bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local government citizen participation and rural development: reflections on Uganda’s decentralization system
Authors: Kakumba Umar
Published: April 2010

The governance and development discourse continues to embrace citizen participation as a fundamental mechanism of building local capacity towards poverty reduction and rural development. This article presents a review of the decentralization system of local governance in Uganda and evaluates its participatory mechanisms to establish how far they have enhanced the process of rural development. The review acknowledges achievements in human development, arising from citizen participation and representation, but these are yet to be translated into empowerment and shared benefits for the rural poor. Whereas some powers and functions have been devolved to local governments, the cardinal goals of decentralization seem to be elusive, whereby there is less support of the community’s role in raising resources for local development, demanding accountability from their leaders, participating in planning, and choosing their leaders without manipulation from the local ‘elite’ at the time of elections. The unfolding central government (CG) control rekindles the ‘recentralization’ of decentralization. It is argued that tackling rural development in predominantly agricultural economies like that of Uganda requires participation to link to mechanisms that can boost agricultural production, increased employment and household incomes. Likewise, the central government’s conceived development strategies should enlist participation in order to attain strong local ownership and empowerment.

Points for practictioners

The greatest challenge of local democratic representation is the failure of its associated human development elements to translate into production and improvement in household incomes. To realize the cardinal goals of decentralization and community participation in rural development requires invigoration of the local community’s role in resource mobilization, demanding accountability from local leaders, participating in planning, and choosing leaders without manipulation from the local elite and central government. Thus, participation must translate into effective representation and empowerment before benefits for all can be realized to spearhead poverty reduction. Likewise, tackling rural development in predominantly agricultural economies requires participation to link to agricultural production, increased employment and household incomes.
Review: Adoption research: Trends, topics, outcomes
Authors: Palacios Jesús , Brodzinsky David
Published: April 2010

The current article provides a review of adoption research since its inception as a field of study. Three historical trends in adoption research are identified: the first focusing on risk in adoption and identifying adoptee—nonadoptee differences in adjustment; the second examining the capacity of adopted children to recover from early adversity; and the third focusing on biological, psychosocial, and contextual factors and processes underlying variability in adopted children’s adjustment. Suggestions for future areas of empirical investigation are offered, with an emphasis on the need to integrate research, policy, and practice.
Reflecting on the 5th World Environmental Education Congress, Montreal, 2009
Authors: Jickling Bob
Published: April 2010

This article traces the development of the World Environmental Congress movement and its establishment as an important international forum. Reflecting on the 5th Congress, it notes the particular contribution of the Congress theme, ‘Our Common Home’. Finally, it considers environmental education’s place alongside other parallel transformative education discourses that similarly seek to imagine radically new stories to live by.
Runaway Climate Change as Challenge to the ‘Closing Circle’ of Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Selby David , Kagawa Fumiyo
Published: April 2010

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is the latest and thickest manifestation of the ‘closing circle’ of policy-driven environmental education. Characterised by definitional haziness, a tendency to blur rather than lay bare inconsistencies and incompatibilities, and a cozy but ill-considered association with the globalisation agenda, the field has allowed the neoliberal marketplace worldview into the circle so that mainstream education for sustainable development tacitly embraces economic growth and an instrumentalist and managerial view of nature that goes hand in glove with an emphasis on the technical and the tangible rather than the axiological and intangible. Runaway climate change is imminent but there is widespread climate change denial, including within mainstream ESD. A transformative educational agenda in response to climate change is offered here. Recent calls for the integration of climate change education (CCE) within mainstream education for sustainable development should be resisted unless the field breaks free of the ‘closing circle’.
Roles of Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Fadeeva Zinaida , Mochizuki Yoko
Published: April 2010

As its major contribution to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UN DESD, 2005–2014), the United Nations University (UNU) has promoted the establishment of Regional Centres of Expertise on education for sustainable development (RCEs) and their net-working to build innovative multistakeholder platforms for ESD locally and globally. In the first half of the UN DESD, UNU acknowledged 74 RCEs around the world. As an introduction to the special section on RCEs, this article highlights diverse roles that RCEs have taken and presents issues and challenges they have faced. It discusses RCEs as an engine for mobilising diverse stakeholders for ESD, a coordinator and an intermediary support structure for local-regional ESD activities and related initiatives in the region, and a facilitator of ‘social learning’.
Building RCE Rhine-Meuse
Authors: Rikers Jos , Hermans Jos , Eussen Jos
Published: April 2010

The Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Rhine-Meuse is one of the first seven pioneer RCEs and the first in Europe. It was established in 2004 after a preparation period that began in 2001. The period 2005–07, which is described and analysed in this article, was when the RCE established a position in the region and proved its added value. The RCE received funding from the European Regional Development Program to start up and from the Province of Dutch Limburg for 2006–07, enabling it to build a regional network with a central office, to set up an Internet-based communication and knowledge distribution system and to initiate its first pilot projects. Evaluation of the first two years of activities showed that serving the complex Euregion, Rhine-Meuse proved to be difficult in practice. This article focuses on stakeholder issues, the maturing of the RCE’s management system and its position in the region, and concludes with a perspective for the future.
RCE North East
Authors: Doyle Aidan , Foy Mary
Published: April 2010

A key task of RCE North East, located in the North East of England, will be to tackle problems of inequality in education and to meet local and global challenges by promoting an expansive program of education for sustainable development. The article describes how the Regional Centre of Expertise in education for sustainable development (RCE) is endeavouring to create an innovative learning space by engaging with local knowledge strengths.
RCE Saskatchewan
Authors: Dahms Tanya , Mcmartin Dena , Petry Roger
Published: April 2010

Saskatchewan, Canada, is a province with strong traditions of volunteerism and innovation. In 2001, 36 per cent of its 1 million population was rural, though this was significantly lower than in 1951 when it was 70 per cent (Statistics Canada 2005). Saskatchewan is experiencing higher population growth in urban than in rural regions. Many rural communities are developing methods to attract migrants and retain their current population by taking advantage of the current resource booms and tourism. Rural programs aimed at education for sustainable development (ESD) are typically more integrated and smaller in scale than those in urban centres. The smaller-scale ESD in rural communities provides a greater capability to innovate more rapidly, while urban centres have entrenched political and market interests, regulatory boundaries and economic barriers to change.

Using an inclusive and transparent structure, the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) for ESD in Saskatchewan focuses heavily on cooperation between rural and urban communities. Integrative strategies, with objectives spanning both rural and urban areas, are advanced using a nontraditional, nonhierarchical governance model. A flexible structure gives participants the freedom to explore research topics and activities of interest originally within six ESD theme areas collectively identified. The governance model recognises that some centralised decision-making is important, but that these mechanisms must be responsive to members in a flexible way.
The Extent and Nature of Parents’ Involvement in Canadian Youth Justice Proceedings
Authors: Broeking Julia , Peterson-Badali Michele
Published: April 2010

A consistent trend in many countries has been a movement towards greater parental involvement in delinquency and criminal proceedings involving youth. However, there is a paucity of research on the extent and nature of parents’ involvement in the youth justice system. In this study we investigated parents’ involvement from the perspective of 120 Canadian youth. Results suggested that many parents had limited involvement in certain aspects of their children’s legal proceedings but that involvement varied depending on the context (police station vs. court). Implications of findings for policy and practice are discussed.
The Future of Action Learning
Authors: Waddill Deborah , Banks Shannon , Marsh Catherine
Published: April 2010

This article demonstrates how future trends in action learning align with the forecasted changes in the field of human resource development. The areas of action learning’s potential impact include globalization, strategic planning and decision making, leadership development, and service learning, all of which will be sustained and enabled by technology. As action learning assumes a greater role in organizations’ prospective learning and development, new implementations are emerging. The initiatives presented here explore new developments and wider applications of action learning, supporting the premise that action learning will be just as viable and effective in the future as it is in the present. Possible future challenges and potential obstacles are also cited.
Team Development via Action Learning
Authors: Marquardt Michael , Ng Choon Seng  , Goodson Helen
Published: April 2010

Successful teams complete their tasks, maintain good social relations among its members, and promote members’ personal and professional development. Based on an extensive review and analysis of group development literature as well as the authors’ more than 60 years of building teams, we identified eight key characteristics of successful groups, namely, (a) clear and meaningful goals; (b) explicit positive norms; (c) strong interpersonal and communication skills; (d) competence and commitment around solving problems and performing tasks; (e) trust, openness, and group cohesiveness; (f) ability to manage conflict; (g) shared leadership; and (h) continuous individual and team learning and improvement. Following a brief synopsis of the group and action learning literature, we describe ways in which action learning groups incorporate these eight characteristics. We conclude with best practices and case examples to illustrate how action learning builds and sustains high-performing teams.
The State of the Art of Action Learning Research
Authors: Cho Yonjoo , Egan Toby Marshall
Published: April 2010

Action learning founder Reginald Revans emphasized the importance of striking the right balance between action and learning during the action learning process. In this article, the authors outlined key themes and patterns identified across studies based on Cho and Egan’s (2009) systematic literature review of action learning research. The article includes two major sections: (a) current state of action learning focusing on the issue of balance and (b) future directions in action learning research in line with research methods and theoretical frameworks. Addressing the need for balance between action and learning through a discussion of the current state and the quality of action learning research provides an informative picture regarding the manner in which action learning is being framed by scholars and in practice.
Optimizing the Learning in Action Learning: Reflective Questions, Levels of Learning, and Coaching
Authors: Sofo Francesco , Yeo Roland K. , Villafañe Jacqueline
Published: April 2010

Action learning has become a popular tool in the workplace and is frequently included as part of corporate leadership development programs. Often, what is called action learning focuses on action—and little or no learning occurs. Too often the “urgency” of the action drives out the “importance” of learning. This article focuses on the learning side of the action learning equation, presenting some theoretical perspectives on action learning and then demonstrating the enhanced power of action learning when attention is given to both the learning as well as the action. We explore reflective questions and the role of the action learning coach. We then discuss how the coach enables the team to reflect on their dynamics and processes in real time, thus encouraging dialogue versus discussion, listening versus speaking, and deeper creativity in problem solving. We conclude by exploring the importance of a skilled action learning coach.
A Culture of Dissent: Australian Naturopaths’ Perspectives on Practitioner Regulation
Authors: Canaway Rachel
Published: April 2010

Despite the recommendations in 2006 that naturopaths and Western herbal medicine practitioners be more closely regulated, there have been no moves toward state-mandated (statutory) registration or licensure of naturopaths in any Australian state or territory. Debate within the naturopathic profession on the appropriateness of statutory practitioner regulation has historically contributed to dissent and the creation of organizational factions. In turn, the opposing factions and resulting disunity are disincentives for government endorsement of statutory registration. This article provides an overview of the naturopathic profession in Australia and the regulatory quest, highlighting how professional marginalization and the pursuit of state protection have fueled the push for statutory registration. Considering the extent of public support for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, the unification of the dissenting factions within the naturopathic profession could create a powerful group, one in which current self-regulatory mechanisms might be more effective, so negating some of the perceived needs for statutory regulation. However, with the increasing use of CAM and most health professions regulated via registration Acts, there are significant arguments to support statutory registration for naturopaths in a manner similar to other health care professionals.
Basic Science Review: Statin Therapy-Part I: The Pleiotropic Effects of Statins in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Sadowitz Benjamin , Maier Kristopher G. , Gahtan Vivian
Published: April 2010

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA-reductase) inhibitors, otherwise known as statins, are currently the medical treatment of choice for hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and statin therapy has led to a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality from adverse cardiac events, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. In addition to achieving a therapeutic decrease in serum cholesterol levels, statin therapy appears to promote other effects that are independent of changes in serum cholesterol. These ‘‘pleiotropic’’ effects include attenuation of vascular inflammation, improved endothelial cell function, stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque, decreased vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. This article is part I of a 2-part review, and it focuses on the pleiotropic effects of statins at the cellular level.
Primary Infected, Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: What We Learned in 10 Years
Authors: Hagendoorn Jeroen , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M. , Moll Frans L.
Published: April 2010

Primary infected, ruptured aortic aneurysms remain a rare and challenging clinical problem. Surgical treatment includes a range of options such as extra-anatomic bypass grafting and debridement with secutive in situ graft placement with autologous, bovine, and prosthetic grafts. Recently, endovascular treatment for infected abdominal aortic aneurysms has been reported with acceptable short-term survival. However, conclusive evidence based on randomized data with regard to optimal treatment is unavailable. We present 3 patients with a primary infected, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm that was treated with in situ graft placement and long-term antibiotic therapy. Our results, combined with a review of the literature, support in situ grafting as the treatment of choice.
Endovascular Treatment of Symptomatic Persistent Sciatic Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Mousa Albeir , Rapp Parker Ashley , Emmett Mary K , AbuRahma Ali
Published: April 2010

A persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital anomaly, usually associated with hypoplasia of the iliofemoral system. In most cases, the sciatic artery is the main dominant inflow vessel to the lower extremity. Persistent sciatic artery is strongly associated with aneurysmal disease, with a high potential for thromboembolic events. Aneurysm formation complicates 40% to 61% of the PSA cases brought to medical attention. There are a variety of presentations, including lower extremity ischemia and pressure symptoms from sciatic nerve compression. We report a case of severe left lower extremity pain due to PSA with thromboembolic manifestation. This case was successfully treated with open and endovascular techniques.
Thrombus of the Internal Carotid Artery: The Contribution of Computed Tomographic Angiography to Clinical Management
Authors: Pisimisis George T. , Kantor Birgit , Kalra Manju , Pipinos Iraklis I.
Published: April 2010

Intraluminal thrombus adjunct to internal carotid artery plaque is a rare finding on traditional diagnostic imaging. Prompt diagnosis is important as it carries a high risk of recurrent stroke. We describe 2 symptomatic patients with severe stenosis on duplex scanning and internal carotid artery thrombus (ICAT) identified on subsequent computed tomographic angiography. Histology of the surgical specimen confirmed the composition predicted by computed tomography. Computed tomographic angiography can provide accurate diagnosis and characterization of internal carotid thrombus and lead to prompt therapeutic intervention.
Comparing war images across media platforms: methodological challenges for content analysis
Authors: Keith Susan , Schwalbe Carol B. , Silcock B. William
Published: April 2010

Although many news consumers see war images on multiple media platforms, scholars generally have studied those visuals a single medium at a time. This article discusses the challenges of conducting a quantitative content analysis of war images across print, broadcast and online media in a single research project. It details some of the obstacles the authors faced in their examination of visuals of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and offers suggestions for researchers studying images across multiple platforms.
A visual framing analysis of British press photography during the 2006 Israel- Lebanon conflict
Authors: Parry Katy
Published: April 2010

This article develops a model of visual framing analysis through an examination of the photographic representation of the 2006 Israel—Lebanon conflict. The intentions of this investigation are twofold: first, to compare and contrast the use of press photographs in two ‘quality’ British newspapers — The Times and The Guardian; second, to develop and test a model of visual framing analysis which takes seriously both the visual elements and verbal context of the photographs. The study employs a detailed content and framing analysis of all press photographs relevant to the conflict, with the following questions in mind: What is the character of photographic representation of both sides in the conflict and how does it fit with various moral evaluations and political interpretations of the war? Which groups are shown in an empathetic light? Is there any coherence to the framing of the war, or are many alternative explanations presented?
The power of protest: images from South Korea’s road to democracy
Authors: Newton Kim
Published: April 2010

This photo essay reflects on the period of my photojournalism career based in Seoul, South Korea, covering the student-led pro-democracy movement of the mid 1980s. The movement succeeded through the power of protest, the participation of the media and the courage of the South Korean people. The photo essay that follows suspends an element of this historical moment in time.
Media images of war
Authors: Griffin Michael
Published: April 2010

Photographic images of war have been used to accentuate and lend authority to war reporting since the early 20th century, with depictions in 1930s picture magazines of the Spanish Civil War prompting unprecedented expectations for frontline visual coverage. By the 1960s, Vietnam War coverage came to be associated with personal, independent and uncensored reporting and image making, seen as a journalistic ideal by some, and an obstacle to successful government conduct of the war by others. This article considers the idealized ‘myth’ of Vietnam War coverage and how it has influenced print and television photojournalism of American conflicts, skewing expectations of wartime media performance and fostering a consistent pattern of US Government/media collaboration. Upon analysis, pictorial coverage of US wars by the American media not only fails to live up to the myth of Vietnam but tends to be compliant and nationalist. It fails to reflect popular ideals of independent and critical photojournalism, or even the willingness to depict the realities of war.
A National Study of Ethics in Television News
Authors: Williams Wenmouth , Loop Mead , Hutchinson Kara , Engel Jerry
Published: April 2010

Television station assignments editors were surveyed to determine the presence and impact of both written and universal codes of ethics. Written codes were found in more than half of the surveyed stations. The source for these codes was management rather than professional organizations. Stations that had official, written codes used them to solve difficult problems and disciplinary actions resulting from ethics violations. No relationships were found between having a written code and discussions of ethical issues, nor the number of times an assignments editor objected to an ethical decision. Universal ethical codes were also investigated. Two sets of data suggested that universal codes exist. A factor analysis of universal issues produced two factors: the separation of business and news (Factor 1) and legal issues or care about ethical codes (Factor 2). Traditional universal standards such as plagiarism and checking sources were not part of the factor solution. However, editors, when asked about unwritten codes, did reflect on universal ethical standards that include trust, respect, and so on. There was no statistical evidence that universal and written codes were related. The findings suggest that television journalists might be different from their print colleagues in some ways. For example, the frequent charge from pundits that television journalists are more eager to “get the story at all costs” was not reflected in these findings.
The Impact of Communication Modality on Perceived Credibility of Panel Members
Authors: Wissmath Bartholomäus , Weibel David , Reber Thomas P.
Published: April 2010

The impact of communication modality on credibility is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of modality on the perception of news panel members. A political debate between four political analysts was presented in three different modalities, as television broadcast (TV condition), as radio broadcast (radio condition), or as magazine article (print condition). Participants evaluated panel members in terms of credibility. Findings indicate that in the TV condition, panel members were perceived as most credible, followed by the radio condition and the print condition. Statistical analyses show that the differences are significant between all three conditions. In addition, the authors found that the modality effect depends on the sources' personal characteristics. The authors discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Peer Consonance
Authors: Kaufhold William T. “Kelly”
Published: April 2010

This study’s author surveyed news producers about their desire to attract young television viewers to local news. Producers of local late evening “shared” newscasts were asked how much they valued viewers of different ages. Not one producer cited viewers older than 50 as their most important audience, despite their role as the most loyal news viewers. There were clear correlations between the age and experience of producers and their motivation to attract young viewers. Producers crafted newscasts for people like themselves, establishing peer consonance as a fertile area to explore within gatekeeping.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage Repair
Authors: Trattnig Siegfried , Winalski Carl S. , Marlovits Stephan , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Welsch Goetz H. , Potter Hollis G.
Published: April 2010

Articular cartilage lesions are a common pathology of the knee joint, and many patients may benefit from cartilage repair surgeries that offer the chance to avoid the development of osteoarthritis or delay its progression. Cartilage repair surgery, no matter the technique, requires a noninvasive, standardized, and high-quality longitudinal method to assess the structure of the repair tissue. This goal is best fulfilled by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present article provides an overview of the current state of the art of MRI of cartilage repair. In the first 2 sections, preclinical and clinical MRI of cartilage repair tissue are described with a focus on morphological depiction of cartilage and the use of functional (biochemical) MR methodologies for the visualization of the ultrastructure of cartilage repair. In the third section, a short overview is provided on the regulatory issues of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) regarding MR follow-up studies of patients after cartilage repair surgeries.
Integrating gene expression and GO classification for PCA by preclustering
Authors: De Haan Jorn R , Piek Ester , van Schaik Rene C , de Vlieg Jacob , Bauerschmidt Susanne , Buydens Lutgarde MC , Wehrens Ron
Published: April 2010

Background

Gene expression data can be analyzed by summarizing groups of individual gene expression profiles based on GO annotation information. The mean expression profile per group can then be used to identify interesting GO categories in relation to the experimental settings. However, the expression profiles present in GO classes are often heterogeneous, i.e., there are several different expression profiles within one class. As a result, important experimental findings can be obscured because the summarizing profile does not seem to be of interest. We propose to tackle this problem by finding homogeneous subclasses within GO categories: preclustering.

Results

Two microarray datasets are analyzed. First, a selection of genes from a well-known Saccharomyces cerevisiae dataset is used. The GO class "cell wall organization and biogenesis" is shown as a specific example. After preclustering, this term can be associated with different phases in the cell cycle, where it could not be associated with a specific phase previously. Second, a dataset of differentiation of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) into osteoblasts is used. For this dataset results are shown in which the GO term "skeletal development" is a specific example of a heterogeneous GO class for which better associations can be made after preclustering. The Intra Cluster Correlation (ICC), a measure of cluster tightness, is applied to identify relevant clusters.

Conclusions

We show that this method leads to an improved interpretability of results in Principal Component Analysis.
Systematic discovery of regulatory motifs in Fusarium graminearum by comparing four Fusarium genomes
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Breakspear Andrew , Kistler Corby , Ma Li-Jun , Xie Xiaohui
Published: April 2010

Background

Fusarium graminearum (Fg), a major fungal pathogen of cultivated cereals, is responsible for billions of dollars in agriculture losses. There is a growing interest in understanding the transcriptional regulation of this organism, especially the regulation of genes underlying its pathogenicity. The generation of whole genome sequence assemblies for Fg and three closely related Fusarium species provides a unique opportunity for such a study.

Results

Applying comparative genomics approaches, we developed a computational pipeline to systematically discover evolutionarily conserved regulatory motifs in the promoter, downstream and the intronic regions of Fg genes, based on the multiple alignments of sequenced Fusarium genomes. Using this method, we discovered 73 candidate regulatory motifs in the promoter regions. Nearly 30% of these motifs are highly enriched in promoter regions of Fg genes that are associated with a specific functional category. Through comparison to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Sp), we observed conservation of transcription factors (TFs), their binding sites and the target genes regulated by these TFs related to pathways known to respond to stress conditions or phosphate metabolism. In addition, this study revealed 69 and 39 conserved motifs in the downstream regions and the intronic regions, respectively, of Fg genes. The top intronic motif is the splice donor site. For the downstream regions, we noticed an intriguing absence of the mammalian and Sc poly-adenylation signals among the list of conserved motifs.

Conclusion

This study provides the first comprehensive list of candidate regulatory motifs in Fg, and underscores the power of comparative genomics in revealing functional elements among related genomes. The conservation of regulatory pathways among the Fusarium genomes and the two yeast species reveals their functional significance, and provides new insights in their evolutionary importance among Ascomycete fungi.
N-arachidonoyl glycine, an abundant endogenous lipid, potently drives directed cellular migration through GPR18, the putative abnormal cannabidiol receptor
Authors: McHugh Douglas , Hu Sherry SJ , Rimmerman Neta , Juknat Ana , Vogel Zvi , Walker J Michael , Bradshaw Heather B
Published: April 2010

Background

Microglia provide continuous immune surveillance of the CNS and upon activation rapidly change phenotype to express receptors that respond to chemoattractants during CNS damage or infection. These activated microglia undergo directed migration towards affected tissue. Importantly, the molecular species of chemoattractant encountered determines if microglia respond with pro- or anti-inflammatory behaviour, yet the signaling molecules that trigger migration remain poorly understood. The endogenous cannabinoid system regulates microglial migration via CB2receptors and an as yet unidentified GPCR termed the 'abnormal cannabidiol' (Abn-CBD) receptor. Abn-CBD is a synthetic isomer of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) and is inactive at CB1or CB2receptors, but functions as a selective agonist at this Gi/o-coupled GPCR.N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) is an endogenous metabolite of the endocannabinoid anandamide and acts as an efficacious agonist at GPR18. Here, we investigate the relationship between NAGly, Abn-CBD, the unidentified 'Abn-CBD' receptor, GPR18, and BV-2 microglial migration.

Results

Using Boyden chamber migration experiments, yellow tetrazolium (MTT) conversion, In-cell Western, qPCR and immunocytochemistry we show that NAGly, at sub-nanomolar concentrations, and Abn-CBD potently drive cellular migration in both BV-2 microglia and HEK293-GPR18 transfected cells, but neither induce migration in HEK-GPR55 or non-transfected HEK293 wildtype cells. Migration effects are blocked or attenuated in both systems by the 'Abn-CBD' receptor antagonist O-1918, and low efficacy agonistsN-arachidonoyl-serine and cannabidiol. NAGly promotes proliferation and activation of MAP kinases in BV-2 microglia and HEK293-GPR18 cells at low nanomolar concentrations - cellular responses correlated with microglial migration. Additionally, BV-2 cells show GPR18 immunocytochemical staining and abundant GPR18 mRNA. qPCR demonstrates that primary microglia, likewise, express abundant amounts of GPR18 mRNA.

Conclusions

NAGly is the most effective lipid recruiter of BV-2 microglia currently reported and its effects mimic those of Abn-CBD. The data generated from this study supports the hypothesis that GPR18 is the previously unidentified 'Abn-CBD' receptor. The marked potency of NAGly acting on GPR18 to elicit directed migration, proliferation and perhaps other MAPK-dependent phenomena advances our understanding of the lipid-based signaling mechanisms employed by the CNS to actively recruit microglia to sites of interest. It offers a novel research avenue for developing therapeutics to elicit a self-renewing population of neuroregenerative microglia, or alternatively, to prevent the accumulation of misdirected, pro-inflammatory microglia which contribute to and exacerbate neurodegenerative disease.
Efficacy and safety of indacaterol 150 μg once-daily in COPD: a double-blind, randomised, 12-week study
Authors: Feldman Gregory , Siler Thomas , Prasad Niyati , Jack Damon , Piggott Simon , Owen Roger , Higgins Mark , Kramer Benjamin ,   the INLIGHT 1† study group
Published: April 2010

Background

Indacaterol is a novel, once-daily (o.d.) inhaled, long-actingβ2-agonist in development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This 12-week, double-blind study compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of indacaterol to that of placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

Methods

Efficacy variables included 24-h trough FEV1(mean of 23 h 10 min and 23 h 45 min post-dose) at Week 12 (primary endpoint) and after Day 1, and the percentage of COPD days with poor control (i.e., worsening symptoms). Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs), mean serum potassium and blood glucose, QTc (Fridericia), and vital signs.

Results

Patients were randomised (n = 416, mean age 63 years) to receive either indacaterol 150μg o.d. (n = 211) or placebo (n = 205) via a single-dose dry-powder inhaler; 87.5% completed the study. Trough FEV1(LSM ± SEM) at Week 12 was 1.48 ± 0.018 L for indacaterol and 1.35 ± 0.019 L for placebo, a clinically relevant difference of 130 ± 24 mL (p < 0.001). Trough FEV1after one dose was significantly higher with indacaterol than placebo (p < 0.001). Indacaterol demonstrated significantly higher peak FEV1than placebo, both on Day 1 and at Week 12, with indacaterol-placebo differences (LSM ± SEM) of 190 ± 28 (p < 0.001) and 160 ± 28 mL (p < 0.001), respectively. Standardised AUC measurements for FEV1(between 5 min and 4 h, 5 min and 1 h, and 1 and 4 h post-dose) at Week 12 were all significantly greater with indacaterol than placebo (p < 0.001), with LSM (± SEM) differences of 170 ± 24, 180 ± 24, and 170 ± 24 mL, respectively. Indacaterol significantly reduced the percentage of days of poor control versus placebo by 22.5% (p < 0.001) and was also associated with significantly reduced use of rescue medication (p < 0.001). The overall rates of AEs were comparable between the groups (indacaterol 49.3%, placebo 46.8%), with the most common AEs being COPD worsening (indacaterol 8.5%, placebo 12.2%) and cough (indacaterol 6.2%, placebo 7.3%). One patient died in the placebo group. Serum potassium and blood glucose levels did not differ significantly between the two groups, and no patient had QTc >500 ms.

Conclusions

Indacaterol 150μg o.d. provided clinically significant and sustained bronchodilation, reduced rescue medication use, and had a safety and tolerability profile similar to placebo.

Trial registration

NCT00624286
Visfatin, glucose metabolism and vascular disease: a review of evidence
Authors: Saddi-Rosa Pedro , Oliveira Carolina SV , Giuffrida Fernando MA , Reis André F
Published: April 2010

The adipose tissue is an endocrine organ producing substances called adipocytokines that have different effects on lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk. Visfatin was recently described as an adipocytokine with potentially important effects on glucose metabolism and atherosclerosis. Visfatin has been linked to several inflammatory conditions, beta cell function, and cardiovascular disease. The growing number of publications on the subject shall bring further evidence about this adipocytokine. Its findings may contribute in the identification of higher risk individuals for diabetes and cardiovascular disease with a better comprehension about the complex intercorrelation between adiposity, glucose metabolism and vascular disease.
Disaggregation Reaction of [2]Pseudorotaxanes Composed of Dibenzo[24]crown-8 and Dialkylammonium Having Isopropyl End Groups
Authors: Suzaki Yuji , Takagi Atsuko , Osakada Kohtaro
Published: April 2010

[2]Pseudorotaxanes composed of dibenzo[24]crown-8 (DB24C8) and dialkylammonium having isopropyl end groups are converted into the component molecules in C6D6 solution containing PF6− anion.
The Construction of H-shaped Fluorescent Materials Based on Building Blocks Consisting of Triphenylamine and Fluorene
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yu-jian , Xiang Wen-qin , Hu Bin , Ouyang Mi , Xu Yi , Ma Chun-an
Published: April 2010

A class of complicated 9,9-diarylfluorenes as nonplanar building blocks were synthesized and utilized to prepare a novel H-shaped oligofluorene. High glass transition temperatures and excellent solubility of the obtained oligomers indicated the 9,9-diarylfluorenes would be promising building blocks for the construction of H-shaped optoelectronic materials.
Net-Widening and the Diversion of Young People From Court: A Longitudinal Analysis With Implications for Restorative Justice
Authors: Prichard Jeremy
Published: April 2010

Internationally, many youth justice systems aim to divert young people from court through informal mechanisms, such as police cautions and restorative conferences. Among other things, diversion avoids the potentially criminogenic effects of formal contact with the criminal justice system. However, in some instances, the sum of court appearances and diversionary procedures indicates an overall increase in the numbers of young people having contact (formal or informal) with the criminal justice system — a phenomenon known as net-widening. This article summarises previous debates about the risks of net-widening. It then presents results from analysis of over 50,000 police records pertaining to young people's contact with the Tasmanian criminal justice system between 1991 and 2002. Across that decade, court appearances markedly reduced, while a corresponding increase in diversions was recorded. There was no evidence of net-widening. However, there was a significant increase in detention orders. Implications for policy and future research are considered.
Reviews
Authors:   The Hon Justice Nicholas Hasluck AM, McGovern Alyce , Wise Jenny , Fitz-Gibbon Kate , Grewcock Michael
Published: April 2010

By Bernadette McSherry and Patrick Keyzer Sydney: The Federation Press, 2009.

Edited by Roy Coleman, Joe Sim, Steve Tombs and David Whyte London: Sage Publications, 2009

Edited by Richard Jackson, Eamon Murphy and Scott Poynting London: Routledge, 2010

Edited by Miranda Horvath and Jennifer Brown Cullompton: Willan Publishing, 2009

Ann Jones New York: The Feminist Press, 2009
Mentoring, Social Capital and Desistance: A Study of Women Released from Prison
Authors: Brown Mark , Ross Stuart
Published: April 2010

Mentoring ex-prisoners is an increasingly popular tool in the burgeoning field of offender reintegration and resettlement. Yet surprisingly little is known about what makes mentoring effective and indeed even whether it can be effective within the domain of criminal justice. This article proceeds in two parts. First, drawing upon desistance theory it attempts to develop a theoretical underpinning for mentoring practice with ex-offenders that would identify appropriate targets for mentoring practice, including the development of social capital or connectedness. Part two of the article utilises data from research on a women's mentoring program in Victoria, Australia, to understand how one key dimension of desistance — social capital — is recognised by women as a domain of need and those women's perceptions of the way mentoring may deliver gains in social connectedness and capital. The article concludes with a discussion of the distinctly gendered nature of women's postprison experiences and the way in which these factors shape both the process of desistance and the nature of mentoring interventions.
Epigenetic regulation of p16Ink4a and Arf by JDP2 in cellular senescence
Authors: Nakade Koji , Wasylyk Bohdan , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: April 2010

In response to accumulating cellular stress, cells protect themselves from abnormal growth by entering the senescent stage. Senescence is controlled mainly by gene products from the p16Ink4a/Arf locus. In mouse cells, the expression of p16Ink4aand Arf increases continuously during proliferation in cell culture. Transcription from the locus is under complex control. p16Ink4aand Arf respond independently to positive and negative signals, and the entire locus is epigenetically suppressed by histone methylation that depends on the Polycomb repressive complex-1 and -2 (PRC1 and PRC2). In fact, the PRCs associate with the p16Ink4a/Arf locus in young proliferating cells and dissociate in aged senescent cells. Thus, it seems that chromatin-remodeling factors that regulate association and dissociation of PRCs might be important players in the senescence program. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms that mediate cellular aging and introduce the Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) as a factor that regulates replicative senescence by mediating dissociation of PRCs from the p16Ink4a/Arf locus.
Modification of the electrical and optical Properties of Single Crystal Diamond with Focused MeV Ion Beams
Authors: Vittone Ettore , Budnyk Oksana , Lo Giudice Alessandro , Olivero Paolo , Picollo Federico , Wang Hao , Bosia Federico , Calusi Silvia , Giuntini Lorenzo , Massi Mirko , Lagomarsino Stefano , Sciortino Silvio , Amato Giampiero , Bellotti fabio , Borini Stefano , Jaksic Milko , Pastuovic Zeljko , Skukan Natko , Vannoni Maurizio
Published: April 2010

In this paper an overview is given on recent results obtained in the framework of an Italian/Croatian collaboration aimed to explore the potential of techniques based on focused MeV ion beams to locally modify the structural, electrical and optical features of diamond.

Experiments were carried out using light (H, He, C) ion beams with energies of the order of MeV, focused to micrometer-size spot and raster scanned onto the surface of monocrystalline (IIa or Ib) diamond samples. Different energies, ion species and fluences were used, in conjunction with variable thickness masks and post annealing processes, to define three-dimensional structures in diamond, whose electrical/optical/structural properties have been suitably characterized. Finite element numerical methods have been employed in the modeling of the material modification and in device design.
Glucose Biosensors Based on Vertically-Aligned Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pandey Archana , Prasad Abhishek , Moscatello Jason , Yap Yoke Khin
Published: April 2010

Vertically-aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) were grown using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. These VA-MWCNTs were then dip coated by Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) followed by annealing. Samples were then polished to expose the tips of CNTs. Biological molecules Glucose Oxidase (GOx) were then immobilized on the exposed tips of these nanoelectrode ensembles. Here we present further characterization of these devices, with results on the detection limits and measurement stability. We found that these sensors can be reused for longer than eight months when kept in proper storage conditions.
Dislocation Dynamics Simulations of Metal Nanoimprinting
Authors: Nicola Lucia , Van der Giessen Erik , Zhang Yunhe
Published: April 2010

Simulations of metal nanoimprinting by a rigid template are performed with the aim of finding the optimal conditions to retain imprints in a thin film on a substrate. Specifically, attention is focussed on the interface conditions between film and substrate and on the template shape. Deeper imprints are obtained when the interface between film and substrate is penetrable to dislocation motion. When the protruding contacts of the rigid template are closely spaced the interaction between neighboring contacts gives rise to material piles up between imprints.
Similarity Relationships in Creep Contacts and Applications in Nanoindentation Tests
Authors: Lee Jinhaeng , Zhou Cong , Su Caijun , Gao Yanfei , Pharr George
Published: April 2010

The study of indentation responses of rate-dependent (viscoplastic or creeping) solids has generally focused on the relationship between indentation hardness and an effective strain rate, which can be defined from a similarity transformation of the governing equations. The strain rate sensitivity exponent can be determined from the slope of a log-log plot of the hardness versus effective strain rate, while determining other constitutive parameters requires a knowledge of the relationship between contact size, shape, and indentation depth. In this work, finite element simulations have shown that the effects of non-axisymmetric contact and crystallography are generally negligible. Theoretical predictions agree well with real nanoindentation measurements on amorphous selenium when tested above glass transition temperature, but deviate quite significantly for experiments on high-purity indium, coarse-grained aluminum, and nanocrystalline nickel. Such a discrepancy is likely to result from the transient creep behavior.