bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cultural Formulation Approach to Career Counseling With International Students
Authors: Arthur Nancy , Popadiuk Natalee
Published: November 2009

Career counselors are challenged to consider the cultural validity of the theories and models that guide their practice. The cultural formulation approach is proposed as an organizing framework for career counselors to consider cultural influences on their clients’ career issues, related interventions, and the working alliance. The discussion illustrates the application of cultural formulation for career counseling with international students. A case study details common transition issues faced by international students, while exploring unique aspects of cultural identity. The case study illustrates how the cultural-formulation approach may be strengthened by incorporating a relational theoretical orientation as seen through a feminist lens to examine a client’s multiple identities, such as the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and social class.
Varieties of Carbon Governance in Newly Industrializing Countries
Authors: Fuhr Harald , Lederer Markus
Published: November 2009

Recently established carbon governance systems are quite different in Brazil, China, and India. Such divergence is surprising as emerging economies are primarily involved in carbon governance through the clean development mechanism (CDM). One would expect similar institutional and policy outcomes in the major host countries in response to the CDM, as this market instrument is initiated primarily by Western companies and regulated hierarchically by the internationally governed CDM Executive Board. However, from a closer look at the developing features of the CDM markets in Brazil, China, or India and an analysis of dominant actors and their interactions, institutional responses, and the effectiveness of the CDM within each market, there is evidence of a high variance, combined with a strong ownership by the respective governments. Such a variety of carbon governance is interesting from a theoretical point of view as it shows that a good understanding of environmental governance patterns is still lacking in developing and emerging economies. It is also of political importance as the findings may help to diffuse some of the criticism leveled at the CDM.
Varieties of CDM Governance: Some Reflections
Authors: Newell Peter
Published: November 2009

This overview discusses a series of themes critical to understanding the governance of clean development that cut across each of the case studies showcased in this special issue. Firstly, the question of who draws the boundaries around what is to be governed, what is not, and by whom, where each of the contributions highlight conflicts over which projects and sectors should be part of the CDM and which actors should be charged with their management. Secondly, how we define and what we mean by governance, where I argue for a broader notion of governance that adequately captures the range of governing functions exercised by the plurality of state and non-state actors in this domain. Thirdly, each of themes relates to the question of power: power to define what is and is not clean and sustainable development; the power that determines which countries are able to steer CDM investments toward sectors aligned with their overall development priorities, and the combinations of public and private power that demonstrate as well as explain the varieties of carbon governance documented in this special issue. My argument is that the observed diversity of carbon governance reflects differences in governance in general in those countries. It is impossible politically, and unhelpful conceptually, to attempt to understand carbon and clean development governance without reference to the broader political-economic context in which it is embedded and which it seeks to transform. But whether it is in the area of energy, waste, or forests, CDM governance is incorporated within and predated by political structures, institutions, conflicts, and interests that shape the amenability of a sector and country to pressures toward convergence, standardization, and universalization.
Knitting Teacher: A Narrative Inquiry of a Researcher Who Has Been Researched
Authors: Heydon Rachel
Published: November 2009

From the vantages of a teacher who has been researched and an educational researcher who has researched teachers, this inquiry constructs a knitted narrative from journals, letters, and stories written about my time teaching English studies in a remote First Nations’ community and articles written about me when I was a research participant in a study concerning White women teaching in the Canadian north. The goal of this narrative inquiry is to explore the ethical and methodological issues, including issues around representation, which arise during the course of studying and writing about other people, particularly teachers who are doing border work.
Rasburicase for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia in tumor lysis syndrome
Authors: Kennedy LeAnne D , Ajiboye Violette O
Published: November 2009

Purpose. To review current knowledge about tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a set of metabolic imbalances, including hyperuricemia, that often occur during chemotherapeutic or biotherapeutic treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Data sources. English language journal articles indexed in PubMed.

Study selection. Recent reviews and original research articles related to TLS, hyperuricemia, and treatment of hyperuricemia were selected for inclusion.

Results. The incidence of TLS depends highly on the type of malignancy, its growth characteristics, and the total tumor burden. Patients are at heightened risk if they have hyperuricemia, hypovolemia, or poor renal function before anticancer therapy begins. Recently published guidelines make risk assessment and patient staging more systematic. Prophylactic measures should be used to reduce the risk for TLS in vulnerable patients. Such measures include hydration to facilitate urinary excretion and administration of allopurinol to prevent de novo production of uric acid. If hyperuricemia occurs despite preventative efforts, uric acid concentrations can be reduced with rasburicase, a recombinant, intravenously administered urate oxidase. The cost of rasburicase therapy is substantial but is considerably less than that of hemodialysis and extended hospitalization. Shorter courses or smaller doses of rasburicase than those recommended may be effective in reducing hyperuricemia in some patients, but it is important to recognize that the alternative dosing still awaits validation.

Conclusions. Allopurinol and rasburicase are recommended for preventing hyperuricemia in patients at intermediate or high risk for TLS, respectively. If hyperuricemia develops despite preventative measures, rasburicase treatment is an effective method for lowering uric acid concentrations within normal limits.
Understanding Sexual Perpetration Against Children: Effects of Attachment Style, Interpersonal Involvement, and Hypersexuality
Authors: Miner Michael H. , Robinson Beatrice E. , Knight Raymond A. , Berg Dianne , Swinburne Romine Rebecca , Netland Jason
Published: November 2009

This study explores in an adolescent sample hypotheses about child sexual abuse perpetration drawn from contemporary theories that implicate insecure attachment and adolescent social development. Specifically, three 13- to 18-year-old adolescent male samples (sex offenders with child victims, sex offenders with peer/adult victims, and nonsex delinquent youth) were compared in a cross-sectional design. Participants completed a computer-administered self-report questionnaire and a semistructured attachment style interview. Attachment style was coded by two independent raters blind to study hypotheses and group membership. The results indicated an indirect effect for attachment style. Attachment anxiety affected involvement with peers and interpersonal adequacy. Feelings of interpersonal inadequacy, combined with oversexualization and positive attitudes toward others distinguished sex offenders with child victims from nonsex delinquents and from sex offenders with peer/adult victims. These data provide a preliminary model of sexual abuse perpetration consistent with contemporary theories. Attachment anxiety with a lack of misanthropic attitudes toward others appears to lead to isolation from peers and feelings of interpersonal inadequacy. Individuals with this constellation of factors may turn to children to meet their intimacy and sexual needs, both of which seem to be exaggerated compared with other troubled youth.
Examining Racial Disparity in the Police Discipline Process
Authors: Rojek Jeff , Decker Scott H.
Published: November 2009

This article examines the police discipline process of a large police department for patterns of disparity in the treatment of minority officers.The analysis is based on 5 years of data collected from the internal affairs division of the department, which captures information on formally documented complaints, determinations of allegations of guilt, and penalties applied. The analysis reveals that minority officers are overrepresented in formally documented complaints, specifically in complaints initiated by other department officers and supervisors. However, analysis utilizing logistic regression finds that officer race is not a significant factor in determining guilt or degree of penalty applied. The implications of these findings and considerations for future research are discussed.
Clinical vigilance for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in the context of natalizumab use
Authors: Tornatore Carlo , Clifford David B
Published: November 2009

Natalizumab therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with both improved clinical outcomes and an increased incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). We provide details of the etiology and recent history of PML as associated with immunosuppressive disease states, including MS. Furthermore, it offers clinical guidance on differentiating PML from a MS relapse and a review of the current treatment options for patients suspected of having developed the complication.
Best practice recommendations for the selection and management of patients with multiple sclerosis receiving natalizumab therapy
Authors: Coyle Patricia K , Foley John F , Fox Edward J , Jeffery Douglas R , Munschauer Frederick E , Tornatore Carlo
Published: November 2009

Natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against α4-integrin is a first-in-class disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Natalizumab is highly effective but has been associated with a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Since the efficacy of natalizumab in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis is viewed as superior to first-line agents, a growing number of neurologists are using natalizumab as the treatment of choice for patients with worsening MS. Owing to the recently reported cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a panel of neurologists met in February 2009 to discuss best practices for the use of natalizumab, with the goal of developing consensus-based recommendations on patient management to minimize the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The panel consisted of a cross section of academic and community neurologists from the United States who treat multiple sclerosis in large centers and have extensive experience with natalizumab (approximating 2000 patient-years combined experience). This paper summarizes the panel's recommendations on the following: (1) appropriate patient selection for natalizumab; (2) routine monitoring and management of adverse events during natalizumab therapy; and (3) clinical vigilance monitoring and risk reduction for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Adolescent alcohol and illicit drug use among first- and second-generation immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Svensson Mikael , Hagquist Curt
Published: November 2009

Aim: This article compares adolescent alcohol and illicit drug use among first- and second-generation immigrants from Nordic, non-Nordic European and non-European countries with that of the native Swedish majority population. Methods: Using data from a 2005 survey, multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed on a sample of 13,070 adolescents. The survey was conducted in three Swedish regions containing 24 municipalities. Results: Second-generation immigrants from Nordic countries were more likely to use alcohol and to binge drink, while first generation immigrants from non-European countries were less likely to; this difference is mainly explained by the relatively low use by girls from non-European countries. All immigrant groups were more likely to use illicit drugs than were the majority population. The highest drug use was found among first-generation Nordic immigrants and non-European immigrants. Consumption patterns among second-generation immigrants were more similar to those of the Swedish majority population, implying more alcohol use and less illicit drug use. Conclusions: Preventive policy for alcohol use should target Nordic immigrants in Sweden (second generation), while preventive policy for drug use, which is a more general immigrant phenomena, should mostly target both Nordic and non-European immigrants.
Massive increase in injury deaths of undetermined intent in ex-USSR Baltic and Slavic countries: Hidden suicides?
Authors: Värnik Peeter , Sisask Merike , Värnik Airi , Yur'Yev Andriy , Kõlves Kairi , Leppik Lauri , Nemtsov Aleksander , Wasserman Danuta
Published: November 2009

Aims: Observed changes in subcategories of injury death were used to test the hypothesis that a sizeable proportion of ‘‘injury deaths of undetermined intent’’ (Y10—Y34 in ICD 10) in the Baltic and Slavic countries after the USSR dissolved in 1991 were hidden suicides. Methods: Using male age-adjusted suicide rates for two distinctly different periods, 1981—90 and 1992—2005, changes, ratios and correlations were calculated. The data were compared with the EU average. Results: After the USSR broke up, the obligation to make a definitive diagnosis became less strict. A massive increase in ‘‘injury deaths of undetermined intent’’ resulted. The mean rate for the second period reached 52.8 per 100,000 males in Russia (the highest rate) and 12.9 in Lithuania (the lowest), against 3.2 in EU-15. The rise from the first to the second period was highest in Belarus (56%) and Russia (44%). The number of injury deaths of undetermined intent was almost equal to that of suicides in Russia in 2005 (ratio 1.0) and Ukraine in 2002 (1.1). In all the countries, especially the Slavic ones, prevalence trends of injury-death subcategories were uniform, i.e. strongly correlated over time. No direct substitution of one diagnosis for another was evident. Conclusions: There is no evidence that the category of ‘‘injury deaths of undetermined intent’’ in the Baltic and Slavic countries hides suicides alone. Aggregate level analysis indicates that accidents and homicides could sometimes be diagnosed as undetermined.
Action Learning Research: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework
Authors: Cho Yonjoo , Marshall Egan Toby
Published: November 2009

Despite considerable interest in action learning, no systematic investigation of action learning literature has been reported. Two purposes of this study are (a) to systematically access and examine recent empirical studies on action learning and related themes using Garrard’s Matrix Method for reviewing literature (the review of the literature covered an 8-year period from 2000 to 2007; 50 studies have been selected based on the search criteria) and (b) based on Revans’s proposition regarding the need for a conceptual and practical balance between action and learning, to categorize empirical studies into action-oriented, learning-oriented, and balanced action learning. Studies selected from the systematic literature review process are highlighted, and Revans’s balance issue and the quality of select studies are discussed. A conceptual framework for the future studies of action learning, key concluding themes, and the limitations of the study are also articulated.
The troubling internet space of ‘woman’s mind’
Authors: Barát Erzsébet
Published: November 2009

The article provides a critical analysis of discourses of female embodiment in the contribution to the series ‘What it is like to be a woman’, invited by the Hungarian feminist internet journal i.c.a. All 14 contributions in the data approach women’s life in terms of female embodiment, challenging hegemonic expectations of bodily existence. The analysis will focus on the dynamic web of ‘said’ and ‘unsaid’ statements and explore the relative openness of the contributions to multiple ways of categorization. The analysis of the texts’ orientation to difference has explored four dimensions of categorization, producing a complex differentiation of feminist voices. It contributes to the contemporary debate about the depoliticizing effects of postfeminism, arguing in favour of an ideology critique of gender relations of power.
‘You could take this topic and get a fistfight going’: communicating about feminism in interviews
Authors: Barnard Megan
Published: November 2009

In this article, I analyze discourse from three group interviews to come to a better understanding of how young people communicate about feminism and the factors that can complicate and disrupt this communication. I analyze both the ways that the interview, as a speech event, evokes expectations and assumptions in participants and shapes how they interact, and how participants’ ideologies about feminism affect the way the interviews transpire. An equally important component of my project was to explore how feminism could translate into a research method. Throughout this article, I reflexively examine my research practices and analyses and identify the successes and shortcomings I had while attempting to conduct a research study consistent with feminist values.
Entitled to consume: postfeminist femininity and a culture of post-critique
Authors: Lazar Michelle M.
Published: November 2009

The article provides a critical analysis of a postfeminist identity that is emergent in a set of beauty advertisements, called ‘entitled femininity’. Three major discursive themes are identified, which are constitutive of this postfeminist feminine identity: 1) ‘It’s about me!’ focuses on pampering and pleasuring the self; 2) ‘Celebrating femininity’ reclaims and rejoices in feminine stereotypes; and 3) ‘Girling women’ encourages a youthful disposition in women of all ages. The article shows that entitled femininity occupies an ambivalent discursive space, which celebrates as well as repudiates feminism, and re-installs normative gendered stereotypes. The ambivalence, it is argued, contributes to fostering a culture of post-critique, which numbs resistance and deflects criticism. For all its appearances to be pro-women, feminine entitlement based squarely on an entitlement to consume offers a rather limited and problematic vision of femininity and gender equality.
Hydrogen speciation and trace element contents of igneous, hydrothermal and
metamorphic quartz from Norway
Authors: Müller A. , Koch-Müller M.
Published: November 2009

Concentrations of a series of trace elements of 14 quartz samples from
various geological settings (hydrothermal, igneous, metamorphic) in Norway were
determined by LA-ICP-MS. FTIR spectroscopy was applied to the same quartz crystals
in order to determine the H concentrations and the speciation of H in the quartz
lattice. A refined hypothetical charge neutrality equation is suggested, where the
atomic ratio of (Al3+ + Fe3+ +
B3+) to (P5+ +
H+ + Li+ + Na+ +
K+) should correspond to 1 for natural quartz crystals.
The determined concentrations of Al, Fe, B, P, Li, K and OH-
species confirm approximately the charge neutrality equation. The high H/(Li+K+P)
ion ratio of igneous quartz compared to hydrothermal and metamorphic quartz,
suggests that igneous quartz preferentially incorporates H as OH- in lieu of Li, K
and P. The results confirm that the FTIR absorption of the OH- band at 3595
cm-1 is attributed to structural B defects in the quartz
lattice. The dominating H impurity in most of the quartz samples is, however,
molecular H2O. The molecular H2O is
presumably related to waterbearing micro pores and not to visible fluid
inclusions, because the spectra were recorded from microscopically clear
crystals.
Growth related zonations in authigenic and hydrothermal quartz characterized by SIMS-, EPMA-, SEM-CL- and SEM-CC-imaging
Authors: Lehmann K. , Berger A. , Götte T. , Ramseyer K. , Wiedenbeck M.
Published: November 2009

Authigenic quartz overgrowths and hydrothermal quartz crystals from locations in Oman and Switzerland have been investigated with SIMS, EPMA, SEM-CL and SEM-CC. All techniques reveal similar zonation patterns with SEM-CL having the best resolution followed by SEM-CC, EPMA and finally SIMS. The observed zonations reflect chemical and/or physical changes during growth in the precipitation environment or disequilibrium precipitation at the crystal surface (i.e. sectoral and intrasectoral zonation). Based on the total Al content, two types of authigenic quartz are distinguishable. When the Al concentration is <500 μg g–1the predominant CL emission is at ~630 nm; in such quartzes, SEM-CL and SEM-CC are directly correlated, and signal intensities drop as a function of increasing Al concentration. In contrast, authigenic quartz with Al concentrations between 500 μg g–1and 1000 μg g–1has CL emission maxima at both ~630 nm and ~380—400 nm, at which point the panchromatic SEM-CL and SEM-CC intensities become decoupled.
Characteristics and origin of agates in sedimentary rocks from the Dryhead
area, Montana, USA
Authors: Götte J. , Möckel R. , Kempe U. , Kapitonov I. , Vennemann T.
Published: November 2009

Agates from the Bighorn district in Montana (USA), the so-called Dryhead
area, and their adjacent host rocks have been examined in the present study.
Analyses by XRD, polarizing microscopy, LA-ICP-MS, cathodoluminescence (CL), SEM
and of oxygen isotopes were performed to obtain information surrounding the
genesis of this agate type.

Investigations of the agate microstructure by polarizing microscopy and CL
showed that chalcedony layers and macrocrystalline quartz crystals may have formed
by crystallization from the same silica source by a process of self-organization.
High defect densities and internal structures (e.g. sector zoning) of quartz
indicate that crystallization went rapidly under non-equilibrium conditions. Most
trace-element contents in macrocrystalline quartz are less than in chalcedony due
to a process of ‘selfpurification’, which also caused the formation of Fe oxide
inclusions and spherules.

Although the agates formed in sedimentary host rocks, analytical data
indicate participation of hydrothermal fluids during agate formation. Trace
elements (REE distribution patterns, U contents up to
70 ppm) and CL features of agate (transient blue CL), as well as associated
minerals (fluorite, REE carbonates) point to the
influence of hydrothermal processes on the genesis of the Dryhead agates. However,
formation temperatures <120°C were calculated from O-isotope compositions
between 28.9‰ (quartz) and 32.2‰ (chalcedony).
DNA vaccination with all-trans retinoic acid treatment induces long-term survival and elicits specific immune responses requiring CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation in an acute promyelocytic leukemia mouse model
Authors: Furugaki Kouichi , Pokorna Katerina , Le Pogam Carole , Aoki Masayuki , Reboul Murielle , Bajzik Véronique , Krief Patricia , Janin Anne , Noguera Marie-Elena , West Robert , Charron Dominique , Chomienne Christine , Pla Marika , Moins-Teisserenc Hélène , Padua Rose Ann
Published: November 2009

DNA vaccination and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) result in a survival advantage in a mouse model of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Depletion of CD4+ or CD8+ cells abolished this effect. CD4+ depletions of long-term survivors resulted in relapse and death within 3 months, thus demonstrating the need of both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets for the generation of DNA-driven antileukemic immune responses and underscoring a crucial role of CD4+ cells in the maintenance of durable remissions. Degranulation and cytotoxic carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester–based assays showed major histocompatibility complex–restricted APL-specific T cell–mediated immune responses. Sorted APL-specific CD8+CD107a+ T cells showed an increase of antileukemic activity. Effectors from ATRA + DNA–treated mice were shown to secrete interferon-γ when stimulated with either APL cells or peptides from the promyelocytic leukemia-RARα vaccine-derived sequences as detected by ELISpot assays. Our results demonstrate that DNA vaccination with ATRA confers the effective boosting of interferon-γ–producing and cytotoxic T cells in the leukemic mice.
Molecular signatures to improve diagnosis in peripheral T-cell lymphoma and prognostication in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Iqbal Javeed , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Greiner Timothy C. , Vose Julie M. , McKeithan Timothy , Kucuk Can , Geng Huimin , Deffenbacher Karen , Smith Lynette , Dybkaer Karen , Nakamura Shigeo , Seto Masao , Delabie Jan , Berger Francoise , Loong Florence , Au Wing Y. , Ko Young-Hyeh , Sng Ivy , Armitage James Olen , Chan Wing C. ,   for the International Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Project
Published: November 2009

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is often challenging to diagnose and classify. Gene expression profiling was performed on 144 cases of PTCL and natural killer cell lymphoma and robust molecular classifiers were constructed for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. PTCL-unclassifiable was molecularly heterogeneous, but we were able to identify a molecular subgroup with features of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and a poor survival compared with the remaining PTCL–not otherwise specified cases. Many of the pathologic features and substantial components of the molecular signature of AITL are contributed by the follicular dendritic cells, B-cell, and other stromal components. The expression of Th17-associated molecules in ALK+ ALCL was noted and may represent aberrant activation of Th17-cell differentiation by abnormal cytokine secretion. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma has a homogeneous molecular signature demonstrating high expression of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1–induced genes. These classifiers reflect the biology of the tumor cells as well as their microenvironment. We also constructed a molecular prognosticator for AITL that appears to be largely related to the microenvironmental signature, and the high expression of 2 immunosuppressive signatures are associated with poor outcome. Oncogenic pathways and tumor-host interactions also were identified, and these findings may lead to better therapies and outcome in the future.
An experimental loop design for the detection of constitutional chromosomal aberrations by array CGH
Authors: Allemeersch Joke , Van Vooren Steven , Hannes Femke , De Moor Bart , Vermeesch Joris Robert , Moreau Yves
Published: November 2009

Background

Comparative genomic hybridization microarrays for the detection of constitutional chromosomal aberrations is the application of microarray technology coming fastest into routine clinical application. Through genotype-phenotype association, it is also an important technique towards the discovery of disease causing genes and genomewide functional annotation in human. When using a two-channel microarray of genomic DNA probes for array CGH, the basic setup consists in hybridizing a patient against a normal reference sample. Two major disadvantages of this setup are (1) the use of half of the resources to measure a (little informative) reference sample and (2) the possibility that deviating signals are caused by benign copy number variation in the "normal" reference instead of a patient aberration. Instead, we apply an experimental loop design that compares three patients in three hybridizations.

Results

We develop and compare two statistical methods (linear models of log ratios and mixed models of absolute measurements). In an analysis of 27 patients seen at our genetics center, we observed that the linear models of the log ratios are advantageous over the mixed models of the absolute intensities.

Conclusion

The loop design and the performance of the statistical analysis contribute to the quick adoption of array CGH as a routine diagnostic tool. They lower the detection limit of mosaicisms and improve the assignment of copy number variation for genetic association studies.
Complexity of genome evolution by segmental rearrangement in Brassica rapa revealed by sequence-level analysis
Authors: Trick Martin , Kwon Soo-Jin , Choi Su Ryun , Fraser Fiona , Soumpourou Eleni , Drou Nizar , Wang Zhi , Lee Seo Yeon , Yang Tae-Jin , Mun Jeong-Hwan , Paterson Andrew H , Town Christopher D , Pires J Chris , Pyo Lim Yong , Park Beom-Seok , Bancroft Ian
Published: November 2009

Background

The Brassica species, related to Arabidopsis thaliana, include an important group of crops and represent an excellent system for studying the evolutionary consequences of polyploidy. Previous studies have led to a proposed structure for an ancestral karyotype and models for the evolution of the B. rapa genome by triplication and segmental rearrangement, but these have not been validated at the sequence level.

Results

We developed computational tools to analyse the public collection of B. rapa BAC end sequence, in order to identify candidates for representing collinearity discontinuities between the genomes of B. rapa and A. thaliana. For each putative discontinuity, one of the BACs was sequenced and analysed for collinearity with the genome of A. thaliana. Additional BAC clones were identified and sequenced as part of ongoing efforts to sequence four chromosomes of B. rapa. Strikingly few of the 19 inter-chromosomal rearrangements corresponded to the set of collinearity discontinuities anticipated on the basis of previous studies. Our analyses revealed numerous instances of newly detected collinearity blocks. For B. rapa linkage group A8, we were able to develop a model for the derivation of the chromosome from the ancestral karyotype. We were also able to identify a rearrangement event in the ancestor of B. rapa that was not shared with the ancestor of A. thaliana, and is represented in triplicate in the B. rapa genome. In addition to inter-chromosomal rearrangements, we identified and analysed 32 BACs containing the end points of segmental inversion events.

Conclusion

Our results show that previous studies of segmental collinearity between the A. thaliana, Brassica and ancestral karyotype genomes, although very useful, represent over-simplifications of their true relationships. The presence of numerous cryptic collinear genome segments and the frequent occurrence of segmental inversions mean that inference of the positions of genes in B. rapa based on the locations of orthologues in A. thaliana can be misleading. Our results will be of relevance to a wide range of plants that have polyploid genomes, many of which are being considered according to a paradigm of comprising conserved synteny blocks with respect to sequenced, related genomes.
Gene network and pathway analysis of bovine mammary tissue challenged with Streptococcus uberis reveals induction of cell proliferation and inhibition of PPARγ signaling as potential mechanism for the negative relationships between immune response and lipid metabolism
Authors: Moyes Kasey M , Drackley James K , Morin Dawn E , Bionaz Massimo , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L , Everts Robin E , Lewin Harris A , Loor Juan J
Published: November 2009

Background

Information generated via microarrays might uncover interactions between the mammary gland andStreptococcus uberis(S. uberis) that could help identify control measures for the prevention and spread ofS. uberismastitis, as well as improve overall animal health and welfare, and decrease economic losses to dairy farmers. The main objective of this study was to determine the most affected gene networks and pathways in mammary tissue in response to an intramammary infection (IMI) withS. uberisand relate these with other physiological measurements associated with immune and/or metabolic responses to mastitis challenge withS. uberisO140J.

Results

Streptococcus uberisIMI resulted in 2,102 (1,939 annotated) differentially expressed genes (DEG). Within this set of DEG, we uncovered 20 significantly enriched canonical pathways (with 20 to 61 genes each), the majority of which were signaling pathways. Among the most inhibited wereLXR/RXR SignalingandPPARα/RXRα Signaling. Pathways activated by IMI wereIL-10 SignalingandIL-6 Signalingwhich likely reflected counter mechanisms of mammary tissue to respond to infection. Of the 2,102 DEG, 1,082 were up-regulated during IMI and were primarily involved with the immune response, e.g.,IL6,TNF,IL8, IL10, SELL, LYZ, andSAA3. Genes down-regulated (1,020) included those associated with milk fat synthesis, e.g.,LPIN1, LPL, CD36, andBTN1A1. Network analysis of DEG indicated thatTNFhad positive relationships with genes involved with immune system function (e.g.,CD14, IL8, IL1B, andTLR2) and negative relationships with genes involved with lipid metabolism (e.g.,GPAM,SCD,FABP4,CD36, andLPL) and antioxidant activity (SOD1).

Conclusion

Results provided novel information into the early signaling and metabolic pathways in mammary tissue that are associated with the innate immune response toS. uberisinfection. Our study indicated that IMI challenge withS. uberis(strain O140J) elicited a strong transcriptomic response, leading to potent activation of pro-inflammatory pathways that were associated with a marked inhibition of lipid synthesis, stress-activated kinase signaling cascades, and PPAR signaling (most likely PPARγ). This latter effect may provide a mechanistic explanation for the inverse relationship between immune response and milk fat synthesis.
In vivo imaging of the tonoplast intrinsic protein family in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Gattolin Stefano , Sorieul Mathias , Hunter Paul R , Khonsari Roman H , Frigerio Lorenzo
Published: November 2009

Background

Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) are widely used as markers for vacuolar compartments in higher plants. Ten TIP isoforms are encoded by the Arabidopsis genome. For several isoforms, the tissue and cell specific pattern of expression are not known.

Results

We generated fluorescent protein fusions to the genomic sequences of all members of the Arabidopsis TIP family whose expression is predicted to occur in root tissues (TIP1;1 and 1;2; TIP2;1, 2;2 and 2;3; TIP4;1) and expressed these fusions, both individually and in selected pairwise combinations, in transgenic Arabidopsis. Analysis by confocal microscopy revealed that TIP distribution varied between different cell layers within the root axis, with extensive co-expression of some TIPs and more restricted expression patterns for other isoforms. TIP isoforms whose expression overlapped appeared to localise to the tonoplast of the central vacuole, vacuolar bulbs and smaller, uncharacterised structures.

Conclusion

We have produced a comprehensive atlas of TIP expression in Arabidopsis roots, which reveals novel expression patterns for not previously studied TIPs.
Systematic investigation of gastrointestinal diseases in China (SILC): validation of survey methodology
Authors: Yan Xiaoyan , Wang Rui , Zhao Yanfang , Ma Xiuqiang , Fang Jiqian , Yan Hong , Kang Xiaoping , Yin Ping , Hao Yuantao , Li Qiang , Dent John , Sung Joseph , Zou Duowu , Johansson Saga , Halling Katarina , Liu Wenbin , He Jia
Published: November 2009

Background

Symptom-based surveys suggest that the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases is lower in China than in Western countries. The aim of this study was to validate a methodology for the epidemiological investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms and endoscopic findings in China.

Methods

A randomized, stratified, multi-stage sampling methodology was used to select 18 000 adults aged 18-80 years from Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Wuhan and Guangzhou. Participants from Shanghai were invited to provide blood samples and undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. All participants completed Chinese versions of the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) and the modified Rome II questionnaire; 20% were also invited to complete the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The psychometric properties of the questionnaires were evaluated statistically.

Results

The study was completed by 16 091 individuals (response rate: 89.4%), with 3219 (89.4% of those invited) completing the SF-36 and ESS. All 3153 participants in Shanghai provided blood samples and 1030 (32.7%) underwent endoscopy. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.89, 0.89, 0.80 and 0.91, respectively, for the RDQ, modified Rome II questionnaire, ESS and SF-36, supporting internal consistency. Factor analysis supported construct validity of all questionnaire dimensions except SF-36 psychosocial dimensions.

Conclusion

This population-based study has great potential to characterize the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and endoscopic findings in China.
Diabetes and hypertension markedly increased the risk of ischemic stroke associated with high serum resistin concentration in a general Japanese population: the Hisayama Study
Authors: Osawa Haruhiko , Doi Yasufumi , Makino Hideichi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Yonemoto Koji , Kawamura Ryoichi , Hata Jun , Tanizaki Yumihiro , Iida Mitsuo , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: November 2009

Background

Resistin, secreted from adipocytes, causes insulin resistance in mice. The relationship between resistin and coronary artery disease is highly controversial, and the information regarding resistin and ischemic stroke is limited. In the present study, the association between serum resistin concentration and cardiovascular disease (CVD) was investigated in a general Japanese population.

Methods

A total of 3,201 community-dwelling individuals aged 40 years or older (1,382 men and 1,819 women) were divided into quintiles of serum resistin, and the association between resistin and CVD was examined cross-sectionally. The combined effect of either diabetes or hypertension and high serum resistin was also assessed. Serum resistin was measured using ELISA.

Results

Compared to those without CVD, age- and sex-adjusted mean serum resistin concentrations were greater in subjects with CVD (p = 0.002) or ischemic stroke (p < 0.001), especially in those with lacunar and atherothrombotic infarction, but not elevated in subjects with hemorrhagic stroke or coronary heart disease. When analyzed by quintile of serum resistin concentration, the age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having CVD and ischemic stroke increased with quintile of serum resistin (p for trends, 0.02 for CVD, < 0.001 for ischemic stroke), while such associations were not observed for hemorrhagic stroke or coronary heart disease. Compared to the first quintile, the age- and sex-adjusted OR of ischemic stroke was greater in the third (OR = 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-10.67; p = 0.02), fourth (OR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.53-13.09; p = 0.006), and fifth quintiles (OR = 4.70; 95% CI, 1.62-13.61; p = 0.004). These associations remained substantially unchanged even after adjustment for other confounding factors including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In the stratified analysis, the combination of high serum resistin and either diabetes or hypertension markedly increased the risk of ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

Elevated serum resistin concentration appears to be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, especially lacunar and atherothrombotic infarction in the general Japanese population. The combination of high resistin and the presence of either diabetes or hypertension increased the risk of ischemic stroke.
The relationship of Plasmodium falciparum humeral immunity with HIV-1 immunosuppression and treatment efficacy in Zambia
Authors: Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Van Eijk Erika , Yosaatmadja Francisca , Kasongo Webster , Mulenga Modest , D'Alessandro Umberto , Rogerson Stephen
Published: November 2009

Background

HIV-1 infection affects malaria humeral immunity during pregnancy, but data for non-pregnant adults are lacking. This study reports the impact of HIV-1 infection and other variables on the level of malaria humeral immunity in adults with clinical malaria and whether humeral immune suppression was a risk factor for treatment failure.

Methods

Sera of 224 HIV-1 infected and 115 uninfected adults were compared for IgG to merozoite antigens AMA-1 and MSP2 (3D7 and FC27 types) determined by ELISA, and for IgG to the Variant Surface Antigens (VSA) of three different parasite line E8B, A4 and HCD6 determined by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared to HIV-1 uninfected adults, AMA-1 IgG was lower in HIV-1 infected (P = 0.02) and associated with low CD4 count AMA-1 IgG (P = 0.003). Low IgG to all three merozoite antigens was associated with less anemia (P = 0.03). High parasite load was associated with low MSP2 IgG 3D7 and FC27 types (P = 0.02 and P = 0.08). Antibody levels to VSA did not differ between HIV-1 infected and uninfected adults. However, low VSA IgGs were associated with high parasite load (P ≤ 0.002 for each parasite line) and with treatment failure (P ≤ 0.04 for each parasite line).

Conclusion

HIV-1 affects humeral responses to AMA-1, but seems to marginally or not affect humeral responses to other merozoite antigens and VSAs. The latter were important for controlling parasite density and predict treatment outcome.
Study of age-related changes in postural control during quiet standing through Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Cavalheiro Guilherme L , Almeida Maria Fernanda S , Pereira Adriano A , Andrade Adriano O
Published: November 2009

Background

The human body adopts a number of strategies to maintain an upright position. The analysis of the human balance allows for the understanding and identification of such strategies. The displacement of the centre of pressure (COP) is a measure that has been successfully employed in studies regarding the postural control. Most of these investigations are related to the analysis of individuals suffering from neuromuscular disorders. Recent studies have shown that the elderly population is growing very fast in many countries all over the world, and therefore, researches that try to understand changes in this group are required. In this context, this study proposes the analysis of the postural control, measured by the displacement of the COP, in groups of young and elderly adults.

Methods

In total 59 subjects participated of this study. They were divided into seven groups according to their age. The displacement of the COP was collected for each subject standing on a force plate. Two experimental conditions, of 30 seconds each, were investigated: opened eyes and closed eyes. Traditional and recent digital signal processing tools were employed for feature computation from the displacement of the COP. Statistical analyses were carried out in order to identify significant differences between the features computed from the distinct groups that could allow for their discrimination.

Results

Our results showed that Linear Discrimination Analysis (LDA), which is one of the most popular feature extraction and classifier design techniques, could be successfully employed as a linear transformation, based on the linear combination of standard features for COP analysis, capable of estimating a unique feature, so-calledLDA-value, from which it was possible to discriminate the investigated groups and show a high correlation between this feature and age.

Conclusion

These results show that the analysis of features computed from the displacement of the COP are of great importance in studies trying to understand the ageing process. In particular, theLDA-valueshowed to be an adequate feature for assessment of changes in the postural control which can be related to functional changes that occur over the ageing.
iNOS activity is necessary for the cytotoxic and immunogenic effects of doxorubicin in human colon cancer cells
Authors: De Boo Sara , Kopecka Joanna , Brusa Davide , Gazzano Elena , Matera Lina , Ghigo Dario , Bosia Amalia , Riganti Chiara
Published: November 2009

Background

Doxorubicin is one of the few chemotherapeutic drugs able to exert both cytotoxic and pro-immunogenic effects against cancer cells. Following the drug administration, the intracellular protein calreticulin is translocated with an unknown mechanism onto the plasma membrane, where it triggers the phagocytosis of tumour cells by dendritic cells. Moreover doxorubicin up-regulates the inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) gene in cancer cells, leading to huge amounts of NO, which in turn acts as a mediator of the drug toxicity and as a chemosensitizer agent in colon cancer. Indeed by nitrating tyrosine on the multidrug resistance related protein 3, NO decreases the doxorubicin efflux from tumour cells and enhances the drug toxicity. It is not clear if NO, beside playing a role in chemosensitivity, may also play a role in doxorubicin pro-immunogenic effects. To clarify this issue, we compared the doxorubicin-sensitive human colon cancer HT29 cells with the drug-resistant HT29-dx cells and the HT29 cells silenced foriNOS(HT29iNOS-).

Results

In both HT29-dx and HT29iNOS-cells, doxorubicin did not induce NO synthesis, had a lower intracellular accumulation and a lower toxicity. Moreover the drug failed to promote the translocation of calreticulin and the phagocytosis of HT29-dx and HT29iNOS-cells, which resulted both chemoresistant and immunoresistant. However, if NO levels were exogenously increased by sodium nitroprusside, the chemosensitivity to doxorubicin was restored in HT29iNOS-cells. In parallel the NO donor per se was sufficient to induce the exposure of calreticulin and to increase the phagocytosis of HT29iNOS-cells by DCs and their functional maturation, thus mimicking the pro-immunogenic effects exerted by doxorubicin in the parental drug-sensitive HT29 cells.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that chemo- and immuno-resistance to anthracyclines are associated in colon cancer cells and rely on a common mechanism, that is the inability of doxorubicin to induceiNOS. Therefore NO donors might represent a promising strategy to restore both chemosensitivity and immunosensitivity to doxorubicin in resistant cells.