bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transformation of Race Relations in Malaysia: From Ethnic Discourse to National Imagery, 1993-2003
Authors: Lee Raymond L.M.
Published: August 2004

Malaysians are under no illusion that they have shed their racial identities to embrace a single national identity. Yet the multiculturalism practiced in contemporary Malaysia seems to be compatible with a patriotic nationalism espoused by the government. This compatibility has the appearance of multiculturalism surviving the ordeal of postcolonial racial politics. The turbulence of racial politics seems to have been surpassed by a revitalized nationalism that does not blatantly erase racial heritage. The question of race relations in Malaysia is therefore a question of how multiculturalism and nationalism are successfully presented as icons of integration, overshadowing the more gritty issues of racial politics. These issues are not denied, but have become less transparent as national identity is developed in an arena of new images.
Promoting African 'Owned and Operated' Development: A Reflection on The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD)
Authors: Edozie R. Kiki
Published: August 2004

Though a very recent new African international regime spearheaded by the 'Renaissance' foreign policy of a Post Apartheid African leadership, Africa's New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) reflects important departures in 'African Affairs' policy, allowing for more integrated African development as well as for new forms of participation for the continent in the global economy.Nevertheless, while representing in theory and practice a long-standing debate across the continent on issues involving economic development and globalization, in 2001, during the incipient stages of NEPAD's establishment, the general sentiment toward its goal as a continental 'self reliant' path to development – 'owned' by Africans – was heavily criticized by African policy analysts. The criticism charged that because NEPAD followed a development strategy that relied on global capital and dependent development, its objectives were doomed to fail despite the document's pan nationalistic intentions.The current article explores the extent to which NEPAD's ideological vision to combine collective political nationalism ushered in by the African Renaissance with economic globalization is plausible and achievable as a viable and realizable response to the world's poorest continent's millennium development goals. The article further analyzes the intellectual roots of NEPAD's G-8 induced African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) revealing the shortcomings of approaching African development from the global hegemony of democracy and good governance.The article thus concludes alternatively that NEPAD's winning strategy may come from the development blueprint's emerging status as a continental regional institution driven by a renewed pan Africanist ideology.
A single amino acid determines preference between phospholipids and reveals length restriction for activation ofthe S1P4 receptor
Authors: Holdsworth Gill , Osborne Daniel A , Pham TrucChi Thi , Fells James I , Hutchinson Gillian , Milligan Graeme , Parrill Abby L
Published: August 2004

Background

Sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are ligands for two related families of G protein-coupled receptors, the S1P and LPA receptors, respectively. The lysophospholipid ligands of these receptors are structurally similar, however recognition of these lipids by these receptors is highly selective. A single residue present within the third transmembrane domain (TM) of S1P receptors is thought to determine ligand selectivity; replacement of the naturally occurring glutamic acid with glutamine (present at this position in the LPA receptors) has previously been shown to be sufficient to change the specificity of S1P1 from S1P to 18:1 LPA.

Results

We tested whether mutation of this "ligand selectivity" residue to glutamine could confer LPA-responsiveness to the related S1P receptor, S1P4. This mutation severely affected the response of S1P4 to S1P in a [35S]GTPγS binding assay, and imparted sensitivity to LPA species in the order 14:0 LPA > 16:0 LPA > 18:1 LPA. These results indicate a length restriction for activation of this receptor and demonstrate the utility of using LPA-responsive S1P receptor mutants to probe binding pocket length using readily available LPA species. Computational modelling of the interactions between these ligands and both wild type and mutant S1P4 receptors showed excellent agreement with experimental data, therefore confirming the fundamental role of this residue in ligand recognition by S1P receptors.

Conclusions

Glutamic acid in the third transmembrane domain of the S1P receptors is a general selectivity switch regulating response to S1P over the closely related phospholipids, LPA. Mutation of this residue to glutamine confers LPA responsiveness with preference for short-chain species. The preference for short-chain LPA species indicates a length restriction different from the closely related S1P1 receptor.
Function and evolution of the serotonin-synthetic bas-1 gene and other aromatic amino acid decarboxylase genes in Caenorhabditis
Authors: Hare Emily E , Loer Curtis M
Published: August 2004

Background

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzymes catalyze the synthesis of biogenic amines, including the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, throughout the animal kingdom. These neurotransmitters typically perform important functions in both the nervous system and other tissues, as illustrated by the debilitating conditions that arise from their deficiency. Studying the regulation and evolution of AADC genes is therefore desirable to further our understanding of how nervous systems function and evolve.

Results

In the nematode C. elegans, the bas-1 gene is required for both serotonin and dopamine synthesis, and maps genetically near two AADC-homologous sequences. We show by transformation rescue and sequencing of mutant alleles that bas-1 encodes an AADC enzyme. Expression of a reporter construct in transgenics suggests that the bas-1 gene is expressed, as expected, in identified serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons. The bas-1 gene is one of six AADC-like sequences in the C. elegans genome, including a duplicate that is immediately downstream of the bas-1 gene. Some of the six AADC genes are quite similar to known serotonin- and dopamine-synthetic AADC's from other organisms whereas others are divergent, suggesting previously unidentified functions. In comparing the AADC genes of C. elegans with those of the congeneric C. briggsae, we find only four orthologous AADC genes in C. briggsae. Two C. elegans AADC genes – those most similar to bas-1 – are missing from C. briggsae. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that one or both of these bas-1-like genes were present in the common ancestor of C. elegans and C. briggsae, and were retained in the C. elegans line, but lost in the C. briggsae line. Further analysis of the two bas-1-like genes in C. elegans suggests that they are unlikely to encode functional enzymes, and may be expressed pseudogenes.

Conclusions

The bas-1 gene of C. elegans encodes a serotonin- and dopamine-synthetic AADC enzyme. Two C. elegans AADC-homologous genes that are closely related to bas-1 are missing from the congeneric C. briggsae; one or more these genes was present in the common ancestor of C. elegans and C. briggsae. Despite their persistence in C. elegans, evidence suggests the bas-1-like genes do not encode functional AADC proteins. The presence of the genes in C. elegans raises questions about how many 'predicted genes' in sequenced genomes are functional, and how duplicate genes are retained or lost during evolution. This is another example of unexpected retention of duplicate genes in eukaryotic genomes.
Identification of genes differentially expressed in T cells following stimulation with the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL10
Authors: Nagel JE , Smith RJ , Shaw L , Bertak D , Dixit VD , Schaffer EM , Taub DD
Published: August 2004

Background

Chemokines are involved in many biological activities ranging from leukocyte differentiation to neuronal morphogenesis. Despite numerous reports describing chemokine function, little is known about the molecular changes induced by cytokines.

Methods

We have isolated and identified by differential display analysis 182 differentially expressed cDNAs from CXCR3-transfected Jurkat T cells following treatment with CXCL12 or CXCL10. These chemokine-modulated genes were further verified using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results

One hundred and forty-six of the cDNAs were successfully cloned, sequenced, and identified by BLAST. Following removal of redundant and non-informative clones, seventeen mRNAs were found to be differentially expressed post treatment with either chemokine ligand with several representing known genes with established functions. Twenty-one genes were upregulated in these transfected Jurkat cells following both CXCL12 and CXCL10, four genes displayed a discordant response and seven genes were downregulated upon treatment with either chemokine. Identified genes include geminin (GEM), thioredoxin (TXN), DEAD/H box polypeptide 1 (DDX1), growth hormone inducible transmembrane protein (GHITM), and transcription elongation regulator 1 (TCERG1). Subsequent analysis of several of these genes using semi-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis confirmed their differential expression post ligand treatment.

Conclusions

Together, these results provide insight into chemokine-induced gene activation and identify potentially novel functions for known genes in chemokine biology.
The p68 and p72 DEAD box RNA helicases interact with HDAC1 and repress transcription in a promoter-specific manner
Authors: Wilson Brian J , Bates Gaynor J , Nicol Samantha M , Gregory David J , Perkins Neil D , Fuller-Pace Frances V
Published: August 2004

Background

p68 (Ddx5) and p72 (Ddx17) are highly related members of the DEAD box family and are established RNA helicases. They have been implicated in growth regulation and have been shown to be involved in both pre-mRNA and pre-rRNA processing. More recently, however, these proteins have been reported to act as transcriptional co-activators for estrogen-receptor alpha (ERα). Furthermore these proteins were shown to interact with co-activators p300/CBP and the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme. Taken together these reports suggest a role for p68 and p72 in transcriptional activation.

Results

In this report we show that p68 and p72 can, in some contexts, act as transcriptional repressors. Targeting of p68 or p72 to constitutive promoters leads to repression of transcription; this repression is promoter-specific. Moreover both p68 and p72 associate with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), a well-established transcriptional repression protein.

Conclusions

It is therefore clear that p68 and p72 are important transcriptional regulators, functioning as co-activators and/or co-repressors depending on the context of the promoter and the transcriptional complex in which they exist.
3 dimensional modelling of early human brain development using optical projection tomography
Authors: Kerwin Janet , Scott Mark , Sharpe James , Puelles Luis , Robson Stephen C , Martínez-de-la-Torre Margaret , Ferran Jose Luis , Feng Guangjie , Baldock Richard , Strachan Tom , Davidson Duncan , Lindsay Susan
Published: August 2004

Background

As development proceeds the human embryo attains an ever more complex three dimensional (3D) structure. Analyzing the gene expression patterns that underlie these changes and interpreting their significance depends on identifying the anatomical structures to which they map and following these patterns in developing 3D structures over time. The difficulty of this task greatly increases as more gene expression patterns are added, particularly in organs with complex 3D structures such as the brain. Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) is a new technology which has been developed for rapidly generating digital 3D models of intact specimens. We have assessed the resolution of unstained neuronal structures within a Carnegie Stage (CS)17 OPT model and tested its use as a framework onto which anatomical structures can be defined and gene expression data mapped.

Results

Resolution of the OPT models was assessed by comparison of digital sections with physical sections stained, either with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or by immunocytochemistry for GAP43 or PAX6, to identify specific anatomical features. Despite the 3D models being of unstained tissue, peripheral nervous system structures from the trigeminal ganglion (~300 μm by ~150 μm) to the rootlets of cranial nerve XII (~20 μm in diameter) were clearly identifiable, as were structures in the developing neural tube such as the zona limitans intrathalamica (core is ~30 μm thick). Fourteen anatomical domains have been identified and visualised within the CS17 model. Two 3D gene expression domains, known to be defined by Pax6 expression in the mouse, were clearly visible when PAX6 data from 2D sections were mapped to the CS17 model. The feasibility of applying the OPT technology to all stages from CS12 to CS23, which encompasses the major period of organogenesis for the human developing central nervous system, was successfully demonstrated.

Conclusion

In the CS17 model considerable detail is visible within the developing nervous system at a minimum resolution of ~20 μm and 3D anatomical and gene expression domains can be defined and visualised successfully. The OPT models and accompanying technologies for manipulating them provide a powerful approach to visualising and analysing gene expression and morphology during early human brain development.
A study comparing the actions of gabapentin and pregabalin on the electrophysiological properties of cultured DRG neurones from neonatal rats
Authors: McClelland David , Evans Rhian M , Barkworth Louise , Martin Duncan J , Scott Roderick H
Published: August 2004

Background

Gabapentin and pregabalin have wide-ranging therapeutic actions, and are structurally related to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Gabapentin, pregablin and GABA can all modulate voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. In this study we have used whole cell patch clamp recording and fura-2 Ca2+ imaging to characterise the actions of pregabalin on the electrophysiological properties of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones from neonatal rats. The aims of this study were to determine whether pregabalin and gabapentin had additive inhibitory effects on high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, evaluate whether the actions of pregabalin were dependent on GABA receptors and characterise the actions of pregabalin on voltage-activated potassium currents.

Results

Pregabalin (25 nM – 2.5 μM) inhibited 20–30% of the high voltage-activated Ca2+ current in cultured DRG neurones. The residual Ca2+ current recorded in the presence of pregabalin was sensitive to the L-type Ca2+ channel modulator, Bay K8644. Saturating concentrations of gabapentin failed to have additive effects when applied with pregabalin, indicating that these two compounds act on the same type(s) of voltage-activated Ca2+ channels but the majority of Ca2+ current was resistant to both drugs. The continual application of GABA, the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP52432, or intracellular photorelease of GTP-γ-S had no effect on pregabalin-induced inhibition of Ca2+ currents. Although clear inhibition of Ca2+ influx was produced by pregabalin in a population of small neurones, a significant population of larger neurones showed enhanced Ca2+ influx in response to pregabalin. The enhanced Ca2+ influx evoked by pregabalin was mimicked by partial block of K+ conductances with tetraethylammonium.

Pregabalin produced biphasic effects on voltage-activated K+ currents, the inhibitory effect of pregabalin was prevented with apamin. The delayed enhancement of K+ currents was attenuated by pertussis toxin and by intracellular application of a (Rp)-analogue of cAMP.

Conclusions

Pregabalin reduces excitatory properties of cultured DRG neurones by modulating voltage-activated Ca2+ and K+ channels. The pharmacological activity of pregabalin is similar but not identical to that of gabapentin. The actions of pregabalin may involve both extracellular and intracellular drug target sites and modulation of a variety of neuronal conductances, by direct interactions, and through intracellular signalling involving protein kinase A.
Proteasome inhibitors: Their effects on arachidonic acid release from cells in culture and arachidonic acid metabolism in rat liver cells
Authors: Levine Lawrence
Published: August 2004

Background

I have postulated that arachidonic acid release from rat liver cells is associated with cancer chemoprevention. Since it has been reported that inhibition of proteasome activities may prevent cancer, the effects of proteasome inhibitors on arachidonic acid release from cells and on prostaglandin I2 production in rat liver cells were studied.

Results

The proteasome inhibitors, epoxomicin, lactacystin and carbobenzoxy-leucyl-leucyl-leucinal, stimulate the release of arachidonic acid from rat glial, human colon carcinoma, human breast carcinoma and the rat liver cells. They also stimulate basal and induced prostacycin production in the rat liver cells. The stimulated arachidonic acid release and basal prostaglandin I2 production in rat liver cells is inhibited by actinomycin D.

Conclusions

Stimulation of arachidonic acid release and arachidonic acid metabolism may be associated with some of the biologic effects observed after proteasome inhibition, e.g. prevention of tumor growth, induction of apoptosis, stimulation of bone formation.
Publication bias in situ
Authors: Phillips Carl V
Published: August 2004

Background

Publication bias, as typically defined, refers to the decreased likelihood of studies' results being published when they are near the null, not statistically significant, or otherwise "less interesting." But choices about how to analyze the data and which results to report create a publication bias within the published results, a bias I label "publication bias in situ" (PBIS).

Discussion

PBIS may create much greater bias in the literature than traditionally defined publication bias (the failure to publish any result from a study). The causes of PBIS are well known, consisting of various decisions about reporting that are influenced by the data. But its impact is not generally appreciated, and very little attention is devoted to it. What attention there is consists largely of rules for statistical analysis that are impractical and do not actually reduce the bias in reported estimates. PBIS cannot be reduced by statistical tools because it is not fundamentally a problem of statistics, but rather of non-statistical choices and plain language interpretations. PBIS should be recognized as a phenomenon worthy of study – it is extremely common and probably has a huge impact on results reported in the literature – and there should be greater systematic efforts to identify and reduce it. The paper presents examples, including results of a recent HIV vaccine trial, that show how easily PBIS can have a large impact on reported results, as well as how there can be no simple answer to it.

PBIS is a major problem, worthy of substantially more attention than it receives. There are ways to reduce the bias, but they are very seldom employed because they are largely unrecognized.
Nitric oxide-an endogenous inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in isolated human gastric glands
Authors: Berg Anna , Redeen Stefan , Ericson Ann-Charlott , Sjöstrand Sven Erik
Published: August 2004

Background

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has previously been detected in the glandular part of the human gastric mucosa. Furthermore, nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to influence gastric secretion in various animal models. The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of exogenously and endogenously derived NO on histamine- and cAMP-stimulated gastric acid secretion in isolated human oxyntic glands.

Methods

Oxyntic glands were isolated from human gastric biopsies and were subsequently pre-treated with NO donors and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and then exposed to histamine or dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP). The secretory response of the glands was determined as accumulation of [14C]aminopyrine.

Results

The histamine- or db-cAMP-induced acid secretion was attenuated by L-arginine, a known source of endogenous NO, and also by the NO-donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP). Pre-treatment with either of the NOS inhibitors NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) enhanced the secretory response.

Conclusion

Our results show that NO inhibits gastric acid secretion in isolated human gastric glands, and that there is endogenous formation of NO within the glandular epithelium in the vicinity of the parietal cells.
Meningitis due to Fusobacterium necrophorumin an adult
Authors: Garimella SreeNeelima , Inaparthy Aparna , Herchline Thomas
Published: August 2004

Background

Fusobacterium necrophorum may cause a number of clinical syndromes, collectively known as necrobacillosis. Meningitis is a significant cause of mortality, rarely reported in the adult population.

Case presentation

We report a fatal case of meningitis, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, secondary to otitis media in an alcoholic male. Diagnosis was delayed due to the typical slow growth of the organism. The clinical course was complicated by encephalitis and by hydrocephalus. The patient failed to respond to metronidazole and penicillin. The patient died on day 12 from increased intracranial pressure and brain stem infarction.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the need for a high index of clinical suspicion to make the diagnosis of Fusobacterium necrophorum meningitis. We recommend the use of appropriate anaerobic culture techniques and antimicrobial coverage for anaerobic organisms when the gram stain shows gram negative bacilli.
Misoprostol for treating postpartum haemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN72263357]
Authors: Hofmeyr G Justus , Ferreira Sandra , Nikodem V Cheryl , Mangesi Lindeka , Singata Mandisa , Jafta Zukiswa , Maholwana Babalwa , Mlokoti Zonke , Walraven Gijs , Gülmezoglu A Metin
Published: August 2004

Background

Postpartum haemorrhage remains an important cause of maternal death despite treatment with conventional therapy. Uncontrolled studies and one randomised comparison with conventional oxytocics have reported dramatic effects with high-dose misoprostol, usually given rectally, for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage, but this has not been evaluated in a placebo-controlled trial.

Methods

The study was conducted at East London Hospital Complex, Tembisa and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospitals, South Africa. Routine active management of the third stage of labour was practised. Women with more than usual postpartum bleeding thought to be related to inadequate uterine contraction were invited to participate, and to sign informed consent. All routine treatment was given from a special 'Postpartum Haemorrhage Trolley'. In addition, participants who consented were enrolled by drawing the next in a series of randomised treatment packs containing either misoprostol 5 × 200 μg or similar placebo, which were given 1 orally, 2 sublingually and 2 rectally.

Results

With misoprostol there was a trend to reduced blood loss ≥500 ml in 1 hour after enrolment measured in a flat plastic 'fracture bedpan', the primary outcome (6/117 vs 11/120, relative risk 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 1.46). There was no difference in mean blood loss or haemoglobin level on day 1 after birth < 6 g/dl or blood transfusion. Side-effects were increased, namely shivering (63/116 vs 30/118; 2.14, 1.50 to 3.04) and pyrexia > 38.5°C (11/114 vs 2/118; 5.69, 1.29 to 25). In the misoprostol group 3 women underwent hysterectomy of whom 1 died, and there were 2 further maternal deaths.

Conclusions

Because of a lower than expected incidence of the primary outcome in the placebo group, the study was underpowered. We could not confirm the dramatic effect of misoprostol reported in several unblinded studies, but the results do not exclude a clinically important effect. Larger studies are needed to assess substantive outcomes and risks before misoprostol enters routine use.
Hedgehog-interacting protein is highly expressed in endothelial cells but down-regulated during angiogenesis and in several human tumors
Authors: Olsen Catherine L , Hsu Pin-Pin , Glienke Jens , Rubanyi Gabor M , Brooks Alan R
Published: August 2004

Background

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway regulates a variety of developmental processes, including vasculogenesis, and can also induce the expression of pro-angiogenic factors in fibroblasts postnatally. Misregulation of the Hh pathway has been implicated in a variety of different types of cancer, including pancreatic and small-cell lung cancer. Recently a putative antagonist of the pathway, Hedgehog-interacting protein (HIP), was identified as a Hh binding protein that is also a target of Hh signaling. We sought to clarify possible roles for HIP in angiogenesis and cancer.

Methods

Inhibition of Hh signaling by HIP was assayed by measuring the induction of Ptc-1 mRNA in TM3 cells treated with conditioned medium containing Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Angiogenesis was assayed in vitro by EC tube formation on Matrigel. Expression of HIP mRNA was assayed in cells and tissues by Q-RT-PCR and Western blot. HIP expression in human tumors or mouse xenograft tumors compared to normal tissues was assayed by Q-RT-PCR or hybridization of RNA probes to a cancer profiling array.

Results

We show that Hedgehog-interacting protein (HIP) is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells (EC) but at low or undetectable levels in other cell types. Expression of HIP in mouse epithelial cells attenuated their response to Shh, demonstrating that HIP can antagonize Hh signaling when expressed in the responding cell, and supporting the hypothesis that HIP blocks Hh signaling in EC. HIP expression was significantly reduced in tissues undergoing angiogenesis, including PC3 human prostate cancer and A549 human lung cancer xenograft tumors, as well as in EC undergoing tube formation on Matrigel. HIP expression was also decreased in several human tumors of the liver, lung, stomach, colon and rectum when compared to the corresponding normal tissue.

Conclusion

These results suggest that reduced expression of HIP, a naturally occurring Hh pathway antagonist, in tumor neo-vasculature may contribute to increased Hh signaling within the tumor and possibly promote angiogenesis.
Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity with topical ketorolac tromethamine: a preliminary study
Authors: Avila-Vazquez Medardo , Maffrand Roque , Sosa Mirta , Franco Maria , de Alvarez Beatriz Vaca , Cafferata Maria Luisa , Bergel Eduardo
Published: August 2004

Background

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a common retinal neovascular disorder of premature infants. It is of variable severity, usually heals with mild or no sequelae, but may progress to blindness from retinal detachments or severe retinal scar formation. This is a preliminary report of the effectiveness and safety of a new and original use of topical ketorolac in preterm newborn to prevent the progression of ROP to the more severe forms of this disease.

Methods

From January 2001 to December 2002, all fifty nine preterm newborns with birthweight less than 1250 grams or gestational age less than 30 weeks of gestational age admitted to neonatal intensive care were eligible for treatment with topical ketorolac (0.25 milligrams every 8 hours in each eye). The historical comparison group included all 53 preterm newborns, with the same inclusion criteria, admitted between January 1999 and December 2000.

Results

Groups were comparable in terms of weight distribution, Apgar score at 5 minutes, incidence of sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis. The duration of oxygen therapy was significantly longer in the control group. In the ketorolac group, among 43 children that were alive at discharge, one (2.3%) developed threshold ROP and cryotherapy was necessary. In the comparison group 35 children survived, and six child (17%) needed cryotherapy (Relative Risk 0.14, 95%CI 0.00 to 0.80, p = 0.041). Adjusting by duration of oxygen therapy did not significantly change these results. Adverse effects attributable to ketorolac were not detected.

Conclusions

This preliminary report suggests that ketorolac in the form of an ophthalmic solution can reduce the risk of developing severe ROP in very preterm newborns, without producing significant adverse side effects. These results, although promising, should be interpreted with caution because of the weakness of the study design. This is an inexpensive and simple intervention that might ameliorate the progression of a disease with devastating consequences for children and their families. We believe that next logical step would be to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in a randomized controlled trial of adequate sample size.
Field assessments in western Kenya link malaria vectors to environmentally disturbed habitats during the dry season
Authors: Carlson John C , Byrd Brian D , Omlin Francois X
Published: August 2004

Background

Numerous malaria epidemics have occurred in western Kenya, with increasing frequency over the past 20 years. A variety of hypotheses on the etiology of these epidemics have been put forth, with different implications for surveillance and control. We investigated the ecological and socioeconomic factors promoting highland malaria vectors in the dry season after the 2002 epidemic.

Methods

Investigations were conducted in Kisii District during the dry season. Aquatic habitats in were surveyed for presence of malaria vectors. Brick-making pits were further investigated for co-associations of larval densities with emergent vegetation, habitat age, and predator diversity. Indoor spray catches were completed in houses near aquatic habitats. Participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) were conducted with 147 community members.

Results

The most abundant habitat type containing Anopheles larvae was brick-making pits. Vegetation and habitat age were positively associated with predator diversity, and negatively associated with mosquito density. Indoor spray catches found that houses close to brick-making sites had malaria vectors, whereas those next to swamps did not. PRAs revealed that brick-making has grown rapidly in highland swamps due to a variety of socioeconomic pressures in the region.

Conclusion

Brick-making, an important economic activity, also generates dry season habitats for malaria vectors in western Kenya. Specifically, functional brick making pits contain less that 50% as many predator taxa and greater than 50% more mosquito larvae when compared with nearby abandoned brick making pits. Further evaluations of these disturbed, man-made habitats in the wet season may provide information important for malaria surveillance and control.
The STATs in cell stress-type responses
Authors: Dudley Andrew C , Thomas David , Best James , Jenkins Alicia
Published: August 2004

In the early 1990's, a new cell signaling pathway was described. This new paradigm, now known as the JAK/STAT pathway, has been extensively investigated in immune-type cells in response to interferons and interleukins. However, recent evidence suggests that the JAK/STAT pathway also mediates diverse cellular responses to various forms of biological stress including hypoxia/reperfusion, endotoxin, ultraviolet light, and hyperosmolarity. The current literature describing the JAK/STAT pathway's role in cellular stress responses has been reviewed herein, but it is clear that our knowledge in this area is far from complete.
Expression of PEG11 and PEG11AS transcripts in normal and callipyge sheep
Authors: Bidwell Christopher A , Kramer Lauren N , Perkins Allison C , Hadfield Tracy S , Moody Diane E , Cockett Noelle E
Published: August 2004

Background

The callipyge mutation is located within an imprinted gene cluster on ovine chromosome 18. The callipyge trait exhibits polar overdominant inheritance due to the fact that only heterozygotes inheriting a mutant paternal allele (paternal heterozygotes) have a phenotype of muscle hypertrophy, reduced fat and a more compact skeleton. The mutation is a single A to G transition in an intergenic region that results in the increased expression of several genes within the imprinted cluster without changing their parent-of-origin allele-specific expression.

Results

There was a significant effect of genotype (p < 0.0001) on the transcript abundance of DLK1, PEG11, and MEG8 in the muscles of lambs with the callipyge allele. DLK1 and PEG11 transcript levels were elevated in the hypertrophied muscles of paternal heterozygous animals relative to animals of the other three genotypes. The PEG11 locus produces a single 6.5 kb transcript and two smaller antisense strand transcripts, referred to as PEG11AS, in skeletal muscle. PEG11AS transcripts were detectable over a 5.5 kb region beginning 1.2 kb upstream of the PEG11 start codon and spanning the entire open reading frame. Analysis of PEG11 expression by quantitative PCR shows a 200-fold induction in the hypertrophied muscles of paternal heterozygous animals and a 13-fold induction in homozygous callipyge animals. PEG11 transcripts were 14-fold more abundant than PEG11AS transcripts in the gluteus medius of paternal heterozygous animals. PEG11AS transcripts were expressed at higher levels than PEG11 transcripts in the gluteus medius of animals of the other three genotypes.

Conclusions

The effect of the callipyge mutation has been to alter the expression of DLK1, GTL2, PEG11 and MEG8 in the hypertrophied skeletal muscles. Transcript abundance of DLK1 and PEG11 was highest in paternal heterozygous animals and exhibited polar overdominant gene expression patterns; therefore, both genes are candidates for causing skeletal muscle hypertrophy. There was unique relationship of PEG11 and PEG11AS transcript abundance in the paternal heterozygous animals that suggests a RNA interference mechanism may have a role in PEG11 gene regulation and polar overdominance in callipyge sheep.
Erythropoietin and renin as biological markers in critically ill patients
Authors: Tamion Fabienne , Le Cam-Duchez Véronique , Menard Jean-François , Girault Christophe , Coquerel Antoine , Bonmarchand Guy
Published: August 2004

Introduction

During sepsis the endocrine, immune and nervous systems elaborate a multitude of biological responses. Little is known regarding the mechanisms responsible for the final circulating erythropoietin (EPO) and renin levels in septic shock. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of EPO and renin as biological markers in patients with septic shock.

Methods

A total of 44 critically ill patients with septic shock were evaluated.

Results

Nonsurvivors had significantly higher serum EPO levels than did survivors on admission (median [minimum–maximum]; 61 [10–602] versus 20 [5–369]). A negative relationship between serum EPO and blood haemoglobin concentrations was observed in the survivor group (r = -0.61; P < 0.001). In contrast, in the nonsurvivors the serum EPO concentration was independent of the blood haemoglobin concentration. Furthermore, we observed significant relationships between EPO concentration and lactate (r = 0.5; P < 0.001), arterial oxygen tension/fractional inspired oxygen ratio (r = -0.41; P < 0.005), arterial pH (r = -0.58; P < 0.001) and renin concentration (r = 0.42; P < 0.005). With regard to renin concentration, significant correlations with lactate (r = 0.52; P < 0.001) and arterial pH (r = -0.33; P < 0.05) were observed.

Conclusion

Our findings show that EPO and renin concentrations increased in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with septic shock. Renin may be a significant mediator of EPO upregulation in patients with septic shock. Further studies regarding the regulation of EPO expression are clearly warranted.
Early Predicted Time to Normalization of Tumor Markers Predicts Outcome in Poor-Prognosis Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Fizazi Karim , Culine Stéphane , Kramar Andrew , Amato Robert J. , Bouzy Jeannine , Chen Isan , Droz Jean-Pierre , Logothetis Christopher J.
Published: August 2004

Purpose

The prognostic relevance of the rate of decline of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) during the first 3 weeks of chemotherapy for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) was studied in the context of the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification.

Patients and Methods

Data from 653 patients prospectively recruited in clinical trials were studied. Tumor markers were obtained before chemotherapy and 3 weeks later. Decline rates were calculated using a logarithmic formula and expressed as a predicted time to normalization (TTN). A favorable TTN was defined when both AFP and HCG had a favorable decline rate, including cases with normal values.

Results

The median follow-up was 50 months (range, 2 to 151 months). Tumor decline rate expressed as a predicted TTN was associated with both progression-free survival (PFS; P < .0001) and overall survival (OS; P < .0001). The 4-year PFS rates were 64% and 38% in patients from the poor-prognosis group who had a favorable and an unfavorable TTN, respectively. The 4-year OS rates were 83% and 58%, respectively. This effect was independent from the initial tumor marker values, the primary tumor site, and the presence of nonpulmonary visceral metastases: tumor marker decline rate remained a strong predictor for both PFS (hazard ratio = 2.5; P = .01) and OS (hazard ratio = 4.6; P = .002) in patients from the IGCCCG poor-prognosis group in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Early predicted time to tumor marker normalization is an independent prognostic factor in patients with poor-prognosis NSGCT and may be a useful tool in the therapeutic management of these patients.
The behaviourt of small- and large-scale variations of in-cylinder flow during intake and compression strokes in a motored four-valve spark ignition engine
Authors: Joo S H , Srinivasan K K , Lee K C , Bell S R
Published: August 2004

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the small-scale and large-scale variations of flow within the cylinder of an internal combustion engine (turbulence and cyclic variation) during the intake and compression processes. Spatial fast Fourier transform (FFT) filtering techniques with various cut-off lengths were used to determine whether there existed a particular length scale that differentiated turbulence from cyclic variations. The flow field was measured using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system, which was set with 1.25 mm grid spacing. From the experiments and analysis, it was found that there was no particular size of vortical structures dominating the flow field during intake and compression strokes over many cycles. It was also found that not only the ensemble-averaged variation but also the standard deviation of the large- and small-scale variations were greater during the early intake and late compression compared with late intake through the early compression process.
Effect of pilot injection timing, pilot quantity and intake charge conditions on performance and emissions for an advanced low-pilot-ignited natural gas engine
Authors: Singh S , Krishnan S R , Srinivasan K K , Midkiff K C , Bell S R
Published: August 2004

Diesel engines may be converted readily to operate primarily on natural gas using the injection of a diesel pilot to achieve ignition. Advanced low-pilot-ignited natural gas (ALPING) engines show significant potential to match diesel engines in their part-load and full-load efficiencies. Experiments were performed to study the effects of pilot injection timing (- 15 to - 60° ATDC), pilot quantity, intake manifold pressure and intake charge temperature on the performance and emissions from an ALPING engine under half-load (21 kW at 1700 r/min) and full-load (42 kW at 1700 r/min) conditions. Low NOx emissions (below 0.03 g/kW h at - 60° ATDC) with satisfactory fuel conversion efficiency (31 per cent) for half-load and NOx emissions of 0.2 g/kW h at -60° ATDC with fuel conversion efficiency of 40 per cent could be obtained for full-load engine operation. High HC emissions, 96 g/kW h at - 20° ATDC for half-load and 21 g/kW h at -60° ATDC for full-load operation, were recorded. The NOx emissions showed an interesting trend for varied injection timings with maximum NOx emissions occurring at -35° ATDC and minimum at - 60° ATDC injection timing. Increased pilot quantity, intake charge temperature and lower intake manifold pressures resulted in increased NOx emissions and fuel conversion efficiency, and decreased HC emissions.
Rheology of multigrade engine oils in high deformation rate extensional flows
Authors: Barrow M S , Brown S W J , Cordy S , Williams P R , Williams R L
Published: August 2004

An experimental study is reported of liquid jets formed by the collapse of bubbles under cavitation-generated pressure waves. The results reveal that jets formed from samples of commercial multigrade engine oils experience an extensional flow which is characterized by high rates of extension, the latter being relevant to considerations of the flow of oils within dynamically loaded journal bearings. Contrary to previous indications in the literature, commercial multigrade oils are found to exhibit significantly larger resistance to extensional flow than their Newtonian counterparts and, insofar as the multigrade oils studied here are made viscoelastic by polymer additives and evidently possess significant levels of resistance to extension, the results provide evidence in support of a mitigating effect of viscoelasticity on a cavitation damage related mechanism, as mooted by Berker, Bouldin, Kleis and Van Arnsdale.
Active Control of Sound Reflection, Absorption and Transmission Using Thin Panels
Authors: Zhu H. , Rajamani R. , Stelson K. A.
Published: August 2004

This study explores the development of thin panels that can be controlled electronically so as to provide surfaces with desired reflection coefficients. Such panels can be used as either perfect reflectors or absorbers. They can also be designed to be transmission blockers that block the propagation of sound. The development of the control system is based on the use of wave separation algorithms that separate incident sound from reflected sound. In order to obtain a desired reflection coefficient, the reflected sound is controlled to appropriate levels. The incident sound is used as an acoustic reference for feedforward control and has the important property of being isolated from the action of the control system speaker. In order to use a panel as a transmission blocker, the acoustic pressure behind the panel is driven to zero. Detailed experimental results are presented showing the efficacy of the algorithms in achieving real-time control of reflection or transmission. The panels are able to effectively block transmission of broadband sound. Practical applications for these panels include enclosures for noisy machinery, noise absorbing wallpaper, the development of sound walls and the development of noise-blocking glass windows.
In the land of becoming: the gendered experience of communication doctoral students
Authors: Sarikakis Katharine
Published: August 2004

This article investigates two aspects of the experience of communications graduate students. It examines their relations with their departments and the academic staff most close to their work (supervisors and mentors), and the existence and impact of other factors, such as age and
dependants, on the duration of their studies. Despite the differences of the educational systems and socio-economic factors between countries, the findings show that the experience of the communications doctoral student is gender specific. To that a number of factors may play an important
role such as academic environment and personal/private life commitments.
Representing creativeness: practice-based approaches to research in creative arts
Authors: Dallow Peter
Published: August 2004

The investigation of creativeness in the creative arts requires some theoretical originality to enable the development of an effective research method capable of subtly reporting upon original artistic activity. The research endeavour requires something of the tactfulness of the
work it seeks to understand. Considered introspection, in the form of practice-based research, into creative arts practice offers the opportunity to try to understand the way an artist engages in an original way with their physical, cultural and psychic raw materials.
Editorial
Authors: Drew Linda
Published: August 2004

Welcome to readers of the second volume of Art, Design and Communication in Higher Education. In Volume 1, we made a specific call for articles offering examples of best practice and models for what should be done in developing the Ph.D. in design. These articles were published
in Volume 1 Number 3. At the time of this call we also called for articles on doctorates in fine arts and communication which addressed similar issues for consideration for Volume 2 of the journal. Those issues included:

• Supervision • Curriculum development • Thesis requirements
• Research methods requirements
Research in progress: the printmaking studio of the future in higher education?
Authors: Hamilton Paul
Published: August 2004

This article introduces work undertaken as part of the research programme, The development and evaluation of computer-aided learning in relation to the history and contemporary practice of printmaking’. The research falls into two categories:

• Pedagogy in relation to
art and design

• Printmaking, its future in tertiary art education

There are many changes happening in the education sector and these changes will form part of the pedagogical framework that needs to be established to determine in what direction printmaking as part of art education
will proceed. This research aims to help establish an understanding of what the printmaking studio within tertiary education will actually look like in the future and predict its role in this sector. This research demonstrates what can be produced using the computer as a part of the printmaker’s
repertoire, looking carefully at the various printmaking areas that utilize computer technology.
Book and Journal Reviews
Authors: Hartley Peter , Pelik Rowena , Woodfield Richard
Published: August 2004

Learning in Groups, a handbook for improving group work, Jaques, D. (2000), 3rd edn., London: Kogan Page, 310 pp, ISBN 0-7494-3091-5 (paperback).

The Module and Programme Development Handbook, Moon, J. (2002), London: Kogan Page, ISBN 0-7494-3745-6. Also
available in a A4 photocopiable loose-leaf ring-bound format for use by staff developers (ISBN 0-7494-3746-4).

Journal of Visual Arts Practice, Biggs, I. (ed.) (2000), 1: 1-3, Bristol: Intellect, ISSN 1470-2029
‘Goodbye Mr President’: Presidential Libraries and Public History in the USA
Authors: Bennett G.H.
Published: August 2004

The network of presidential libraries in the United States plays an important role in memorializing a key aspect of American history. They help to manufacture public memory about a particular president and some are more interested than others in presenting a fully rounded picture
of their subject. Yet even in their myth-making much is revealed about particular presidents and the forces which shape public history in the United States. While considerable criticism surrounds some aspects of the work of the presidential libraries, particularly their cost and their grandiosity,
their historical value remains significant.
The American happy family that never was: ambivalence in the Hollywood Family Melodrama
Authors: Redman Jessica H.E.
Published: August 2004

This essay examines the portrayal of unhappy American families in Hollywood Family Melodramas since World War II. In particular, it examines the ambivalence towards the family evident in American society and films, which arises from the repression of desire inherent within the modern
monogamous family.