaches that allow our students to deepen their inquiry, to make significant intellectual connections, and to carry those questions and insights across the curriculum. Digital storytelling is one of those pedagogical approaches. Digital storytelling can create an intervention in the educational experience of students from a variety of perspectives and at a variety of levels. The process of slowing down to create purposefully in the new medium of the digital story, through timing, imagery, music and narrative, has enabled students to position themselves in the cultural and theoretical conversation. Claiming that space of authority, they are not only better situated to read and respond to others' work, but also to create their own.
the school readiness of children living in a disadvantaged area in Ireland
Authors: Kiernan Gemma , Axford Nick , Little Michael , Murphy Cliona , Greene Sheila , Gormley Michael
Published: May 2008

This study examined the multiple factors that contribute to the school readiness and early school progress of children living in an urban disadvantaged area. Structured interviews were undertaken with parents of children who had recently started school to elicit information about those aspects of children's health, and their home and neighbourhood contexts that may influence their school readiness. Questionnaires were administered to these children's teachers to assess the children's cognitive and socio-emotional school readiness and to identify influences on children's subsequent progress in their first year at school. Findings indicated that while the majority of children were ready for school, over one-third evidenced difficulties in relation to their cognitive abilities and socio-emotional skills. Regression analyses indicated that factors predictive of school readiness included parental living situation, parenting skills and preschool attendance. The factors cited as important in influencing children's subsequent school progress included children's characteristics, their home context, school and neighbourhood environment. Implications for policy and practice, notably preventive intervention programme development are discussed.
the good, the bad and the pacifier
Authors: Whitmarsh Judy
Published: May 2008

In this article, interviews with eight managers and questionnaires from 75 practitioners are analysed to explore their perceptions of the role of pacifiers (or dummies) within the nursery. Managers and practitioners source their knowledge from the media, family/friends, and short professional speech and language courses; however, their perceptions of pacifiers derive from mainly contested research that has filtered into the public domain. This creates tensions between perceived parental rights to offer a child a pacifier, current UK guidelines and participants' own, often ambivalent, views. The article engages with Foucauldian concepts to explore how authoritative knowledge filters into everyday practice and to deconstruct relations of power within the early years setting.
emotion in children's art
Authors: Misailidi Plousia , Bonoti Fotini
Published: May 2008

This study examined developmental changes in children's ability to understand the emotions expressed in other children's drawings. Eighty participants, at each of four age groups — three, four, five and six years — were presented with a series of child drawings, each expressing a different emotion (happiness, sadness, anger or fear). All drawings had been previously rated by adult judges on an emotion-intensity scale as being good exemplars of the emotions examined. Next, participants were shown pictures of child artists each expressing one of the designated emotions on her/his face and were instructed to identify the artist who created each drawing. The results showed that: (i) by age three, children demonstrated an understanding of the emotions expressed in drawings; (ii) happiness, sadness and fear were the emotions most easily recognized by participants. Overall, these results provide support for the assertion that the ability to understand the emotional meaning of drawings is present from the preschool years.
A Community-Organizing Approach to Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults: The Southeast Senior Physical Activity Network
Authors: Cheadle Allen , Egger Ruth , LoGerfo James P. , Walwick Julie , Schwartz Sheryl
Published: May 2008

This article describes a community organizing approach to promoting physical activity among underserved older adults in southeast Seattle: the Southeast Senior Physical Activity Network (SESPAN). The organizing strategy involves networking with a variety of community-based organizations, with two broad objectives: (a) program objective—to make connections between two (or more) community-based organizations to create senior physical activity programs where none existed before; and (b) coalition objective—to build a broader network or coalition of groups and organizations to assist in making larger scale environmental and policy changes. Networking among organizations led to the creation of a number of potentially sustainable walking and exercise programs that are reaching previously underserved communities within Southeast Seattle. In addition, a major community event led to the establishment of a health coalition that has the potential to continue to generate new broad-based programs and larger scale environmental changes.
Health Policy and Exercise: A Brief BRFSS Study and Recommendations
Authors: Larson James S. , Winn Mylon
Published: May 2008

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey is used to compare three predictors of self-rated health, specifically exercise, tobacco smoking, and a diagnosis of diabetes (a proxy for obesity). Exercise is found to be the best predictor, and the remainder of the article discusses the role of exercise in disease prevention and the all-important concept of exercise adherence. Government policy in the future needs to promote exercise adherence in a more rigorous way, because it is a key to both individual and societal health. Exercise habits need to be instilled from youth, and physical education requirements in school need to be re-established at all levels through high school. Adults also need encouragement with better neighborhood planning of exercise trails for walking and biking, as well as planned community activities to encourage fitness through one’s lifetime. The article concludes with six recommendations for formal government action to encourage exercise adherence.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Legislation in Kentucky
Authors: Dekker Rebecca L.
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this article is to discuss the problem of cervical cancer, examine policy solutions, and analyze factors that contributed to the failure of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine requirement legislation in Kentucky. During 2007, a Kentucky representative introduced legislation that would require HPV vaccination for all middle-school girls but allow parents to opt out for any reason. Evidence suggests that an HPV school requirement law would result in more Kentucky children being vaccinated than if there were no requirement law. However, this policy solution faced multiple factors that inhibited its ability to survive. Future proponents of HPV vaccine school requirement legislation can draw implications from Kentucky's experience. By building public support, undergoing a softening up period, and presenting a united, vocal front, proponents may be more likely to pass HPV vaccine legislation in the future.
Personal Influencing Factors Associated With Pap Smear Testing and Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ackerson Kelly , Pohl Joanne , Low Lisa Kane
Published: May 2008

Pap smear is a screening test that detects abnormal cells before they advance to cancer. Unfortunately, not all women obtain routine screening. The method used was a qualitative study exploring personal influences regarding Pap smears. Face-to-face interviews with 7 low-income African American women who do and do not obtain Pap smears (between 21 and 37 years of age) were conducted at a health department about their social influence, previous health care experience, and cognitive appraisal regarding Pap smears and cervical cancer. Women were found to be socially influenced by their family and their physician. Previous health care experience with the Pap and pelvic was perceived as negative. Cognitively, Pap smears were believed to test for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and the women also felt that if one took good care of oneself it reduced the risk for cervical cancer. It was concluded that exploring beliefs associated with Pap smears and perceptions of vulnerability to cervical cancer and giving correct information and counseling may increase Pap smear screening in women.
Understanding Latina and Latino College Choice
Authors: Pérez Patricia A. , McDonough Patricia M.
Published: May 2008

Through interviews and focus groups with 106 high school juniors and seniors, this research examined the college choice process for Latina and Latino students in the greater Los Angeles basin. Using chain migration theory within a social capital framework, the results indicated that as primarily first-generation college students, the students in this sample relied heavily on siblings, peers, relatives, and high school contacts for purposes of postsecondary planning and for creating a college consideration and application set.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Enucleation or Esophagogastrectomy for Benign Tumor of the Esophagus
Authors: Nguyen Ninh T. , Reavis Kevin M. , El-Badawi Khaled , Hinojosa Marcelo W. , Smith Brian R.
Published: May 2008

Experience in surgical resection of benign tumor of the esophagus is limited. Authors performed a chart review of 5 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgical resection of benign esophageal tumor. Main outcome measures included operative approaches, tumor's location and size, and outcomes. Tumor location were middle esophagus (n = 1), distal esophagus (n = 2), and gastroesophageal junction (n = 2). There were 4 females with a mean age of 55 years. Surgical approaches included thoracoscopic enucleation (n = 1), laparoscopic enucleation (n = 1), and laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy (n = 3). There were no open conversions. Mean operative time for enucleation was 127 minutes and 240 minutes for Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Mean hospital stay was 5.8 days. There were no major or minor complications. Three patients developed stomal stenosis. The 30-day mortality was zero. Surgical pathology showed leiomyoma in 3 patients and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 2 patients. Tumor size ranged from 1.1 to 10.5 cm. There has been no tumor recurrence at a mean follow-up of 14 months. Minimally invasive surgical enucleation or esophagogastrectomy for benign esophageal tumor is feasible and safe. The optimal approaches should be tailored based on the location and size of the tumor.
A Simple, Low-Cost Platform for Basic Laparoscopic Skills Training
Authors: Dayan Avner B. , Ziv Amitai , Berkenstadt Haim , Munz Yaron
Published: May 2008

Laparoscopic basic skills' training relies mainly on costly video trainers. The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple, low-cost devise for laparoscopic training. In all, 32 participants with varying levels of skill were recruited. A Simulab LapTrainer (Simulab, Seattle, Washington), using a simple plastic box, a webcam, and a Universal Serial Bus 2 card, was used together with standard operating tools. Participants performed 3 tasks (rope passing, peg transfer, and intracorporeal knot tying), which were video recorded and blindly assessed by 2 experts using error scores, checklists, and time. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests and Cronbach α for inter-rater reliability. A P <.05 was deemed significant. Highly significant differences were noted between groups in all tasks and for all parameters ( P = .001). Inter-rater reliability was 0.88. Simulator ratings were good: 63%, excellent: 28%, and only 9% rated it as average. The Simulab LapTrainer provides a valid alternative for skills training. Its simplicity, portability, and relatively low cost make it an attractive surgical training tool.
Full-range Classroom Leadership: Implications for the Cross-organizational and Cross-cultural Applicability of the Transformational-transactional Paradigm
Authors: Pounder James S.
Published: May 2008

This study examined the applicability of the full-range leadership model to an unusual organizational setting, namely a university classroom. As the study took place in Hong Kong, it also considered the relevance of full-range leadership to an Asian rather than a western context. A classroom leadership instrument was developed and tested in the business school of one of the Hong Kong universities. The Hong Kong findings lent support to the argument that the full-range leadership paradigm is applicable across organizations and cultures. Limitations and scope for further study are discussed.
Learning from Leading Women's Experience: Towards a Sociological Understanding
Authors: Elliott Carole , Stead Valerie
Published: May 2008

Conceptions of leadership draw largely on the leadership experiences of a limited population, and of those in a restricted range of organizational settings. This article begins to address some of these biases by examining the experiences of six leading women in differing sectors. In researching the `how' of leadership there emerges a web of four inter-related factors that connects these leaders to their community and that plays a foundational role in their lives: upbringing, environment, focus and networks and alliances. The ways in which leadership is experienced and constructed by women, the article therefore argues, can be made more sense of through a sociological lens, and raises questions about how tendencies in research sites lead to gendered and individualistic understandings of leadership. In illuminating the need to make the distinction between representations of leadership and our experience of leadership, the article concludes that leadership is not just about leading people, but is often pioneering and can include the leadership of ideas, communities, and the representation of issues.
The Psychoanalytic Relationship between Leaders and Followers
Authors: Cluley Robert
Published: May 2008

In this article I shall argue that contemporary leadership theories and managerial techniques require the separation of individual and social psychologies. We shall establish a Freudian critique of this separation. According to Freud all psychology is primarily social. We shall see that the concept of psychological individuality, represented in Freud's concept of narcissism, is most accurately conceived as a product of the social connections within groups rather than the foundation of leadership. Consequently we shall see how the narcissism of leadership is both a useful mechanism to secure strong group relations and also a precipitating cause in the termination of groups.
Inclusion in primary care for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Jones Martyn C. , McLafferty Ella , Walley Robert , Toland John , Melson Naomi
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to gain service user and social care staff perspectives on the barriers facing people with intellectual disabilities when accessing primary healthcare. A qualitative mixed methods semi-structured approach involved the use of focus groups and individual interviews within the service users' homes. A purposive sampling strategy identified people using primary healthcare in the last 6 months ( N = 6) with support from social care staff ( N = 19). Three emergent themes were common to service users and carer staff: `accessing the surgery', `communication issues' and `waiting around'. Other themes were unique to each group. Social care staff identified the `attitudes and behaviour of primary healthcare staff' as sometimes problematic, and the importance of `knowing the service user'. Service users identified `feelings about going to the doctor', `health education' and `making changes'. Gaining these views is an important first step in improving access to primary healthcare.
An evaluation of Intensive Interaction in community living settings for adults with profound intellectual disabilities
Authors: Samuel Judith , Nind Melanie , Volans Amy , Scriven Issy
Published: May 2008

Intensive Interaction is an approach to enhancing the communication and social abilities of people with profound intellectual disabilities using principles from caregiver—infant interaction. Use of Intensive Interaction by novice practitioners with four women with profound intellectual disabilities living in a supported housing service in England was evaluated. It was hypothesized that staff could learn the principles of Intensive Interaction sufficiently to have a positive impact on the participants' abilities (during five sessions per week over 20 weeks) and that they would experience a better relationship. A quasi-experimental interrupted time-series multiple-baseline design was used with data collected via video observations, assessment schedules and staff questionnaires. Practitioners learned to use mirroring and contingent responding, and participants' abilities to look at faces and become engaged in interaction and joint focus developed. There was less volume of evidence for improved quality of relationship. Embedding practitioner reflection on interactions was a difficult part of the intervention to implement.
Reported goal setting and benefits of person centred planning for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wigham Sarah , Robertson Janet , Emerson Eric , Hatton Chris , Elliott Johan , McIntosh Barbara , Swift Paul , Krinjen-Kemp Emma , Towers Christine , Romeo Renee , Knapp Martin , Sanderson Helen , Routledge Martin , Oakes Peter , Joyce Theresa
Published: May 2008

Recent research suggests that person centred planning (PCP) can have a positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. This article presents data from open-ended comments collected during research on the impact of PCP on the life experiences of 65 people with intellectual disabilities living in England. These comments addressed the goals set prior to and during PCP, and the main benefits of PCP for participants. The results suggest that PCP led to increased goal setting in a range of goal categories. This was reflected in the most common main benefit of PCP of `increased activities and opportunities' reported for 57 percent of participants. For 48 percent of participants, a main benefit of PCP was that they felt better in themselves, in terms of happiness or self-esteem. This must surely be the ultimate aim of those seeking to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.
Hydrogen induced cracking and pitting of brass heat exchanger tube
Authors: El-Amoush Amjad Saleh
Published: May 2008

Tin brass heat exchanger tube specimens were precharged with hydrogen at different cathodic charging conditions. Cathodic hydrogen charging was found to induce severe cracking and blistering on the surface of brass heat exchanger tube without externally applied stress. Microscopic observations revealed that the hydrogen cracks were intergranular (IG) or transgranular (TG) or mixed mode of cracking, i.e. IG and TG, while the blisters were observed to be spherically shaped. The severity of hydrogen induced cracking and blistering increased with the cathodic current density. Free corrosion immersion experiments were conducted on the hydrogen precharged tin brass heat exchanger tube specimens in 0·5M NaCl solution to investigate the role of hydrogen in pitting corrosion. It was found that hydrogen significantly promoted pit initiation and pit growth. Moreover, the pit formation and growth increased with charging time. The corrosion potential measurements revealed that the hydrogen precharged tin brass heat exchanger tube specimens exhibited lower corrosion resistance as compared with the non-precharged specimen. The corrosion potential of hydrogen precharged specimens reached a steady state after a longer immersion time. Furthermore, with increasing precharging time, the immersion time required to reach a steady state potential increased.
Maternal Par4 and platelets contribute to defective placenta formation in mouse embryos lacking thrombomodulin
Authors: Sood Rashmi , Sholl Lynette , Isermann Berend , Zogg Mark , Coughlin Shaun R. , Weiler Hartmut
Published: May 2008

Absence of the blood coagulation inhibitor thrombomodulin (Thbd) from trophoblast cells of the mouse placenta causes a fatal arrest of placental morphogenesis. The pathogenesis of placental failure requires tissue factor, yet is not associated with increased thrombosis and persists in the absence of fibrinogen. Here, we examine the role of alternative targets of coagulation that might contribute to the placental failure and death of Thbd−/− embryos. We demonstrate that genetic deficiency of the protease-activated receptors, Par1 or Par2, in the embryo and trophoblast cells does not prevent the death of Thbd−/− embryos. Similarly, genetic ablation of the complement pathway or of maternal immune cell function does not decrease fetal loss. In contrast, Par4 deficiency of the mother, or the absence of maternal platelets, restores normal development in one-third of Thbd-null embryos. This finding generates new evidence implicating increased procoagulant activity and thrombin generation in the demise of thrombomodulin-null embryos, and suggests that platelets play a more prominent role in placental malfunction associated with the absence of thrombomodulin than fibrin formation. Our findings demonstrate that fetal prothrombotic mutations can cause localized activation of maternal platelets at the feto-maternal interface in a mother with normal hemostatic function.
Neutrophil secretion products pave the way for inflammatory monocytes
Authors: Soehnlein Oliver , Zernecke Alma , Eriksson Einar E. , Rothfuchs Antonio Gigliotti , Pham Christine T. , Herwald Heiko , Bidzhekov Kiril , Rottenberg Martin E. , Weber Christian , Lindbom Lennart
Published: May 2008

The leukocyte response in inflammation is characterized by an initial recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) preceding a second wave of monocytes to the site of injury or infection. In the mouse, 2 populations of monocytes have been identified, Gr1−CCR2−CX3CR1hi resident monocytes and Gr1+CCR2+CX3CR1lo inflammatory monocytes. Here, intravital microscopy of the musculus cremaster and a subcutaneous air pouch model were used to investigate a possible link between PMN extravasation and the subsequent emigration of inflammatory monocytes in response to local stimulation with PAF. In mice that were made neutropenic by injection of a PMN-depleting antibody, the extravasation of inflammatory monocytes, but not resident monocytes, was markedly reduced compared with mice with intact white blood cell count but was restored by local treatment with secretion of activated PMN. Components of the PMN secretion were found to directly activate inflammatory monocytes and further examination revealed PMN-derived LL-37 and heparin-binding protein (HBP/CAP37/azurocidin) as primary mediators of the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes via activation of formyl-peptide receptors. These data show that LL-37 and HBP specifically stimulate mobilization of inflammatory monocytes. This cellular cross-talk functionally results in enhanced cytokine levels and increased bacterial clearance, thus boosting the early immune response.
Comparative study of mesenchymal stem cells from C57BL/10 and mdx mice
Authors: Li Yong , Zhang Cheng , Xiong Fu , Yu Mei-juan , Peng Fu-lin , Shang Yan-chang , Zhao Cui-ping , Xu Yong-feng , Liu Zheng-shan , Zhou Chang , Wu Jin-lang
Published: May 2008

Background

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied and applied extensively because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. Since most human diseases models are murine, mouse MSCs should have been studied in detail. The mdx mouse – a Duchenne muscular dystrophy model – was produced by introducing a point mutation in the dystrophin gene. To understand the role of dystrophin in MSCs, we compared MSCs from mdx and C57BL/10 mice, focusing particularly on the aspects of light and electron microscopic morphology, immunophenotyping, and differentiation potential.

Results

Our study showed that at passage 10, mdx-MSCs exhibited increased heterochromatin, larger vacuoles, and more lysosomes under electron microscopy compared to C57BL/10-MSCs. C57BL/10-MSCs formed a few myotubes, while mdx-MSCs did not at the same passages. By passage 21, mdx-MSCs but not C57BL/10-MSCs had gradually lost their proliferative ability. In addition, a significant difference in the expression of CD34, not Sca-1 and CD11b, was observed between the MSCs from the 2 mice.

Conclusion

Our current study reveals that the MSCs from the 2 mice, namely, C57BL/10 and mdx, exhibit differences in proliferative and myogenic abilities. The results suggest that the changes in mouse MSC behavior may be influenced by lack of dystrophin protein in mdx mouse.
On the role of the MAGUK proteins encoded by Drosophila varicoseduring embryonic and postembryonic development
Authors: Bachmann André , Draga Margarete , Grawe Ferdi , Knust Elisabeth
Published: May 2008

Background

Membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) form a family of scaffolding proteins, which are often associated with cellular junctions, such as the vertebrate tight junction, the Drosophila septate junction or the neuromuscular junction. Their capacity to serve as platforms for organising larger protein assemblies results from the presence of several protein-protein interaction domains. They often appear in different variants suggesting that they also mediate dynamic changes in the composition of the complexes.

Results

Here we show by electron microscopic analysis that Drosophila embryos lacking varicose function fail to develop septate junctions in the tracheae and the epidermis. In the embryo and in imaginal discs varicose expresses two protein isoforms, which belong to the MAGUK family. The two isoforms can be distinguished by the presence or absence of two L27 domains and are differentially affected in different varicose alleles. While the short isoform is essential for viability, the long isoform seems to have a supportive function. Varicose proteins co-localise with Neurexin IV in pleated septate junctions and are necessary, but not sufficient for its recruitment. The two proteins interact in vitro by the PDZ domain of Varicose and the four C-terminal amino acids of Neurexin IV. Postembryonic reduction of varicose function by expressing double-stranded RNA affects pattern formation and morphogenesis of the wing and the development of normal-shaped and -sized eyes.

Conclusion

Expression of two Varicose isoforms in embryonic epithelia and imaginal discs suggests that the composition of Varicose-mediated protein scaffolds at septate junctions is dynamic, which may have important implications for the modulation of their function.
Landforms predict phylogenetic structure on one of the world's most ancient surfaces
Authors: Pepper Mitzy , Doughty Paul , Arculus Richard , Keogh J Scott
Published: May 2008

Background

The iconic Pilbara in northwestern Australia is an ancient geological and biophysical region that is an important zone of biodiversity, endemism and refugia. It also is overlain by some of the oldest erosion surfaces on Earth, but very little is known about the patterns of biotic diversity within the Pilbara or how they relate to the landscape. We combined phylogenetic and spatial-autocorrelation genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA data on populations of the gekkotan lizard Lucasium stenodactylum within the Pilbara with geological, distributional and habitat data to test the hypothesis that ancient surface geology predicts current clade-habitat associations in saxicoline animals.

Results

This is the first detailed phylogenetic examination of a vertebrate organism across the Pilbara region. Our phylogeny provides strong support for a deep and ancient phylogenetic split within L. stenodactylum that distinguishes populations within the Pilbara region from those outside the Pilbara. Within the Pilbara region itself, our phylogeny has identified five major clades whose distribution closely matches different surface geologies of this ancient landscape. Each clade shows strong affinities with particular terrain types and topographic regions, which are directly related to different geological bedrock.

Conclusion

Together our phylogenetic, distributional, geological and habitat data provide a clear example of ecological diversification across an ancient and heterogeneous landscape. Our favoured hypothesis is that ancestors of the Pilbara lineages radiated into the region at the onset of aridity in Australia approximately 5 mya and locally adapted to the various ancient and highly stable terrain types and the micro-habitats derived from them. In terms of specimen recovery and analysis, we are only beginning to reconstruct the biotic history of this ancient landscape. Our results show the geological history and the habitats derived from them will form an important part of this emerging story.
Id1 induces apoptosis through inhibition of RORgammat expression
Authors: Yang Yuanzheng , Wang Hong-Cheng , Sun Xiao-Hong
Published: May 2008

Background

Basic helix-loop-helix E proteins are transcription factors that play crucial roles in T cell development by controlling thymocyte proliferation, differentiation and survival. E protein functions can be repressed by their naturally occurring inhibitors, Id proteins (Id1-4). Transgenic expression of Id1 blocks T cell development and causes massive apoptosis of developing thymocytes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood due to relatively little knowledge of the target genes regulated by E proteins.

Results

We designed a unique strategy to search for genes directly controlled by E proteins and found RORγt to be a top candidate. Using microarray analyses and reverse-transcriptase PCR assays, we showed that Id1 expression diminished RORγt mRNA levels in T cell lines and primary thymocytes while induction of E protein activity restored RORγt expression. E proteins were found to specifically bind to the promoter region of RORγt, suggesting their role in activating transcription of the gene. Functional significance of E protein-controlled RORγt expression was established based on the finding that RORγt rescued apoptosis caused by Id1 overexpression. Furthermore, expression of RORγt prevented Id1-induced p38 MAP kinase hyper-activation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that E protein-dependent RORγt gene expression aids the survival of developing thymocytes, which provides a possible explanation for the massive apoptosis found in Id1 transgenic mice.
Characterisation of the tryptophan synthase alpha subunit in maize
Authors: Kriechbaumer Verena , Weigang Linda , Fießelmann Andreas , Letzel Thomas , Frey Monika , Gierl Alfons , Glawischnig Erich
Published: May 2008

Background

In bacteria, such asSalmonella typhimurium, tryptophan is synthesized from indole-3-glycerole phosphate (IGP) by a tryptophan synthase αββα heterotetramer. Plants have evolved multiple α (TSA) and β (TSB) homologs, which have probably diverged in biological function and their ability of subunit interaction. There is some evidence for a tryptophan synthase (TS) complex in Arabidopsis. On the other hand maize (Zea mays) expresses the TSA-homologs BX1 and IGL that efficiently cleave IGP, independent of interaction with TSB.

Results

In order to clarify, how tryptophan is synthesized in maize, two TSA homologs, hitherto uncharacterizedZmTSA andZmTSAlike, were functionally analyzed.ZmTSA is localized in plastids, the major site of tryptophan biosynthesis in plants. It catalyzes the tryptophan synthase α-reaction (cleavage of IGP), and forms a tryptophan synthase complex withZmTSB1in vitro. The catalytic efficiency of the α-reaction is strongly enhanced upon complex formation. A 160 kD tryptophan synthase complex was partially purified from maize leaves andZmTSA was identified as native α-subunit of this complex by mass spectrometry.ZmTSAlike, for which noin vitroactivity was detected, is localized in the cytosol.ZmTSAlike, BX1, and IGL were not detectable in the native tryptophan synthase complex in leaves.

Conclusion

It was demonstratedin vivoandin vitrothat maize forms a tryptophan synthase complex andZmTSA functions as α-subunit in this complex.
Immunological profile in a family with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with a novel 11 kb deletion in AVPR2 and ARHGAP4 genes
Authors: Fujimoto Masaya , Imai Kohsuke , Hirata Kenji , Kashiwagi Reiichi , Morinishi Yoichi , Kitazawa Katsuhiko , Sasaki Sei , Arinami Tadao , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Noguchi Emiko
Published: May 2008

Background

Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterised by an inability to concentrate urine despite normal or elevated plasma levels of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin. We report a Japanese extended family with NDI caused by an 11.2-kb deletion that includes the entireAVPR2locus and approximately half of theRho GTPase-activating protein 4(ARHGAP4) locus. ARHGAP4 belongs to the RhoGAP family, Rho GTPases are critical regulators of many cellular activities, such as motility and proliferation which enhances intrinsic GTPase activity.

ARHGAP4 is expressed at high levels in hematopoietic cells, and it has been reported that an NDI patient lackingAVPR2and all ofARHGAP4showed immunodeficiency characterised by a marked reduction in the number of circulating CD3+ cells and almost complete absence of CD8+ cells.

Methods

PCR and sequencing were performed to identify the deleted region in the Japanese NDI patients. Immunological profiles of the NDI patients were analysed by flow cytometry. We also investigated the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from NDI patients and healthy controls in microarray technique.

Results

We evaluated subjects (one child and two adults) with 11.2-kb deletion that includes the entireAVPR2locus and approximately half of theARHGAP4. Hematologic tests showed a reduction of CD4+ cells in one adult patient, a reduction in CD8+ cells in the paediatric patient, and a slight reduction in the serum IgG levels in the adult patients, but none of them showed susceptibility to infection. Gene expression profiling of PBMC lackingARHGAP4revealed that expression of RhoGAP family genes was not influenced greatly by the lack ofARHGAP4.

Conclusion

These results suggest that loss ofARHGAP4expression is not compensated for by other family members. ARHGAP4 may play some role in lymphocyte differentiation but partial loss ofARHGAP4does not result in clinical immunodeficiency.
Secular trends in height and weight among children and adolescents of the Seychelles, 1956–2006
Authors: Marques-Vidal Pedro , Madeleine George , Romain Sarah , Gabriel Anne , Bovet Pascal
Published: May 2008

Background

Height of individuals has long been considered as a significant index of nutrition and health of a population; still, there is little information regarding the trends of height and weight among developing or transitional countries. We assessed the secular trends in height and weight in children of the Seychelles, a rapidly developing island state in the Indian Ocean (African region).

Methods

Height and weight were measured in all students of all schools in four selected school grades (kindergarten, 4th, 7th and 10th grades) for the periods 1998–9 (6391 children) and 2005–6 (8582 children). Data for 1956–7 was extracted from a previously published report.

Results

At age 15.5 years, boys/girls were on average 10/13 cm taller and 15/9 kg heavier in 2005–6 than in 1956–7. Height increased in boys/girls by 1.62/0.93 cm/decade between 1956–7 and 1998–9 and by 1.14/1.82 cm/decade between 1998–9 and 2005–6. For weight, the linear increase in boys/girls was 1.38/1.10 kg/decade between 1956–7 and 1998–9 and 2.21/2.50 kg/decade between 1998–9 and 2005–6. Overall, the relative increase in weight between 1956–7 and 2005–6 was 5-fold higher than the relative increase in height.

Conclusion

Height and weight increased markedly over time in children aged <16 years in the Seychelles, consistent with large changes in socio-economic and nutritional indicators in the considered 50-year interval. The markedly steeper increase in weight than height over time is consistent with an epidemic of overweight and obesity.
Public engagement on global health challenges
Authors: Cohen Emma RM , Masum Hassan , Berndtson Kathryn , Saunders Vicki , Hadfield Tom , Panjwani Dilzayn , Persad Deepa L , Minhas Gunjeet S , Daar Abdallah S , Singh Jerome A , Singer Peter A
Published: May 2008

Background

Experience with public engagement activities regarding the risks and benefits of science and technology (S&T) is growing, especially in the industrialized world. However, public engagement in the developing world regarding S&T risks and benefits to explore health issues has not been widely explored.

Methods

This paper gives an overview about public engagement and related concepts, with a particular focus on challenges and benefits in the developing world. We then describe an Internet-based platform, which seeks to both inform and engage youth and the broader public on global water issues and their health impacts. Finally, we outline a possible course for future action to scale up this and similar online public engagement platforms.

Results

The benefits of public engagement include creating an informed citizenry, generating new ideas from the public, increasing the chances of research being adopted, increasing public trust, and answering ethical research questions. Public engagement also fosters global communication, enables shared experiences and methodology, standardizes strategy, and generates global viewpoints. This is especially pertinent to the developing world, as it encourages previously marginalized populations to participate on a global stage. One of the core issues at stake in public engagement is global governance of science and technology. Also, beyond benefiting society at large, public engagement in science offers benefits to the scientific enterprise itself.

Conclusion

Successful public engagement with developing world stakeholders will be a critical part of implementing new services and technologies. Interactive engagement platforms, such as the Internet, have the potential to unite people globally around relevant health issues.
Plasma IP-10, apoptotic and angiogenic factors associated with fatal cerebral malaria in India
Authors: Jain Vidhan , Armah Henry B , Tongren Jon E , Ned Renée M , Wilson Nana O , Crawford Sara , Joel Pradeep K , Singh Mrigendra P , Nagpal Avinash C , Dash AP , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Singh Neeru , Stiles Jonathan K
Published: May 2008

Background

Plasmodium falciparumin a subset of patients can lead to cerebral malaria (CM), a major contributor to malaria-associated mortality. Despite treatment, CM mortality can be as high as 30%, while 10% of survivors of the disease may experience short- and long-term neurological complications. The pathogenesis of CM is mediated by alterations in cytokine and chemokine homeostasis, inflammation as well as vascular injury and repair processes although their roles are not fully understood. The hypothesis for this study is that CM-induced changes in inflammatory, apoptotic and angiogenic factors mediate severity of CM and that their identification will enable development of new prognostic markers and adjunctive therapies for preventing CM mortalities.

Methods

Plasma samples (133) were obtained from healthy controls (HC, 25), mild malaria (MM, 48), cerebral malaria survivors (CMS, 48), and cerebral malaria non-survivors (CMNS, 12) at admission to the hospital in Jabalpur, India. Plasma levels of 30 biomarkers ((IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, Eotaxin, FGF basic protein, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1 (MCAF), MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, TNF-α, Fas-ligand (Fas-L), soluble Fas (sFas), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1) and soluble TNF receptor 2 (sTNFR-2), PDGF bb and VEGF)) were simultaneously measured in an initial subset of ten samples from each group. Only those biomarkers which showed significant differences in the pilot analysis were chosen for testing on all remaining samples. The results were then compared between the four groups to determine their role in CM severity.

Results

IP-10, sTNF-R2 and sFas were independently associated with increased risk of CM associated mortality. CMNS patients had a significantly lower level of the neuroprotective factor VEGF when compared to other groups (P < 0.0045). The ratios of VEGF to IP-10, sTNF-R2, and sFas distinguished CM survivors from non survivors (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The results suggest that plasma levels of IP-10, sTNF-R2 and sFas may be potential biomarkers of CM severity and mortality. VEGF was found to be protective against CM associated mortality and may be considered for adjunctive therapy to improve the treatment outcome in CM patients.