bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chemistry and Biology of Winemaking
Authors: Hornsey Ian S
Published: November 2007

Someone once said that 'wine is a mixture of chemistry, biology and psychology'. It has certainly fascinated people over the centuries and without a doubt been enjoyed by many. Indeed, from its serendipitous roots as an attempt to store fruit, wine has been woven into the fabric of society; from its use in religion to today's sophisticated products sampled over a meal. The Chemistry and Biology of Winemaking not only discusses the science of winemaking but also aims to provide the reader with a wider appreciation of the impact of oenology on human society. Beginning with a history of wine the book discusses a wide range of topics, with particular emphasis on the organisms involved. Starting with the role of yeast in fermentation, it goes on to discuss so-called 'killer yeasts', lactic acid bacteria and the role that genetically modified organisms may have in the future. This book is ideal for anyone interested in the process of winemaking and will be of particular use for those with an interest in the chemical and biological sciences.
Freeze-drying of Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Franks Felix , Auffret Tony
Published: November 2007

Freeze-drying, in the past popular in the food industry, has more recently been adopted by the pharmaceutical industry as a standard method for the production of stable solid preparations. Freeze-drying of Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals is the first book to specifically describe this process, as related to the pharmaceutical industry. The emphasis of this book is on the properties of the materials processed, how effective formulations are arrived at, and how they are stored and marketed. Beginning with a historical overview of the process, Freeze-drying of Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals briefly describes the processes and equipment involved, including: the physics, chemistry and biochemistry associated with freezing, aspects of formulation development, primary and secondary drying; the economics and engineering of scaling up; and, most importantly, attributes of the dried product. It also discusses in detail the science behind freeze-drying, such as the properties of crystalline and amorphous solids. The book concludes with selected case studies and discusses the future of freeze-drying, advances in alternative drying methods, and concludes with an extensive bibliography. This book, written by a leading expert in the field, is aimed primarily at product and process developers in the biopharmaceutical industry and academia.
Quantities, units and symbols in physical chemistry
Authors: Renner Terry
Published: November 2007

The first IUPAC Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units (the Green Book) of which this is the direct successor, was published in 1969, with the object of 'securing clarity and precision, and wider agreement in the use of symbols, by chemists in different countries, among physicists, chemists and engineers, and by editors of scientific journals'. Subsequent revisions have taken account of many developments in the field, culminating in the major extension and revision represented by the 1988 edition under the simplified title Quantities, Units and Symbols in Physical Chemistry. This 2007, Third Edition, is a further revision of the material which reflects the experience of the contributors with the previous editions. The book has been systematically brought up to date and new sections have been added. It strives to improve the exchange of scientific information among the readers in different disciplines and across different nations. In a rapidly expanding volume of scientific literature where each discipline has a tendency to retreat into its own jargon this book attempts to provide a readable compilation of widely used terms and symbols from many sources together with brief understandable definitions. This is the definitive guide for scientists and organizations working across a multitude of disciplines requiring internationally approved nomenclature.
Before “Fair Trade”: Empire, Free Trade, and the Moral Economies of Food in the Modern World
Authors: Trentmann Frank
Published: November 2007

The last decade has seen a vibrant debate about the moralities of trade and the possibility of reconnecting consumers and producers in an age of globalisation. Fair trade, in particular, has attracted attention as the source of a new international moral economy. In this paper, I seek to widen the frame of discussion, bringing history, geography, and ethics into closer conversation. Looking beyond a conventional progressive narrative, I retrieve the ambivalent moralities of trade and consumption in the modern period. I highlight the role of empire shopping movements as well as of popular free trade and international distributive justice, putting imperialist consumers as well as liberals back into the picture. I offer a critique of a sequential view of traditional ‘moral economy’ being replaced by a modern demoralised ‘political economy’, which underlies current notions of ‘remoralising’ trade. Modern commerce has generated and been shaped by diverse moralities of consumption. Greater attention to the diverse social and ideological lineages of phenomena like fair trade will be useful to scholars reflecting on caring at a distance today.
Laboratories, Laws, and the Career of a Commodity
Authors: Atkins Peter
Published: November 2007

Unlike most foods, milk is produced fresh at least twice every day, thus recreating, over 700 times a year, a commodity ‘designed’ by the combination of nature, commerce, and law. The paper is a study of the ontogenesis of this commodity in Britain since 1800, stressing the emergence of two new objectivities: dairy science and the law on adulteration. In the words of Christopher Hamlin, what mattered was the “manufacture of certainty, however flimsy that certainty might later be shown to be.” This was achieved by the collection of samples, the generation of facts by the deployment of the laboratory technologies of physics and chemistry, and a semimonopoly over the truth-power of dairy science that was gradually built up by the large commercial companies. A foundation of state-sponsored regulation provided an official legitimation of compositional standards that suited the interests of capital but ignored ‘natural’ variations in quality and often pilloried innocent producers. The public eventually became accustomed to the regulated quality of the milk in its ‘pinta’ and assumed it to be natural. Even the standardization of composition since 1993 has caused very little disquiet among the consuming public, although milk is now a fully constructed commodity like any other dairy product. Mechanical modernity has at last triumphed over a century of ‘milk as it came from the cow’.
Contrasting ecotypic differentiation for growth and survival in Pinus canariensis
Authors: López Rosana , Zehavi Ami , Climent José , Gil Luis
Published: November 2007

We tested genetic and environmental effects and their interaction on the behaviour of 21 provenances of Pinus canariensis Chr. Sm. Ex DC from the Canary Islands and three seed sources from Israel at seven study sites covering a wide range of ecological conditions. Survival and growth traits (height, diameter and polycyclism) and their relationship with environmental parameters were assessed to evaluate their adaptive value and establish patterns of variation of the species inside and outside its natural distribution area. The results showed a high level of ecotypic differentiation for survival. As a general pattern, seed sources from favourable environments exhibited lower survival rates at dry sites than those from harsh environments (r = –0.76, P < 0.05, between survival and site index at the seed source). By contrast, growth traits presented a high phenotypic plasticity, scarce differentiation among seed sources and a negligible genotype × environment interaction. With few exceptions, local provenances from the Canary Islands did not stand out for survival or growth when compared with the rest at each trial site, whereas local seed sources from Israel were among the best growing and survived better at the experimental sites in this country. Therefore, the possibility of a locally adapted land race in Israel is discussed. We also discuss the low geographic differentiation for growth in the Canary Islands pine in the light of the current knowledge of the species’ life history and the potential use of this species in reforestation programs in semi-arid environments.
Contrasting the beliefs of Australian agricultural professionals about the benefits and costs of genetic engineering and organic agriculture
Authors: Wheeler Sarah Ann
Published: November 2007

Most research about genetic engineering and organic agriculture has concentrated on the views of consumers and farmers. Given the important role that scientists, extension officers and academics play in creating innovations, influencing farmer adoption and informing the public, a telephone survey targeting these individuals (n = 185) was conducted in mid 2004. The purpose of this survey was to identify the beliefs of agricultural professionals employed in the Australian public sector towards organic agriculture and genetic engineering. The beliefs of agricultural professionals about the benefits and costs of organic agriculture and genetic engineering are compared and contrasted, providing an important benchmark on their views towards these innovations. More professionals believe in the positive net benefits of genetic engineering than those who believe in the positive net benefits of organic agriculture. They believe that genetic engineering will play a vital role in influencing the sustainability of Australian agriculture in the future, namely by increasing production and improving pest and disease management. However, many professionals voiced concerns about the potential costs of genetic engineering, with many citing risk and uncertainty issues and the lack of long-term testing. At the same time, beliefs towards organic agriculture in Australia by agricultural professionals seem to be changing, with nearly two-fifths of those surveyed saying that their beliefs had become more positive towards organic agriculture in the past 5 years. The main benefit of organic agriculture is seen to be a reduction in chemicals. The main limitations are seen to be economic and production difficulties.
Evaluation of heat stress and leaf rust tolerance between very late planted durum and bread wheat cultivars in central India
Authors: Behera U. K. , Mishra A. N. , Pandey H. N.
Published: November 2007

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the common cropping system in the Vertisols of central India. High temperatures prevailing during the reproductive phase and leaf rust infection of the late-planted wheat crop affect the grain yield adversely. In the soybean–potato–wheat cropping system, which has recently become more popular, wheat is sown very late, so high temperature stress is a major concern. Understanding of the response of very late-sown durum and bread wheat to high temperature stress during grain filling will assist breeders in genotype improvement and development of best agronomic management practices for promotion of very late-sown wheat cultivation in the region. Information is lacking on the response of durum and bread wheat to leaf rust and heat stress under very late-sown situations. Field experiments were conducted for three consecutive spring (January to April) seasons, from 1996 to 1998, with 20 cultivars of durum (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) and bread (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori. and Paol.) wheat of timely and late-sown groups. The study objective was to: (i) identify durum and bread wheat cultivars suitable for very late planting in the newly established soybean–potato–wheat multiple cropping system; (ii) evaluate differential performance of durum and bread wheat under very late-sown conditions; and (iii) characterise plant traits associated with tolerance to heat stress during the grain filling period. Each year, all the cultivars were planted very late in January in lieu of normal sowing in mid-November. Compared with both the timely and late-sown groups of bread wheat cultivars, durum wheat produced an average 6% higher grain yield when sown very late. The 1000-grain weight was the most affected yield attribute under high temperature. Thus, under very late sown conditions, stable and high 1000-grain weight (45–55 g), and high harvest index (41–52%) contributed to the higher yield of durum wheat. Durum cultivar HI 8498 and bread wheat cultivars GW 173, HI 1418 and DL 788-2 of early to medium maturity and with high yields (>4.0 t/ha) and water use efficiency (12.7–14.8 kg/ha.mm) proved promising. Durum cultivars remained free from leaf rust infection, while significant yield reduction was recorded in susceptible bread wheat cultivars, particularly DL 803-3 and GW 190. This was due to severe rust infection during 1997–98, when widespread incidence of leaf rust occurred in the region. Therefore, contrary to the popular belief, late planted durum wheat may be successfully grown in the soybean–potato–wheat cropping system in central India.
Species-specific endogenous retroviruses shape the transcriptional network of the human tumor suppressor protein p53
Authors: Wang Ting , Zeng Jue , Lowe Craig B. , Sellers Robert G. , Salama Sofie R. , Yang Min , Burgess Shawn M. , Brachmann Rainer K. , Haussler David
Published: November 2007

The evolutionary forces that establish and hone target gene networks of transcription factors are largely unknown. Transposition of retroelements may play a role, but its global importance, beyond a few well described examples for isolated genes, is not clear. We report that LTR class I endogenous retrovirus (ERV) retroelements impact considerably the transcriptional network of human tumor suppressor protein p53. A total of 1,509 of ≈319,000 human ERV LTR regions have a near-perfect p53 DNA binding site. The LTR10 and MER61 families are particularly enriched for copies with a p53 site. These ERV families are primate-specific and transposed actively near the time when the New World and Old World monkey lineages split. Other mammalian species lack these p53 response elements. Analysis of published genomewide ChIP data for p53 indicates that more than one-third of identified p53 binding sites are accounted for by ERV copies with a p53 site. ChIP and expression studies for individual genes indicate that human ERV p53 sites are likely part of the p53 transcriptional program and direct regulation of p53 target genes. These results demonstrate how retroelements can significantly shape the regulatory network of a transcription factor in a species-specific manner.
Substrate activation for O
2
reactions by oxidized metal centers in biology
Authors: Pau Monita Y. M. , Lipscomb John D. , Solomon Edward I.
Published: November 2007

The uncatalyzed reactions of O
2
(S = 1) with organic substrates (S = 0) are thermodynamically favorable but kinetically slow because they are spin-forbidden and the one-electron reduction potential of O
2
is unfavorable. In nature, many of these important O
2
reactions are catalyzed by metalloenzymes. In the case of mononuclear non-heme iron enzymes, either Fe
II
or Fe
III
can play the catalytic role in these spin-forbidden reactions. Whereas the ferrous enzymes activate O
2
directly for reaction, the ferric enzymes activate the substrate for O
2
attack. The enzyme–substrate complex of the ferric intradiol dioxygenases exhibits a low-energy catecholate to Fe
III
charge transfer transition that provides a mechanism by which both the Fe center and the catecholic substrate are activated for the reaction with O
2
. In this Perspective, we evaluate how the coupling between this experimentally observed charge transfer and the change in geometry and ligand field of the oxidized metal center along the reaction coordinate can overcome the spin-forbidden nature of the O
2
reaction.
Side population in human uterine myometrium displays phenotypic and functional characteristics of myometrial stem cells
Authors: Ono Masanori , Maruyama Tetsuo , Masuda Hirotaka , Kajitani Takashi , Nagashima Takashi , Arase Toru , Ito Mamoru , Ohta Kuniaki , Uchida Hiroshi , Asada Hironori , Yoshimura Yasunori , Okano Hideyuki , Matsuzaki Yumi
Published: November 2007

Over the course of pregnancy, the human uterus undergoes a 500- to 1,000-fold increase in volume and a 24-fold increase in weight. The uterine smooth muscle layer or myometrium is remodeled, and both cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia are evident. The origin of the new smooth muscle cells, however, is unclear. They may arise from existing smooth muscle cells, or they may be the product of stem cell differentiation. This study describes a subset of myometrial cells isolated from nonpregnant human myometrium that represents the myometrial stem cell population. This was characterized as side population of myometrial cells (myoSP) by a distinct Hoechst dye efflux pattern. In contrast to the main population of myometrial cells (myoMP), myoSP resided in quiescence, underexpressed or lacked myometrial cell markers, and could proliferate and eventually differentiate into mature myometrial cells
in vitro
only under low oxygen concentration. Although myoMP displayed mature myometrial phenotypes before and after
in vitro
cultivation, only myoSP, not myoMP, generated functional human myometrial tissues efficiently when transplanted into the uteri of severely immunodeficient mice. Finally, myoSP were multipotent and made to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes
in vitro
under the appropriate differentiation-inducing conditions. Thus, myoSP exhibited phenotypic and functional characteristics of myometrial stem cells. Study of myoSP will improve the understanding of myometrial physiology and the pathogenesis of myometrium-derived diseases such as leiomyoma. myoSP may also represent a novel source of biological material that could be used in the reconstruction of not only the human uterus but also other organs as well.
Activation of tissue transglutaminase transcription by histone deacetylase inhibition as a therapeutic approach for Myc oncogenesis
Authors: Liu Tao , Tee Andrew E. L. , Porro Antonio , Smith Stewart A. , Dwarte Tanya , Liu Pei Yan , Iraci Nunzio , Sekyere Eric , Haber Michelle , Norris Murray D. , Diolaiti Daniel , Della Valle Giuliano , Perini Giovanni , Marshall Glenn M.
Published: November 2007

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors reactivate tumor suppressor gene transcription; induce cancer cell differentiation, growth arrest, and programmed cell death; and are among the most promising new classes of anticancer drugs. Myc oncoproteins can block cell differentiation and promote cell proliferation and malignant transformation, in some cases by modulating target gene transcription. Here, we show that tissue transglutaminase (TG2) was commonly reactivated by HDAC inhibitors in neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells but not normal cells and contributed to HDAC inhibitor-induced growth arrest. TG2 was the gene most significantly repressed by N-Myc in neuroblastoma cells in a cDNA microarray analysis and was commonly repressed by N-Myc in neuroblastoma cells and c-Myc in breast cancer cells. Repression of TG2 expression by N-Myc in neuroblastoma cells was necessary for the inhibitory effect of N-Myc on neuroblastoma cell differentiation. Dual step cross-linking chromatin immunoprecipitation and protein coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that N-Myc acted as a transrepressor by recruiting the HDAC1 protein to an Sp1-binding site in the TG2 core promoter in a manner distinct from it's action as a transactivator at E-Box binding sites. HDAC inhibitor treatment blocked the N-Myc-mediated HDAC1 recruitment and TG2 repressionin vitro. In neuroblastoma-bearing N-Myc transgenic mice, HDAC inhibitor treatment induced TG2 expression and demonstrated marked antitumor activityin vivo. Taken together, our data indicate the critical roles of HDAC1 and TG2 in Myc-induced oncogenesis and have significant implications for the use of HDAC inhibitor therapy in Myc-driven oncogenesis.
S-nitrosylation of peroxiredoxin 2 promotes oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fang Jianguo , Nakamura Tomohiro , Cho Dong-Hyung , Gu Zezong , Lipton Stuart A.
Published: November 2007

Peroxiredoxins (Prx), a family of peroxidases that reduce intracellular peroxides with the thioredoxin system as the electron donor, are highly expressed in various cellular compartments. Among the antioxidant Prx enzymes, Prx2 is the most abundant in mammalian neurons, making it a prime candidate to defend against oxidative stress. Here we report that Prx2 is S-nitrosylated (forming SNO-Prx2) by reaction with nitric oxide at two critical cysteine residues (C51 and C172), preventing its reaction with peroxides. We observed increased SNO-Prx2 in human Parkinson's disease (PD) brains, and S-nitrosylation of Prx2 inhibited both its enzymatic activity and protective function from oxidative stress. Dopaminergic neurons, which are lost in PD, become particularly vulnerable. Thus, our data provide a direct link between nitrosative/oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disorders such as PD.
Identification of JmjC domain-containing UTX and JMJD3 as histone H3 lysine 27 demethylases
Authors: Hong SunHwa , Cho Young-Wook , Yu Li-Rong , Yu Hong , Veenstra Timothy D. , Ge Kai
Published: November 2007

Covalent modifications of histones, such as acetylation and methylation, play important roles in the regulation of gene expression. Histone lysine methylation has been implicated in both gene activation and repression, depending on the specific lysine (K) residue that becomes methylated and the state of methylation (mono-, di-, or trimethylation). Methylation on K4, K9, and K36 of histone H3 has been shown to be reversible and can be removed by site-specific demethylases. However, the enzymes that antagonize methylation on K27 of histone H3 (H3K27), an epigenetic mark important for embryonic stem cell maintenance, Polycomb-mediated gene silencing, and X chromosome inactivation have been elusive. Here we show the JmjC domain-containing protein UTX (ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome), as well as the related JMJD3 (jumonji domain containing 3), specifically removes methyl marks on H3K27
in vitro
. Further, the demethylase activity of UTX requires a catalytically active JmjC domain. Finally, overexpression of UTX and JMJD3 leads to reduced di- and trimethylation on H3K27 in cells, suggesting that UTX and JMJD3 may function as H3K27 demethylases
in vivo
. The identification of UTX and JMJD3 as H3K27-specific demethylases provides direct evidence to indicate that similar to methylation on K4, K9, and K36 of histone H3, methylation on H3K27 is also reversible and can be dynamically regulated by site-specific histone methyltransferases and demethylases.
AUREOCHROME, a photoreceptor required for photomorphogenesis in stramenopiles
Authors: Takahashi Fumio , Yamagata Daisuke , Ishikawa Mié , Fukamatsu Yosuke , Ogura Yasunobu , Kasahara Masahiro , Kiyosue Tomohiro , Kikuyama Munehiro , Wada Masamitsu , Kataoka Hironao
Published: November 2007

A blue light (BL) receptor was discovered in stramenopile algae
Vaucheria frigida
(Xanthophyceae) and
Fucus distichus
(Phaeophyceae). Two homologs were identified in
Vaucheria
; each has one basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) domain and one light–oxygen–voltage (LOV)-sensing domain. We named these chromoproteins AUREOCHROMEs (AUREO1 and AUREO2). AUREO1 binds flavin mononucleotide via its LOV domain and forms a 390-nm-absorbing form, indicative of formation of a cysteinyl adduct to the C(4a) carbon of the flavin mononucleotide upon BL irradiation. The adduct decays to the ground state in ≈5 min. Its bZIP domain binds the target sequence TGACGT. The AUREO1 target binding was strongly enhanced by BL treatment, implying that AUREO1 functions as a BL-regulated transcription factor. The function of AUREO1 as photoreceptor for BL-induced branching is elucidated through RNAi experiments. RNAi of AUREO2 unexpectedly induces sex organ primordia instead of branches, implicating AUREO2 as a subswitch to initiate development of a branch, but not a sex organ. AUREO sequences are also found in the genome of the marine diatom
Thalassiosira pseudonana
(Bacillariophyceae), but are not present in green plants. AUREOCHROME therefore represents a BL receptor in photosynthetic stramenopiles.
Essential role of cleavage of Polycystin-1 at G protein-coupled receptor proteolytic site for kidney tubular structure
Authors: Yu Shengqiang , Hackmann Karl , Gao Jiangang , He Xiaobing , Piontek Klaus , García-González Miguel A. , Menezes Luis F. , Xu Hangxue , Germino Gregory G. , Zuo Jian , Qian Feng
Published: November 2007

Polycystin-1 (PC1) has an essential function in renal tubular morphogenesis and disruption of its function causes cystogenesis in human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. We have previously shown that recombinant human PC1 is
cis
-autoproteolytically cleaved at the G protein-coupled receptor proteolytic site domain. To investigate the role of cleavage
in vivo
, we generated by gene targeting a
Pkd1
knockin mouse (
Pkd1
V/V
) that expresses noncleavable PC1. The
Pkd1
V/V
mice show a hypomorphic phenotype, characterized by a delayed onset and distal nephron segment involvement of cystogenesis at postnatal maturation stage. We show that PC1 is ubiquitously and incompletely cleaved in wild-type mice, so that uncleaved and cleaved PC1 molecules coexist. Our study establishes a critical but restricted role of cleavage for PC1 function and suggests a differential function of the two types of PC1 molecules
in vivo
.
An
Ryr1

I4895T

mutation abolishes Ca
2+
release channel function and delays development in homozygous offspring of a mutant mouse line
Authors: Zvaritch Elena , Depreux Frederic , Kraeva Natasha , Loy Ryan E. , Goonasekera Sanjeewa A. , Boncompagni Simona , Kraev Alexander , Gramolini Anthony O. , Dirksen Robert T. , Franzini-Armstrong Clara , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J. G. , MacLennan David H.
Published: November 2007

A heterozygous Ile4898 to Thr (I4898T) mutation in the human type 1 ryanodine receptor/Ca
2+
release channel (RyR1) leads to a severe form of central core disease. We created a mouse line in which the corresponding
Ryr1

I4895T

mutation was introduced by using a “knockin” protocol. The heterozygote does not exhibit an overt disease phenotype, but homozygous (IT/IT) mice are paralyzed and die perinatally, apparently because of asphyxia. Histological analysis shows that IT/IT mice have greatly reduced and amorphous skeletal muscle. Myotubes are small, nuclei remain central, myofibrils are disarranged, and no cross striation is obvious. Many areas indicate probable degeneration, with shortened myotubes containing central stacks of pyknotic nuclei. Other manifestations of a delay in completion of late stages of embryogenesis include growth retardation and marked delay in ossification, dermatogenesis, and cardiovascular development. Electron microscopy of IT/IT muscle demonstrates appropriate targeting and positioning of RyR1 at triad junctions and a normal organization of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) complexes into RyR1-associated tetrads. Functional studies carried out in cultured IT/IT myotubes show that ligand-induced and DHPR-activated RyR1 Ca
2+
release is absent, although retrograde enhancement of DHPR Ca
2+
conductance is retained. IT/IT mice, in which RyR1-mediated Ca
2+
release is abolished without altering the formation of the junctional DHPR-RyR1 macromolecular complex, provide a valuable model for elucidation of the role of RyR1-mediated Ca
2+
signaling in mammalian embryogenesis.
Identification of enzymes and regulatory proteins in
Escherichia coli
that are oxidized under nitrogen, carbon, or phosphate starvation
Authors: Noda Yasuko , Berlett Barbara S. , Stadtman Earl R. , Aponte Angel , Morgan Meghan , Shen Rong-Fong
Published: November 2007

Using proteomic technologies, we identified 62 proteins that are oxidized to carbonyl derivatives during growth of
Escherichia coli
under nitrogen starvation (NS), carbon starvation (CS), and phosphate starvation (PS) conditions. The carbonylated proteins were converted to 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives and these were identified using Western blotting and mass spectrometry by searching
E. coli
proteins in the Swiss-Prot and/or NCBI databases. Fourteen of the oxidized proteins were formed under both NS and CS conditions, and only three proteins were specifically oxidized under PS conditions. Interestingly, the carbonyl content of proteins in crude extracts of cells harvested after 48 h of stationary growth under NS and CS was significantly lower than that observed at mid-log and end-log phases of growth. In contrast, the carbonyl content of proteins in extracts of cells grown under PS conditions was fairly constant during comparable periods of growth.
Down-regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis in corticolimbic circuits mediates social isolation-induced behavior in mice
Authors: Agís-Balboa Roberto C. , Pinna Graziano , Pibiri Fabio , Kadriu Bashkim , Costa Erminio , Guidotti Alessandro
Published: November 2007

Allopregnanolone (ALLO), synthesized by pyramidal neurons, is a potent positive allosteric modulator of the action of GABA at GABAAreceptors expressing specific neurosteroid binding sites. In the brain, ALLO is synthesized from progesterone by the sequential action of two enzymes: 5α-reductase type I (5α-RI) and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD). In the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, these enzymes are colocalized in principal glutamatergic output neurons [Agís-Balboa RC, Pinna G, Zhubi A, Maloku E, Veldic M, Costa E, Guidotti A (2006)Proc Natl Acad Sci USA103:14602–14607], but they are not detectable in GABAergic interneurons. Using RT-PCR andin situhybridization, this study compares 5α-RI and 3α-HSD mRNA brain expression levels in group housed and in socially isolated male mice for 4 weeks. In these socially isolated mice, the mRNA expression of 5α-RI was dramatically decreased in hippocampal CA3 glutamatergic pyramidal neurons, dentate gyrus granule cells, glutamatergic neurons of the basolateral amygdala, and glutamatergic pyramidal neurons of layer V/VI frontal (prelimbic, infralimbic) cortex (FC). In contrast, 5α-RI mRNA expression failed to change in CA1 pyramidal neurons, central amygdala neurons, pyramidal neurons of layer II/III FC, ventromedial thalamic nucleus neurons, and striatal medium spiny and reticular thalamic nucleus neurons. Importantly, 3α-HSD mRNA expression was unchanged by protracted social isolation (Si). These data suggest that, in male mice, after 4 weeks ofSi, the expression of 5α-RI mRNA, which is the rate-limiting-step enzyme of ALLO biosynthesis, is specifically down-regulated in glutamatergic pyramidal neurons that converge on the amygdala from cortical and hippocampal regions. In socially isolated mice, this down-regulation may account for the appearance of behavioral disorders such as anxiety, aggression, and cognitive dysfunction.
Cytochrome
c
oxidase regulates endogenous nitric oxide availability in respiring cells: A possible explanation for hypoxic vasodilation
Authors: Palacios-Callender Miriam , Hollis Veronica , Mitchison Miriam , Frakich Nanci , Unitt David , Moncada Salvador
Published: November 2007

One of the many routes proposed for the cellular inactivation of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is by the cytochrome
c
oxidase of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We have studied this possibility in human embryonic kidney cells engineered to generate controlled amounts of NO. We have used visible light spectroscopy to monitor continuously the redox state of cytochrome
c
oxidase in an oxygen-tight chamber, at the same time as which we measure cell respiration and the concentrations of oxygen and NO. Pharmacological manipulation of cytochrome
c
oxidase indicates that this enzyme, when it is in turnover and in its oxidized state, inactivates physiological amounts of NO, thus regulating its intra- and extracellular concentrations. This inactivation is prevented by blocking the enzyme with inhibitors, including NO. Furthermore, when cells generating low concentrations of NO respire toward hypoxia, the redox state of cytochrome
c
oxidase changes from oxidized to reduced, leading to a decrease in NO inactivation. The resultant increase in NO concentration could explain hypoxic vasodilation.
A Dynamic Model for Wellbeing
Authors: Campion Jonathan , Nurse Jo
Published: November 2007

Objective: This paper presents a public health model of mental health which places wellbeing at its centre and illustrates how wellbeing is influenced by the inter-relationship between risk, protective and environmental factors. This model should encourage a more comprehensive approach to wellbeing promotion and will assist in developing appropriate mental health public health initiatives.

Methods: The model considers how different social and individual risk factors impact negatively upon mental health and how these risk factors can be addressed. It explores the need for active development of protective factors in order to increase an individual's resilience to deal with stresses of life and the additional input required to promote resilience in those with existing mental health problems. This approach to wellbeing balances addressing risk factors with promoting protective factors and uses a public mental health approach to wellbeing promotion within particular settings and the wider environment, supported by both local-level and regional policy. It also suggests that considerable economic savings could be achieved by implementing such integrated management programmes.
The Interface of Mental Health and Human Rights in Indigenous Peoples: Triple Jeopardy and Triple Opportunity
Authors: Tarantola Daniel
Published: November 2007

Objective: Insufficient understanding of the reciprocal interactions between health and human rights, mental health and human rights and the realization of all human rights by Indigenous peoples constitute a triple jeopardy in how these topics are currently being addressed and/or openly antagonized. This paper will attempt to show how a combined health and human rights approach to mental health in Indigenous peoples can transform a triple jeopardy into a triple opportunity.

Methods: The vast and growing body of literature on mental health, health as a whole, and human rights as these relate to health and to Indigenous peoples will be used to frame the discussion.

Results: Attention to the complex interactions of health and human rights can guide policy formulation and action by offering a method of analysis, a process of participatory decision and a framework for accountability. In addition, mental health can find its rightful place in the health and human rights discourse through efforts to help policymakers and practitioners broaden their vision of mental illness to holistically encompass aspects of physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing. Finally, connecting the role that rights realization plays in determining health and wellbeing will add power to the rightful claims by Indigenous peoples to the promotion and protection of all their human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural. Broadening the research agenda by applying systematically a health and human rights analytical framework to the understanding of social determinants of health would minimize the risk of assigning health outcome merely to behaviours, practices and lifestyles, uncovering structural determinants of holistic health entrenched in policies and governmental conduct.

Conclusions: Building the evidence of the negative impact of human rights violation on health and the negative impact of ill-health on the fulfilment of other human rights can help in designing comprehensive interventions, building on the synergy between the promotion of health and the promotion of rights. A way forward is proposed for which it is essential that work be carried out across ethnic lines and professional boundaries to further advance the claim of Indigenous peoples for better health and greater enjoyment of human rights.
Constructions and Deconstructions of Risk, Resilience and Wellbeing: A Model for Understanding the Development of Aboriginal Adolescents
Authors: Burack Jacob , Blidner Aron , Flores Heidi , Fitch Tamara
Published: November 2007

A developmental framework for understanding issues of risk, resilience, and wellness among Aboriginal adolescents in Canada and elsewhere is presented. As these constructs are not monolithic, simplistic linear risk models of a specific predictor to a specific outcome are inadequate to conceptually capture the complexities of real-life patterns. Accordingly, the conceptual focus is on ideal constructions of competence within the context of continually ongoing transactions in which the adolescents effect and are effected by the various layers and components of the environment. However, the pragmatics of empirical research necessitate simpler approaches in which outcomes are predicted from specific factors. Nonetheless, in keeping with the notion of the complexity of all individuals, competence and wellness are viewed within the framework of the ‘whole child’ across domains of academic success, behavioural competence and appropriateness, social adaptation, and emotional health within the context of the specific community. Although Aboriginal communities within Quebec, across Canada, the United States and elsewhere, differ considerably with regard to history, culture, language, and priorities for its youth, this approach allows for the universal application of a framework, for which specifics can be modified in relation to the unique and changing aspects of societies, communities, and the individuals within.
Challenges of Measuring the Mental Health of Indigenous Australians: Honouring Ethical Expectations and Driving Greater Accuracy
Authors: Haswell-Elkins Melissa , Sebasio Trudi , Hunter Ernest , Mar Materoa
Published: November 2007

Objective: While Indigenous Australians are exposed to more risk factors and experience a greater burden and complexity of mental disorder, there is as yet limited capacity to assess this at individual, community or societal levels. This paper explores factors associated with and consequences of inadequate mental health assessment processes.

Method and findings: The excess burden of Indigenous mental disorders is now demonstrated but is still clearly an underestimate. This motivated a project based in northern Australia to develop effective mental health assessment tools. The initial stages of this project brought together academics and practitioners with Indigenous workers and researchers from Australia and New Zealand. This provided significant and shared insights in relation to the collection and use of Indigenous mental health data.

Conclusions: Critical themes to guide researchers, services and practitioners were defined and presented in this paper along with a range of individual, social, service and economic consequences associated with systematic non-recognition and under-rating of mental disorders outlined.
Family Intervention in Indigenous Communities: Emergent Issues in Conducting Outcome Research
Authors: Turner Karen , Sanders Matthew
Published: November 2007

Objective: Indigenous children and youth are at greater risk of emotional and behavioural problems than non-Indigenous youth, with family life stresses and parenting style identified as common risk factors. There is substantial evidence that parenting programs can improve family relationships and improve child outcomes, however little research has focused on Indigenous communities. Our team is conducting research to evaluate a culturally sensitive adaptation of a mainstream intervention, the Group Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, for Indigenous families. This paper shares some of the insights into research and clinical issues gained as non-Indigenous researchers working with urban, rural and remote Indigenous communities.

Methods: The experience of the research team and feedback from practitioners and parents have been drawn on for this discussion.

Conclusions: Parenting programs need to be sensitive to the political and cultural context in which parenting takes place, flexibly incorporate cultural practices and expectations, and develop an evidence base of outcomes for families in diverse communities. As research is needed to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of these programs, culturally sensitive research practices are also necessary and the value of program evaluation and its benefit to the community must be clear. Community acceptance of the research process and the intervention itself is vital and may be influenced by community perceptions, current priorities, and local issues. If our overall aim is to increase the skilled health and mental health workforce in Indigenous communities and their use of evidence-based interventions, ongoing collaborative relationships between research institutions and service providers will serve to further this aim.
Bridging the Triple Divide: Performance and Innovative Multimedia in the Service Of Behavioural Health Change in Remote Indigenous Settings
Authors: Hunter Ernest , Travers Helen , Gibson Julie , Campion Jonathan
Published: November 2007

Objectives: The use of innovative information technology is now well established in health. However, while the gap in health status between Indigenous and other Australians is both significant and unchanging, there is limited application of these new approaches to addressing this national health priority. This may in part reflect the ‘digital divide’, which is another facet of Indigenous disadvantage. This paper describes an approach to address both issues in remote Indigenous settings.

Results: The Health Interactive Technology Network began as a proof-of-concept study of touchscreen technology in two Indigenous health settings. It has subsequently expanded to a number of remote Indigenous communities and developed new platforms and applications to respond to emerging health issues. In creating narrative, interactive approaches to address choices in relation to health behaviours, the community development and engagement effects of the creative process have been highlighted. These findings suggest that these approaches will be suited to further expansion in the area of mental health.
Reflections of an Indigenous Counsellor: Sharing the Journey – Therapist and Person?
Authors: Pratt Greg
Published: November 2007

Objective: Therapy in the form of counselling for Indigenous Australians is much debated. Effective engagement is the key to productive therapy. This paper notes some of the constraints of mainstream therapeutic methodologies and makes suggestions to ensure a therapeutic setting for both the person and therapist born from my experience as a counsellor working in government and community settings, with adults, young people and children, and in mental health, substance use and social/emotional wellbeing. What follows is an iteration of the importance of engagement and adopting a whole of life view to counselling.

Findings: The “whole of life view to mental health” as described in the 1989 National Aboriginal Health Strategy is used as a reference from which to elaborate on various counselling principles. Five key elements are discussed in relation to engagement and therapy for Indigenous Australians. To focus on the specifics of task-oriented therapy can be detrimental to the relationship between therapist and person. The role of the person in the determination of their therapeutic goals and the mannerisms of the therapist strongly influence the counselling process and its outcomes. Indigenous Australia has long emphasized the significance of the person as a part of a wider world influenced primarily by their relationships with people (specifically family and community), culture, spirituality and the environment.

Conclusion: An Indigenous Australian view of the world influences the way in which Indigenous Australians interact with the world and avail themselves to it. Effective therapy is dependent on the relationship between the therapist and the person, a relationship which must be based on respect, reciprocity, accountability, humility and an appreciation of the significance of how a holistic view of the world influences one's sense of self.
Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts in Schools: Information and Education Directed at Secondary Schools
Authors: Bridge Simon , Hanssens Leonore , Santhanam Radhika
Published: November 2007

Objective: Current practice in Australia is to avoid discussing suicide or suicidal ideation directly with students in school suicide prevention programs. This paper examines why there is a strong argument to question this approach in the context of a continuing unacceptable rate of youth suicide in this country.

Methods: A review of the literature that informs the debate was conducted. Using an action research methodology, a more direct intervention approach was taken based on the use of the ‘Toughin’ it out’ pamphlet.

Results: A misrepresentation of the evidence surrounding school-based suicide intervention programs in Australia has made educators and guidance officers wary of being more direct with suicide prevention programs. The experience of several practitioners in northern Australia suggests that it is highly beneficial to engage students in discussions about suicide and how to deal with suicidal thoughts. Their impression is that this has led to a lessening of suicide attempts in high-risk situations and there has been no evidence of any adverse outcome.

Conclusion: The ongoing tragedy of Indigenous adolescent suicide in Australia demands that all possible interventions should be considered. Taking a more direct approach to school suicide prevention and life-promoting programs using the brief intervention tool, the ‘Toughin’ it out’ pamphlet, appeared to be associated with a positive impact on suicide in high-risk secondary schools in northern Australia. The positive experience in northern Australia would support a similar approach being considered in school programs nationally.
Developing a Postgraduate Program in Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing at University of Southern Queensland
Authors: Hampton Ron , McCann William
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of this paper is to explain the development of an innovative postgraduate program in Indigenous Australian Mental Health and Well-Being for non-Indigenous health and allied health practitioners.

Methods: The historical background is explored, together with details of the approach to, and the management of, the new program.

Results: The establishment of the new program has been achieved and the interest level in the new directions being undertaken has been gauged as very high.

Conclusions: Judging by the number of enquiries, the enrolments so far achieved and the Department of Education, Science and Training granting of 20 HECS places for the new program, it is clear that the program will be viable and the future development of a Master's in Indigenous Mental Health and Well-Being assured.