bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity Entrepreneurship and the Consequences of Identity Failure: The Dynamics of Leadership in the BBC Prison Study
Authors: Haslam S. Alexander , Reicher Stephen
Published: January 2010

The BBC Prison Study was an experimental case study in which participants were randomly assigned to groups as prisoners or guards. This paper examines the impact of interventions designed to increase prisoners' sense of shared social identity on processes of leadership. It presents psychometric, behavioral, and observational data which support the propositions that (a) social identity makes leadership possible, (b) effective leadership facilitates the development of social identity, and (c) the long-term success and failure of leadership depends on the viability of identity-related projects. The study also points to the role of identity failure in precipitating change in general and the emergence of authoritarian leadership in particular. Findings provide integrated support for claims that social identity and self-categorization processes are fundamental to the leadership process and associated experiences of collective efficacy.
Identity Change in Newly Married Couples: Effects Of Positive And Negative Feedback
Authors: Cast Alicia D. , Cantwell Allison M.
Published: January 2010

Previous research has examined individuals' relative preference for consistent and enhancing feedback by examining reactions to negative and positive feedback. Recent research shows that, in general, individuals prefer feedback that is consistent with self-views, even if feedback is negative. It is unclear, however, whether negative and positive feedback equally affect actual changes in individuals' self-views. Using insights from Identity Control Theory (Burke 1991, 1996) and a sample of newly married couples, we examine whether positive and negative feedback are equally influential in affecting change in individuals' self-views. We also examine possible change in spouses' views. Results show that when there is a discrepancy between individuals' self-views and their spouses' views, both change in ways to become more consistent with the views of the other. Moreover, individuals and spouses are as likely to adopt negative views as they are to adopt positive views, supporting self-consistency theories.
The Value of Reciprocity
Authors: Molm Linda D. , Schaefer David R. , Collett Jessica L.
Published: January 2010

The value of reciprocity in social exchange potentially comprises both instrumental value (the value of the actual benefits received from exchange) and communicative or symbolic value (the expressive and uncertainty reduction value conveyed by features of the act of reciprocity itself). While all forms of exchange provide instrumental value, we propose that the voluntary and uncertain nature of recurring reciprocal exchanges, in which actors individually give benefits to each other without formal agreements, make the act of reciprocity itself an important vehicle for conveying symbolic value. We experimentally test the value actors place on partners' voluntary acts of reciprocity—over and above the instrumental benefits obtained—by providing subjects with computer-simulated partners who systematically vary in the instrumental value, probability, and predictability of their reciprocity. Our results show that behavioral preferences are governed primarily by the instrumental value of exchange, while sentiments of trust, affective regard, and solidarity are strongly influenced by the symbolic value of constant reciprocity. We discuss implications for theories of social exchange and social capital.
Similarity and Group Performance
Authors: H.W. Civettini Nicole
Published: January 2010

This paper investigates the effects that different patterns of similarity among group members have on a group's performance on a problem-solving task. I discuss and test hypotheses on the effects of similarity on group performance derived from two literatures: balance theory and research on homophily. In an experiment I found that the relative balance of the pattern of similarity was more important in predicting how quickly groups establish norms of interaction and complete a task than how similar group members were to each other. Neither balance nor the degree of similarity had a significant effect on the quality of the groups' work. I conclude that groups with balanced similarity structures produce task solutions that approximate the quality of those from other groups, but they do so in significantly less time. That is, balanced groups are more efficient than unbalanced groups.
The “Real Self” and Inauthenticity: The Importance of Self-Concept Anchorage for Emotional Experiences in the Workplace
Authors: Sloan Melissa M.
Published: January 2010

I examine the utility of self-concept anchorage (as described by Turner 1976) in the analysis of inauthenticity in the workplace. As controlling internally felt emotion may distance the worker from her true feelings or true self, the management of emotion in the workplace can produce feelings of inauthenticity in the worker. This relationship has been demonstrated in previous research. However, as noted by some researchers, the relationship between emotion management and inauthenticity assumes that workers experience spontaneous, unmanaged emotions as representative of their true self (an impulsive orientation to emotion). I analyze a worker's self-concept orientation as a moderator of the relationship between emotion management in the workplace and feelings of inauthenticity. The results reveal the importance of considering self-concept anchorage in analyses of inauthenticity in the workplace; however, the effect appears at the level of emotional feeling rather than display.
Altruism and Indirect Reciprocity: The Interaction of Person and Situation in Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Simpson Brent , Willer Robb
Published: January 2010

A persistent puzzle in the social and biological sciences is the existence of prosocial behavior, actions that benefit others, often at a cost to oneself. Recent theoretical models and empirical studies of indirect reciprocity show that actors behave prosocially in order to develop an altruistic reputation and receive future benefits from third parties. Accordingly, individuals should stop investing in reputations via prosocial behavior when a future benefit (via indirect reciprocity) is unlikely. The conclusion that the absence of reputational incentives necessarily leads to egoistic behavior contrasts sharply with models of heterogeneous social preferences. Such models demonstrate the theoretical plausibility of populations composed of egoists and altruists. Results of Study One show that actors classified a priori as egoists respond strategically to reputational incentives, whereas those classified a priori as altruists are less affected by these incentives. Egoists act prosocially when reputational incentives are at stake but not when opportunities for indirect reciprocity are absent, while altruists tend to act prosocially regardless of whether reputational incentives are present. These results suggest that altruistic behavior can result from non-strategic altruism or reputation-building egoism. Study Two replicates these results and explores indirect reciprocation of others' prosocial acts. We found that altruists indirectly reciprocate at higher levels than egoists, and individuals tend to discount others' prosocial behaviors when they occur in the presence of reputational incentives. As a result, public prosocial behaviors are indirectly reciprocated less than private prosocial behaviors. In line with our argument that altruists pay less attention to reputational incentives, egoists showed a greater tendency than altruists to discount others' public prosocial behaviors. The results support the growing focus on heterogeneity of individuals'social preferences in models of altruism and indirect reciprocity.
How Adult Children Influence Older Parents' Mental Health: Integrating Stress-process and Life-course Perspectives
Authors: Milkie Melissa A. , Bierman Alex , Schieman Scott
Published: January 2010

In this study, we integrate insights from the life-course and stress-process perspectives to argue that adult children's negative treatment of parents, as well as negative events that children experience, detrimentally affect elderly parents' mental health over time. We argue that these strains may affect mothers more than fathers, and blacks more than whites, because of the greater importance of the parental role to these groups in late life. Using data from more than 600 older African American and white parents over a four-year period, we show that negative treatment by adult children is positively related to changes in depression and anger, but effects on depression are limited to black parents and effects on anger are limited to mothers. Adult children becoming ill or unemployed positively relates to changes in distress over time, but only for black parents. Surprisingly, marital dissolution by adult children is related to decreases in anger for black parents. This research indicates that the social-psychological implications of the parental role do not end when children are adults; however, the influence on mental health in old age may vary by social status.
Diagnosing Our National Disease: Trends in Income and Happiness, 1973 to 2004
Authors: Schnittker Jason
Published: January 2010

An important paradox of the happiness literature is the apparent disconnect between economic growth and happiness, referred to as the “Easterlin Paradox.” Although real income has grown over the last thirty years, happiness has stagnated or perhaps even declined. There are a variety of explanations for this. Some emphasize psychological factors, such as relative deprivation or growing financial dissatisfaction, whereas others emphasize the behavior associated with higher incomes, such as longer work hours and the trade-offs such hours entail for leisure, relationships, and health. Drawing on the cumulative 1973 to 2004 General Social Survey and using a sample of working-aged adults, this article demonstrates the complexity of these trends and suggests that once we consider multiple sources of satisfaction, trends in real income have less paradoxical implications. The principal force behind declining happiness has been a decline in the number of working-aged Americans who are married, as well as declining marital satisfaction. These trends, however, have been largely independent of trends in income. In fact, once marital factors are considered, the negative trend in happiness reverses direction, and economic factors emerge as the single most important force underlying growing happiness. This result reflects a number of things. First, contrary to speculation regarding growing financial dissatisfaction, trends in financial satisfaction have, in recent periods, overlapped with gains in real income. Relatedly, perceptions of relative income have increased, despite growing income inequality. Finally, there is no evidence for “overwork” among families, at least as applied to happiness. To be sure, families are working longer hours, and there are (occasionally sharp) trade-offs between work hours and assorted sources of well-being. Nevertheless, families are far from the point where their work patterns begin to compromise their happiness. Indeed, families are, if anything, approaching an optimum. Overall the results suggest that happiness is the net result of multiple factors, and much can be gained by focusing on economic improvements, as well as the objective and subjectively rational behaviors underlying these improvements.
The Pasts of a Fringe Community
Authors: Zou David Vumlallian
Published: January 2010

Drawing on the practices of ethno-history and micro-history, this article examines the nature of community-state relation in the borderland between southern Manipur and Upper Burma. Identified by different names, the Zou is a fringe community and a non-state entity that has sustained a fluid identity under changing historical contexts. Within the ‘galactic polities’ of pre-colonial Chin Hills, the confederate Zou chiefs lost out to their agnatic rivals (the Kamhau–Sukte clan) in the battle for local dominance around the 1870s. Thanks to the annexation of Upper Burma in 1885 by Lord Dufferin, the Zou became British subjects who later took part in the anti-colonial ‘Kuki Rising’ or Zou Gal (1917–19) in Manipur. From being ‘rebellious’ subjects of the Raj, the Zou community in independent India managed to get itself recognised as a ‘scheduled tribe’ in 1956. The post-colonial era saw the surge of modernising forces like the birth of local church movement, ethnic identity formation and political consciousness; but the ‘cultural metabolism’ of this marginal community allows for both resistance to and acceptance of external challenges.
Space, Water, Memory
Authors: Richards Sandra L.
Published: January 2010

This article explores the tension between place, space, and memory as they relate to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and are enacted in the arena of tourism. Tourism seeks to produce an appealing, easily narrativized experience that distinguishes one locale from another, thereby attracting tourist dollars, but that project is destabilized when visitors choose to remember outside normative categories. This article scrutinizes three performances on display over the Memorial Day weekend in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 2004: the Gullah Festival’s final ceremony of ancestral remembrance, the historical map offered visitors, and the parade and memorial service sponsored by the city on Memorial Day. At issue are questions of the performance of locality or a regional, black diaspora identity (Gullah-Geechee) in problematic relationship to an American identity. The waterside Gullah ceremony locates participants in a particular place while also inviting them to the undefined space connecting the living and the departed; the fixity of the tourist map and historic buildings betray people that society has learned to forget; and local participation in Memorial Day observances manifest ongoing contestations concerning regional and national identity, freedom and democracy.
Does Moral Psychology Need Moral Theory?
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: January 2010

Much has been written lately about the issue of fence mending versus fence crossing between moral philosophy and experimental social science. I focus on a specific manifestation of this issue, as instantiated in the recent debate between moral psychologists and philosophers on how the former should react to the fall of Kohlbergianism. Is it perhaps advisable to react by focusing on “psychologized morality” rather than, as Kohlberg did, on “moralized psychology”? I use recent self-research as a test case: Does moral psychology need moral theory to account for the self, or can it assume the kind of academic sovereignty that advocates of “psychologized morality” suggest? Although the eventual answer runs counter to the idea of “psychologized morality,” I suggest that adherence to “moralized psychology” must be modified by some important caveats.
A Method for Quantifying Adaptability in Engineering Design
Authors: Fletcher Daniel , Brennan Robert W. , Gu Peihua
Published: January 2010

This article presents a framework to provide design engineers with an objective assessment of the degree to which a product can be adapted to meet changing customer requirements. The work is grounded in the emerging field of adaptable design, and is motivated by the need to reduce the uncertainty and cost of the product development process through the systematic reuse of design information. The article focuses primarily on an analytical exploration of an adaptability quantification framework that is intended to provide designers with the ability to quantify adaptability and make objective design decisions based on this information during the design process. The proposed framework is illustrated with a simple case study that compares the relative adaptability of a personal computer versus a calculator.
Human Trafficking in Scotland
Authors: Lebov Korin
Published: January 2010

This paper reports on interview-based research carried out to improve the evidence base around human trafficking in Scotland. It aims to construct a more detailed national picture of the nature and extent of the phenomenon while also examining the issues and challenges for policing and victim care in a Scottish context. In total, 79 individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking came into contact with agencies in Scotland between April 2007 and March 2008. The majority of cases involved adult female victims who had been trafficked into sexual exploitation. Overall, this research echoes the message of that carried out in other jurisdictions: human trafficking is a complex area of policing and victim care with many challenges.
Key Decisions of a First-year ‘Turnaround’ Principal
Authors: Duke Daniel , Salmonowicz Michael
Published: January 2010

This article examines the decisions made by one principal in her first year as a school turnaround specialist in a low-performing urban elementary school. Researchers focused on decisions related to the principal’s three high-priority concerns: (1) elimination of an ineffective instructional program; (2) creation of a culture of teacher accountability; and (3) development of an effective reading program. Forty-nine decisions were identified and organized into five categories—performance, policy, program, process, and personnel decisions. The study concludes with a discussion of what principals need to know in order to make the kinds of decisions required of a ‘turnaround’ principal.
Introduction of Formal Performance Appraisal of Academic Staff
Authors: Egginton Bill E.
Published: January 2010

Historically, higher educational institutions (HEIs) have been independent institutions, backed by an ideology that led staff to expect and enjoy high levels of independence and autonomy, relatively free from any sense of management, commercial responsibility and accountability. However, in recent times, the education sector has been subject to increasing levels of scrutiny and regulation spurred on by central government initiatives related to standards and quality, and ever increasing expectations from students and other customers. These developments have heralded changes in human resources policy reflected in staff appraisal systems. The article describes the management challenges that established educational institutions now face under six key headings, with issues that range from the ‘hard’ (agreement on targets, clarification of structures) to the ‘soft’ (clash of ideologies and cultures). Proposals for improved implementation are given and, drawing heavily on Contingency Theory, two ‘new models’ are presented to help support the analysis.
Effect of Middle-level Leader and Teacher Emotional Intelligence on School Teachers’ Job Satisfaction
Authors: Wong Chi-Sum , Wong Ping-Man , Peng Kelly Z.
Published: January 2010

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been an emerging topic for educational, psychological and management researchers and consultants in recent years. Despite the emerging consensus of its definition and evidence reported in business organizations, relatively little empirical evidence have been reported in the education literature. We conducted two studies to investigate the impact of middle-level leader and teacher EI on teachers’ job outcomes. In Study 1, 107 teachers were asked to list the attributes of successful middle-level leaders in their schools. In Study 2, 3866 school teachers and middle-level leaders were surveyed on their EI and job satisfaction level. Results provide supports concerning the impact of teacher and middle-level leader EI on school teachers’ job satisfaction. Implications are discussed.
Do individuals with schizophrenia and a borderline intellectual disability benefit from psychoeducational groups?
Authors: Pitschel-Walz Gabriele , Bäuml Josef , Froböse Teresa , Gsottschneider Anna , Jahn Thomas
Published: January 2010

Studies on psychoeducation in schizophrenia demonstrate significant effects on rehospitalization rates, compliance and knowledge. Within the framework of the Munich COGPIP study we examined whether borderline intellectual disability in patients with schizophrenia limits the benefit from psychoeducational groups. A total of 116 inpatients with schizophrenic or schizoaffective disorders were recruited for the COGPIP study. A manualized, interactive psychoeducational programme of eight sessions (4 weeks) was initiated. Measures of knowledge, adherence and the concept of illness were completed before and after the groups. The short-term outcome of 22 participants with schizophrenia and borderline intellectual disability (IQ 70—85) was compared with the outcome of 75 participants with schizophrenia and IQ > 85. Results showed that individuals with schizophrenia and borderline intellectual disability could be successfully integrated into general psychoeducational groups. The conclusion is that borderline intellectual disability should not be an exclusion criterion for participation in such groups.
Listening to women with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems
Authors: Taggart L. , McMillan R. , Lawson A.
Published: January 2010

Women without intellectual disabilities are more likely to develop mental health problems as a result of physiological functioning and psychosocial risk factors. However, little is known about the mental health of women with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore a small group of women’s perceptions of the risk and protective factors pertaining to their mental health conditions. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2007 in Northern Ireland. Thematic content analysis identified three risk factors and four protective/resilient factors. None of the women identified physiological functioning as a risk factor. Results suggest that women with intellectual disabilities experience psychosocial risk factors similar to those reported by women without intellectual disability. Additional risk factors place them at higher risk of developing mental health problems. However, more research is required.
Reduced Ca2+ transport across sarcolemma but enhanced spontaneous activity in cardiomyocytes isolated from left atrium-pulmonary veins tissue of myopathic hamster
Authors: Loh Yue-Xia , Wu Kuo-Ho , Chen Yao-Chang , Hsu Chih-Hsiung , Wei Jeng , Lin Cheng-I
Published: January 2010

Background

Several lines of evidence point to a particularly important role of the left atrium (LA) in initiating and maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF). This role may be related to the location of pulmonary veins (PVs) in the LA. The aim of the present study was to investigate the action potential (AP) and ionic currents in LA-PV cardiomyocytes isolated from Bio14.6 myopathic Syrian hamsters (36-57 week-old) versus age-matched F1B healthy control hamsters.

Methods and Results

Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to record AP in current-clamp mode and ionic currents in voltage-clamp mode. The results obtained show that in both healthy and myopathic LA-PV tissue spontaneously discharging cardiomyocytes can be found, but they are more numerous in myopathic (9/29) than in healthy hamsters (4/42, p < 0.05 by χ2analysis). Myopathic myocytes have shorter AP duration (APD) with smaller ICa,Land INCXthan the healthy control. The currents ITO, IK, IK1and ICa,Tare not significantly different in myopathic versus healthy cells.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that in myopathic Syrian hamsters LA-PV cardiomyocytes are more prone to automatic rhythms. Also, they show altered electrophysiologic properties, which may be due to abnormal Ca2+channels and may account for contractile dysfunction.
Function of nuclear transport factor 2 and Ran in the 20E signal transduction pathway in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: He Hong-Juan , Wang Qian , Zheng Wei-Wei , Wang Jin-Xing , Song Qi-Sheng , Zhao Xiao-Fan
Published: January 2010

Background

Nuclear transport factor 2 and small GTPase Ran participate in the nucleo-cytoplasm transport of macromolecules, but their function in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signal transduction pathway are not well known.

Results

A 703 bp encoding Ntf2 and a 1233 bp encoding Ran full-length cDNAs were cloned from Helicoverpa armigera, and named Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran, respectively. Northern blot and immunoblotting revealed that Ha-Ntf2 had an obviously higher expression levels in the head-thorax and integument of the metamorphically committed larvae. In contrast, the expression of Ha-Ran did not show obvious variation at various developmental stages in four tissues by immunoblotting analysis, except in the midgut, which showed increased expression from 5th-36 h (molting) to 6th-48 h. Both expressions of Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran could be upregulated by 20E in vitro. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran were primarily localized in the nucleus of various tissues. Protein binding assay and co-immunoprecipitation indicated that Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran can combine with each other in vitro and in vivo. Knock down of Ha-Ntf2 or Ha-Ran by RNAi resulted in the suppression of other 20E regulated genes including EcR-B1, USP1, E75B, BR-CZ2, HHR3 and Ha-eIF5c. In addition, the knockdown of Ha-Ntf2 resulted in Ha-Ran being prevented in the cytoplasm. The nuclear location of the ecdysone receptor b1 (EcR-B1) was also blocked after the knockdown of Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran.

Conclusion

These evidences suggested that Ha-Ntf2 and Ha-Ran participated in the 20E signal transduction pathway by regulating the location of EcR-B1.
Phylogenetic footprinting of non-coding RNA: hammerhead ribozyme sequences in a satellite DNA family of Dolichopodacave crickets (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae)
Authors: Martinsen Lene , Johnsen Arild , Venanzetti Federica , Bachmann Lutz
Published: January 2010

Background

The great variety in sequence, length, complexity, and abundance of satellite DNA has made it difficult to ascribe any function to this genome component. Recent studies have shown that satellite DNA can be transcribed and be involved in regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. Some satellite DNAs, such as the pDo500 sequence family in Dolichopoda cave crickets, have a catalytic hammerhead (HH) ribozyme structure and activity embedded within each repeat.

Results

We assessed the phylogenetic footprints of the HH ribozyme within the pDo500 sequences from 38 different populations representing 12 species of Dolichopoda. The HH region was significantly more conserved than the non-hammerhead (NHH) region of the pDo500 repeat. In addition, stems were more conserved than loops. In stems, several compensatory mutations were detected that maintain base pairing. The core region of the HH ribozyme was affected by very few nucleotide substitutions and the cleavage position was altered only once among 198 sequences. RNA folding of the HH sequences revealed that a potentially active HH ribozyme can be found in most of the Dolichopoda populations and species.

Conclusions

The phylogenetic footprints suggest that the HH region of the pDo500 sequence family is selected for function in Dolichopoda cave crickets. However, the functional role of HH ribozymes in eukaryotic organisms is unclear. The possible functions have been related to trans cleavage of an RNA target by a ribonucleoprotein and regulation of gene expression. Whether the HH ribozyme in Dolichopoda is involved in similar functions remains to be investigated. Future studies need to demonstrate how the observed nucleotide changes and evolutionary constraint have affected the catalytic efficiency of the hammerhead.
The B chromosomes of the African cichlid fish Haplochromis obliquidens harbour 18S rRNA gene copies
Authors: Poletto Andréia B , Ferreira Irani A , Martins Cesar
Published: January 2010

Background

Diverse plant and animal species have B chromosomes, also known as accessory, extra or supernumerary chromosomes. Despite being widely distributed among different taxa, the genomic nature and genetic behavior of B chromosomes are still poorly understood.

Results

In this study we describe the occurrence of B chromosomes in the African cichlid fish Haplochromis obliquidens. One or two large B chromosome(s) occurring in 39.6% of the analyzed individuals (both male and female) were identified. To better characterize the karyotype and assess the nature of the B chromosomes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using probes for telomeric DNA repeats, 18S and 5S rRNA genes, SATA centromeric satellites, and bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) enriched in repeated DNA sequences. The B chromosomes are enriched in repeated DNAs, especially non-active 18S rRNA gene-like sequences.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the B chromosome could have originated from rDNA bearing subtelo/acrocentric A chromosomes through formation of an isochromosome, or by accumulation of repeated DNAs and rRNA gene-like sequences in a small proto-B chromosome derived from the A complement.
Comprehensive in silico prediction and analysis of chlamydial outer membrane proteins reflects evolution and life style of the Chlamydiae
Authors: Heinz Eva , Tischler Patrick , Rattei Thomas , Myers Garry , Wagner Michael , Horn Matthias
Published: January 2010

Background

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria comprising some of the most important bacterial pathogens of animals and humans. Although chlamydial outer membrane proteins play a key role for attachment to and entry into host cells, only few have been described so far. We developed a comprehensive, multiphasic in silico approach, including the calculation of clusters of orthologues, to predict outer membrane proteins using conservative criteria. We tested this approach using Escherichia coli (positive control) and Bacillus subtilis (negative control), and applied it to five chlamydial species; Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia muridarum, Chlamydia (a.k.a. Chlamydophila) pneumoniae, Chlamydia (a.k.a. Chlamydophila) caviae, and Protochlamydia amoebophila.

Results

In total, 312 chlamydial outer membrane proteins and lipoproteins in 88 orthologous clusters were identified, including 238 proteins not previously recognized to be located in the outer membrane. Analysis of their taxonomic distribution revealed an evolutionary conservation among Chlamydiae, Verrucomicrobia, Lentisphaerae and Planctomycetes as well as lifestyle-dependent conservation of the chlamydial outer membrane protein composition.

Conclusion

This analysis suggested a correlation between the outer membrane protein composition and the host range of chlamydiae and revealed a common set of outer membrane proteins shared by these intracellular bacteria. The collection of predicted chlamydial outer membrane proteins is available at the online database pCOMP http://www.microbial-ecology.net/pcomp and might provide future guidance in the quest for anti-chlamydial vaccines.
Impaired neurogenesis, learning and memory and low seizure threshold associated with loss of neural precursor cell survivin
Authors: Coremans Vanessa , Ahmed Tariq , Balschun Detlef , D'Hooge Rudi , DeVriese Astrid , Cremer Jonathan , Antonucci Flavia , Moons Michaël , Baekelandt Veerle , Reumers Veerle , Cremer Harold , Eisch Amelia , Lagace Diane , Janssens Tom , Bozzi Yuri , Caleo Matteo , Conway Edward M
Published: January 2010

Background

Survivin is a unique member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family in that it exhibits antiapoptotic properties and also promotes the cell cycle and mediates mitosis as a chromosome passenger protein. Survivin is highly expressed in neural precursor cells in the brain, yet its function there has not been elucidated.

Results

To examine the role of neural precursor cell survivin, we first showed that survivin is normally expressed in periventricular neurogenic regions in the embryo, becoming restricted postnatally to proliferating and migrating NPCs in the key neurogenic sites, the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ). We then used a conditional gene inactivation strategy to delete the survivin gene prenatally in those neurogenic regions. Lack of embryonic NPC survivin results in viable, fertile mice (Survivin

Camcre
) with reduced numbers of SVZ NPCs, absent rostral migratory stream, and olfactory bulb hypoplasia. The phenotype can be partially rescued, as intracerebroventricular gene delivery of survivin during embryonic development increases olfactory bulb neurogenesis, detected postnatally. Survivin

Camcre
brains have fewer cortical inhibitory interneurons, contributing to enhanced sensitivity to seizures, and profound deficits in memory and learning.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the critical role that survivin plays during neural development, deficiencies of which dramatically impact on postnatal neural function.
Schistosoma mansoni infection reduces the incidence of murine cerebral malaria
Authors: Waknine-Grinberg Judith H , Gold Daniel , Ohayon Ariel , Flescher Eliezer , Heyfets Alina , Doenhoff Michael J , Schramm Gabriele , Haas Helmut , Golenser Jacob
Published: January 2010

Background

PlasmodiumandSchistosomaare two of the most common parasites in sub-tropical areas. Deregulation of the immune response toPlasmodium falciparum, characterized by a Th1 response, leads to cerebral malaria (CM), while a Th2 response accompanies chronic schistosomiasis.

Methods

The development of CM was examined in mice with concomitantSchistosoma mansoniandPlasmodium bergheiANKA infections. The effect of S.mansoniegg antigen injection on disease development and survival was also determined. Cytokine serum levels were estimated using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test.

Results

The results demonstrate that concomitantS. mansoniandP. bergheiANKA infection leads to a reduction in CM. This effect is dependent on infection schedule and infecting cercariae number, and is correlated with a Th2 response. Schistosomal egg antigen injection delays the death of Plasmodium-infected mice, indicating immune involvement.

Conclusions

This research supports previous claims of a protective effect of helminth infection on CM development. The presence of multiple parasitic infections in patients from endemic areas should therefore be carefully noted in clinical trials, and in the development of standard treatment protocols for malaria. Defined helminth antigens may be considered for alleviation of immunopathological symptoms.
Proteomic analysis of regenerating mouse liver following 50% partial hepatectomy
Authors: Cao Hongcui , Yu Jiong , Xu Wei , Jia Xiaofei , Yang Jinfeng , Pan Qiaoling , Zhang Qiyi , Sheng Guoping , Li Jun , Pan Xiaoping , Wang Yingjie , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2010

Background

Although 70% (or 2/3) partial hepatectomy (PH) is the most studied model for liver regeneration, the hepatic protein expression profile associated with lower volume liver resection (such as 50% PH) has not yet been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the global protein expression profile of the regenerating mouse liver following 50% PH by differential proteomics, and thereby gaining some insights into the hepatic regeneration mechanism(s) under this milder but clinically more relevant condition.

Results

Proteins from sham-operated mouse livers and livers regenerating for 24 h after 50% PH were separated by SDS-PAGE and analyzed by nanoUPLC-Q-Tof mass spectrometry. Compared to sham-operated group, there were totally 87 differentially expressed proteins (with 50 up-regulated and 37 down-regulated ones) identified in the regenerating mouse livers, most of which have not been previously related to liver regeneration. Remarkably, over 25 differentially expressed proteins were located at mitochondria. Several of the mitochondria-resident proteins which play important roles in citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production were found to be down-regulated, consistent with the recently-proposed model in which the reduction of ATP content in the remnant liver gives rise to early stress signals that contribute to the onset of liver regeneration. Pathway analysis revealed a central role of c-Myc in the regulation of liver regeneration.

Conclusions

Our study provides novel evidence for mitochondria as a pivotal organelle that is connected to liver regeneration, and lays the foundation for further studies on key factors and pathways involved in liver regeneration following 50% PH, a condition frequently used for partial liver transplantation and conservative liver resection.
Bilateral Brown syndrome in one pair of dizygotic twins: a case report
Authors: Attarzadeh Abbas , Hoseinirad Abbas , Rahat Feisal
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Brown syndrome is a rare ocular movement abnormality. This syndrome is characterized by an inability to elevate the affected eye in adduction. Most cases are sporadic but the occurrence in Monozygotic twins has suggested the possible autosomal dominant inheritance in Brown syndrome.

Case presentation

A 4-year-old girl (one pair of dizygotic twins) was referred to our pediatric ophthalmology clinic to assess her abnormal eye movement noticed by her mother. Visual acuity of both eyes was 20/20 with Snellen chart. Ocular motility showed mild exotropia in primary position with marked divergence in upward gaze (V pattern), mild hypotropia in adduction, and limitation of elevation in adduction of both eyes (Fig. 1A). We also examined her sister, all ocular evaluations including visual acuity, slit lamp examination, funduscopy and ocular motility (Ductions & Versions) were normal without any limitation.

We also review the related articles that previously have reported Brown syndrome in twins.

Conclusion

Although there are few case reports of Brown syndrome in twins, combination of these reports may elucidate the genetic basis of this disease.
Prescribing antipsychotics for children and adolescents
Authors: James Anthony C.
Published: January 2010

The prescription of antipsychotic medication in children and adolescents (<18 years of age) has increased immensely for a wide range of disorders including psychoses, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder. This has led to some concerns particularly as the evidence base in some areas is not strong, and antipsychotic medication – both first generation (FGA) and second generation (SGA) – is associated with considerable side-effects. Evidence from an increasing number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) points to therapeutic efficacy with moderate to large effect sizes. However, some RCTs have a small number of participants, are of short duration, and many are industry funded. The use of antipsychotics alongside psychosocial interventions can be recommended in certain disorders, provided there is continued, careful monitoring. It is important to note, however, that for many conditions the use of antipsychotics is not licensed in the UK.
Challenging healthcare discrimination
Authors: Byrne Peter
Published: January 2010

Stigma-discrimination against people with mental health problems is more prevalent and damaging than the weaker ‘stigma by association’ experienced by mental healthcare professionals. Not only are patients reluctant to seek psychiatric help, but they are shunned by society and discriminated against by general healthcare services when they do. Other clinicians see psychiatric services as a last resort and government funding of these services is disproportionately low. Psychiatrists must engage in anti-stigma activities. I suggest ways in which, both in the clinical arena and in the wider context of education and society, psychiatrists can challenge clinicians' and the public's value judgements of psychiatric patients.
Service user, patient, client, user or survivor: describing recipients of mental health services
Authors: Simmons Peter , Hawley Chris J. , Gale Tim M. , Sivakumaran Thanusha
Published: January 2010

Aims and method

To determine which terms receivers of mental health services wish to be known by (service user, patient, client, user, survivor) according to the professional consulted (psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist). We conducted a questionnaire study to assess terms by like or dislike and by rank order. There were 336 participants from local catchment area secondary care community and in-patient settings in east Hertfordshire.

Results

Patient is the preferred term when consulted by psychiatrists and nurses, but it is equally preferable to client for social workers and occupational therapists. Service user is disliked more than liked overall, particularly by those who consulted a health professional, but not by those who consulted a social worker. A significant minority wish to be regarded as a survivor or user.

Clinical implications

National and local mental health services should adopt evidence-based terminology in referring to ‘patient’ or, in some groups, ‘patient or client’ in preference to ‘service user’.
Clinical Activity of mTOR Inhibition With Sirolimus in Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumors: Targeting the Pathogenic Activation of mTORC1 in Tumors
Authors: Wagner Andrew J. , Malinowska-Kolodziej Izabela , Morgan Jeffrey A. , Qin Wei , Fletcher Christopher D.M. , Vena Natalie , Ligon Azra H. , Antonescu Cristina R. , Ramaiya Nikhil H. , Demetri George D. , Kwiatkowski David J. , Maki Robert G.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) represent a family of mesenchymal neoplasms, mechanistically linked through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. There is no known effective therapy for PEComa, and the molecular pathophysiology of aberrant mTOR signaling provided us with a scientific rationale to target this pathway therapeutically. On this mechanistic basis, we treated three consecutive patients with metastatic PEComa with an oral mTOR inhibitor, sirolimus.

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced PEComa were treated with sirolimus and consented to retrospective collection of data from their medical records and analysis of archival tumor specimens. Tumor response was determined by computed tomography scans obtained at the clinical discretion of the treating physicians. Tumors were assessed for immunohistochemical evidence of mTORC1 activation and genetic evidence of alterations in TSC1 and TSC2.

Results

Radiographic responses to sirolimus were observed in all patients. PEComas demonstrated loss of TSC2 protein expression and evidence of baseline mTORC1 activation. Homozygous loss of TSC1 was identified in one PEComa.

Conclusion

Inhibition of mTORC1, pathologically activated by loss of the TSC1/TSC2 tumor suppressor complex, is a rational mechanistic target for therapy in PEComas. The clinical activity of sirolimus in PEComa additionally strengthens the pathobiologic similarities linking PEComas to other neoplasms related to the tuberous sclerosis complex.
The cell adhesion molecule Roughest depends on βHeavy-spectrin during eye morphogenesis in Drosophila
Authors: Lee Hyun-Gwan , Zarnescu Daniela C. , MacIver Bryce , Thomas Claire M.
Published: January 2010

Cell junctions have both structural and morphogenetic roles, and contain complex mixtures of proteins whose interdependencies are still largely unknown. Junctions are also major signaling centers that signify correct integration into a tissue, and modulate cell survival. During Drosophila eye development, the activity of the immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecule Roughest (also known as Irregular chiasm C-roughest protein) mediates interommatidial cell (IOC) reorganization, leading to an apoptotic event that refines the retinal lattice. Roughest and the cadherin-based zonula adherens (ZA) are interdependent and both are modulated by the apical polarity determinant, Crumbs. Here we describe a novel relationship between the Crumbs partner βHeavy-spectrin (βH), the ZA and Roughest. Ectopic expression of the C-terminal segment 33 of βH (βH33) induces defects in retinal morphogenesis, resulting the preferential loss of IOC. This effect is associated with ZA disruption and Roughest displacement. In addition, loss-of-function karst and roughest mutations interact to cause a synergistic and catastrophic effect on retinal development. Finally, we show that βH coimmunoprecipitates with Roughest and that the distribution of Roughest protein is disrupted in karst mutant tissue. These results suggest that the apical spectrin membrane skeleton helps to coordinate the Cadherin-based ZA with Roughest-based morphogenesis.
Neuronal low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 binds and endocytoses prion fibrils via receptor cluster 4
Authors: Jen Angela , Parkyn Celia J. , Mootoosamy Roy C. , Ford Melanie J. , Warley Alice , Liu Qiang , Bu Guojun , Baskakov Ilia V. , Moestrup Søren , McGuinness Lindsay , Emptage Nigel , Morris Roger J.
Published: January 2010

For infectious prion protein (designated PrPSc) to act as a template to convert normal cellular protein (PrPC) to its distinctive pathogenic conformation, the two forms of prion protein (PrP) must interact closely. The neuronal receptor that rapidly endocytoses PrPC is the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). We show here that on sensory neurons LRP1 is also the receptor that binds and rapidly endocytoses smaller oligomeric forms of infectious prion fibrils, and recombinant PrP fibrils. Although LRP1 binds two molecules of most ligands independently to its receptor clusters 2 and 4, PrPC and PrPSc fibrils bind only to receptor cluster 4. PrPSc fibrils out-compete PrPC for internalization. When endocytosed, PrPSc fibrils are routed to lysosomes, rather than recycled to the cell surface with PrPC. Thus, although LRP1 binds both forms of PrP, it traffics them to separate fates within sensory neurons. The binding of both to ligand cluster 4 should enable genetic modification of PrP binding without disrupting other roles of LRP1 essential to neuronal viability and function, thereby enabling in vivo analysis of the role of this interaction in controlling both prion and LRP1 biology.
Enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases within oligomeric arrays
Authors: Spagnolo Jeannie F. , Rossignol Evan , Bullitt Esther , Kirkegaard Karla
Published: January 2010

Few antivirals are effective against positive-strand RNA viruses, primarily because the high error rate during replication of these viruses leads to the rapid development of drug resistance. One of the favored current targets for the development of antiviral compounds is the active site of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. However, like many subcellular processes, replication of the genomes of all positive-strand RNA viruses occurs in highly oligomeric complexes on the cytosolic surfaces of the intracellular membranes of infected host cells. In this study, catalytically inactive polymerases were shown to participate productively in functional oligomer formation and catalysis, as assayed by RNA template elongation. Direct protein transduction to introduce either active or inactive polymerases into cells infected with mutant virus confirmed the structural role for polymerase molecules during infection. Therefore, we suggest that targeting the active sites of polymerase molecules is not likely to be the best antiviral strategy, as inactivated polymerases do not inhibit replication of other viruses in the same cell and can, in fact, be useful in RNA replication complexes. On the other hand, polymerases that could not participate in functional RNA replication complexes were those that contained mutations in the amino terminus, leading to altered contacts in the folded polymerase and mutations in a known polymerase–polymerase interaction in the two-dimensional protein lattice. Thus, the functional nature of multimeric arrays of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase supplies a novel target for antiviral compounds and provides a new appreciation for enzymatic catalysis on membranous surfaces within cells.