bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A ciência da informação na visão dos professores da ECI/UFMG
Authors: Araujo Carlos Alberto Ávila , Sima Aline Michelle , Guedes Roger Miranda , Resende Karine Souza
Published: October 2007

Este texto apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com os professores da Escola de Ciência da Informação da UFMG sobre os seguintes assuntos: a ciência da informação como uma ciência social; a ciência da informação como uma ciência interdisciplinar; a ciência da informação como uma ciência pós-moderna; a natureza da relação entre a ciência da informação e a biblioteconomia. A cada entrevistado solicitou-se, ainda, que indicasse dez autores e dez obras da área de ciência da informação que ele julgasse relevantes.
Profissional da informação: análise da inserção no mercado de trabalho brasileiro
Authors: Loureiro Mônica de Fátima , Jannuzzi Paulo de Martino
Published: October 2007

Procurando contribuir para a discussão acerca da inserção do profissional da informação no mercado de trabalho no Brasil, discussão essa muito marcada por estudos de natureza ensaística, estudos de caso particulares e pesquisas empíricas de pequeno alcance e representatividade, o presente estudo tem como objetivo trazer evidências empíricas mais gerais e atuais a respeito da inserção destes profissionais no mercado de trabalho, na forma permitida pelo Censo Demográfico 2000. Mais especificamente, a pesquisa tem como objetivo o dimensionamento e caracterização do contingente de profissionais em atividades de informação que atuavam no mercado de trabalho brasileiro no ano 2000, segundo as categorias da Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações, a saber: profissionais da informação; arquivistas e museólogos; técnicos em biblioteconomia; técnicos em museologia e afins; auxiliares de serviços de documentação, informação e pesquisa. Apresenta-se o contingente de profissionais no país e; então, mostra-se a distribuição desses profissionais nas diversas regiões. Aborda-se ainda uma caracterização de cada grupo ocupacional, através de indicadores de escolaridade, posição na ocupação e o rendimento médio. Mostra-se que o contingente de profissionais do grupo é de 0,1%, em relação ao total da população ocupada no país, com concentração maior nos estados do Sul e Sudeste. Dentre as categorias analisadas os Profissionais da Informação apresentam melhor inserção ocupacional e rendimentos, ainda que em relação aos demais profissionais das Ciências e Artes a situação não seja das mais virtuosas, ao contrário do que poderia intuir pela bibliografia na área.
Práticas de gestão do conhecimento: caso dos sítios associados ao portal corporativo da FIOCRUZ
Authors: Paula Danúzia da Rocha de , Cianconi Regina de Barros
Published: October 2007

Mapeamento das iniciativas de Gestão do Conhecimento disponíveis em sítios abrigados no Portal Fiocruz. A partir de revisão da literatura, entrevistas e questionários, foram identificadas práticas de Gestão do Conhecimento em sítios abrigados no portal corporativo da Fiocruz, que podem ser relevantes para a elaboração de um programa de Gestão do Conhecimento na instituição. Enfatiza que a implementação do portal corporativo cria ambiente de produtividade, viabilizando disseminação da informação, integração de processos, informações e pessoas, possibilitando troca de experiências e inovação.
O impacto do portal de periódicos da CAPES na produção científica da área de plasma no Brasil
Authors: Maricato João de Melo
Published: October 2007

Analisa uma parcela do sistema de C&T na área de plasma no Brasil através de indicadores e técnicas cienciométricas. Procura entender a dinâmica da produção científica da área de plasma, dando atenção especial àevolução da produtividade e qualidade das pesquisas entre os anos de 1995 e 2005 (antes e após a implementação do Portal de Periódicos da CAPES). Desse modo, procura visualizar o impacto do Portal de Periódicos da CAPES na produção científica da área de Plasma no Brasil.
Estudo de usuários: visão global dos métodos de coleta de dados
Authors: Baptista Sofia Galvão , Cunha Murilo Bastos da
Published: October 2007

Aborda a trajetória histórica de estudo de usuários a partir da década de 1960, comentando a sua primeira fase de coleta e análise de dados, a fase quantitativa. A fase qualitativa é mencionada, mostrando que passou a ser uma opção crescente dos estudos a partir da década de 1990. Também são comentadas as vantagens e desvantagens dos principais métodos de coleta de dados utilizados por esses estudos e fornecidos exemplos.
Segurança alimentar: a abordagem dos alimentos transgênicos
Authors: CAVALLI Suzi Barletto
Published: October 2007

O objetivo desta comunicação é discutir a relação entre a segurança alimentar e os alimentos geneticamente modificados. A biotecnologia e a engenharia genética têm sido encaradas como parte da segunda revolução verde, justificando-se, entre outras prerrogativas, o uso de alimentos transgênicos como solução do problema da fome no mundo, sem risco à saúde da população e ao meio ambiente. Face a essa premissa, discute-se a segurança alimentar sob os enfoques qualitativos e quantitativos, destacando as atribuições dos órgãos responsáveis e suas interfaces com alimentos geneticamente modificados. Acredita-se que os alimentos transgênicos não sejam a solução para o problema da fome no mundo.
Depressão e estresse: existe um endofenótipo?
Authors: Mello Andrea Feijo , Juruena Mario Francisco , Pariante Carmine M , Tyrka Audrey R , Price Lawrence H , Carpenter Linda L , Del Porto Jose Alberto
Published: October 2007

OBJETIVO: Revisar os achados recentes sobre a relação entre estresse, eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal e depressão, na tentativa de explicar um endofenótipo de vulnerabilidade para o desenvolvimento da depressão. MÉTODO: Revisão não sistemática da literatura baseada na hipótese de endofenótipo. RESULTADOS: A depressão está relacionada à hipercortisolemia em muitos pacientes; porém, nem todos os deprimidos apresentam esta alteração na função hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal. Os primeiros estudos publicados observaram esta hiperativação do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal por meio do teste de supressão da dexametasona. Estes resultados não foram largamente replicados em grande parte devido à falta de acurácia desse teste. A hipercortisolemia ocorre freqüentemente em pacientes com depressão grave, do tipo melancólico, psicóticos ou não. Está relacionada a um polimorfismo específico do gene do transportador da serotonina; a história de abuso ou negligência durante a infância ou perda parental precoce; e ao temperamento que resulta em alterações na resposta ao estresse. CONCLUSÕES: As alterações do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal dependem de diversos fatores, como gravidade e tipo de depressão, genótipo, história de trauma na infância, temperamento e, provavelmente, resiliência. Todas essas variáveis se relacionam a um endofenótipo vulnerável ao desenvolvimento de depressão.
Superposição entre depressão atípica, doença afetiva sazonal e síndrome da fadiga crônica
Authors: Juruena Mario Francisco , Cleare Anthony James
Published: October 2007

OBJETIVO: Foram revisados estudos que descrevem que as alterações na função do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal são relacionadas com o estado psicopatológico em depressão. Além da depressão melancólica, uma série de condições podem ser associadas à hiperativação prolongada do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal. Um outro grupo de psicopatologias é caracterizado por hipoativação do mesmo eixo com redução crônica na secreção do fator de liberação de corticotrofina. Pacientes com depressão atípica, doença afetiva sazonal e síndrome da fadiga crônica estão inclusos nesta categoria. MÉTODO: Foram revisados os dados da literatura que incluem a interseção entre estes descritores, resumidos e discutidos os principais e recentes achados. RESULTADOS: Muitos estudos têm enfatizado que estes quadros se sobrepõem biologicamente, demonstrando hipofunção no sistema relacionado ao fator de liberação de corticotrofina. CONCLUSÕES: Na prática clínica, os pacientes frequentemente se apresentam de forma intermediária entre a fadiga e a depressão atípica crônica e/ou a depressão sazonal. Isto enfatiza o potencial biológico comum que fundamenta o grupo de sintomas não somente entre depressão (atípica e sazonal) e a síndrome da fadiga crônica e as condições caracterizadas por alterações no eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal, principalmente hipofunção e, em particular, diminuição da atividade do fator de liberação de corticotrofina.
Os pontos de virada na formação do professor universitário: um estudo sobre o mecanismo da identificação
Authors: Riolfi Claudia Rosa , Alaminos Cláudia
Published: October 2007

O presente artigo tem como objeto a formação do professor universitário. Volta-se para a elucidação das seguintes questões: a) os avanços para a compreensão da natureza do percurso a ser trilhado para que se instale, no professor universitário em formação, um desejo que encontre seu norte no ato de ensinar que são possíveis de se levar em consideração, ao tomar em consideração a psicanálise lacaniana; e b) a configuração dos pontos de virada por meio dos quais um sujeito em formação vem a construir um lugar singular de onde possa criar um trabalho próprio de professor universitário. Postula a necessidade do ultrapassamento do que estamos chamando de pontos de virada para que aquele que está em um percurso de formação, para se tornar professor universitário, possa vir a criar um espaço próprio para o exercício da docência, fundando, portanto, a possibilidade da re-invenção de um si próprio. Para tal fim, estamos recorrendo ao conceito de identificação - tal qual é visto na psicanálise de orientação lacaniana - para elucidar a experiência decorrida no âmbito do Programa de Aperfeiçoamento de Ensino (PAE), ao longo de 2005, em duas disciplinas (cujos alunos são prioritariamente oriundos da graduação em Lingüística da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas da USP), que têm a carga horária de 120 horas cada uma (60 em sala de aula e 60 de estágio supervisionado).
Práticas e mudanças no comportamento alimentar na população de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
Authors: Marinho Maria Cristina Sebba , Hamann Edgar Merchán , Lima Ana Carolina da Cunha Floresta
Published: October 2007

OBJETIVOS: investigar as práticas e mudanças alimentares na população de Brasília, Distrito Federal, com as variáveis escolaridade, renda e sexo. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, com uma amostra probabilística de 500 domicílios, com entrevista a pessoas >15 anos. As entrevistas foram feitas no Plano Piloto, Cidades Satélites e Vila Estrutural do Distrito Federal, entre março de 2003 e março de 2004. O marco amostral foi definido com base nos setores censitários do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, referentes ao censo demográfico de 2000. Foram sorteados 20 setores censitários dentre os 2548 existentes no Distrito Federal. RESULTADOS: os alimentos consumidos diariamente foram: arroz, feijão, pão, frutas, legumes e verduras. Consumo semanal de frango (85,0%), carne bovina (76,0%), massas (69,6%) e ovos (62,0%). A maioria (71,0%) relatou preocupar-se com alimentação saudável. Apenas, 37% dos entrevistados relataram mudança alimentar nos últimos seis meses, e dentre eles 32,6% atribuíram à perda de peso, 25,4% à preocupação com a saúde e 20,0% à reeducação alimentar. A mudança foi mantida por 84,2% dos respondentes. CONCLUSÕES: os dados apontam a preocupação com a alimentação saudável e mudanças nas práticas alimentares. As razões alegadas para as mudanças estão relacionadas com a estética e preocupação com a saúde. Renda e escolaridade constituem preditores significativos das mudanças nas práticas alimentares.
Marcos referenciais da trajetória das políticas de alimentação e nutrição no Brasil
Authors: Arruda Bertoldo Kruse Grande de , Arruda Ilma Kruze Grande de
Published: October 2007

Os marcos que influenciaram a concepção e a implementação de propostas inovadoras no campo da nutrição surgiram na década de 30. O inquérito promovido por Josué de Castro no Recife, em 1933, sobre as condições de vida das classes operárias revelou a ocorrência de déficit calórico e de nutrientes e motivou o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas acerca da situação alimentar em Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, estabelecendo as relações entre alimentação e salário mínimo. Para dar assistência ao governo na formulação da Política Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição foi criado o Instituto Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição (INAN), em 1972, e elaborado o I Programa Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição (PRONAN), envolvendo 12 subprogramas das diversas estruturas governamentais e, com olhar inovador da desnutrição como uma doença social foi substituído, em 1976, pelo II PRONAN. A extinção do INAN, em 1997, conduziu ao surgimento da Coordenação Geral da Política de Alimentação e Nutrição, responsável pela elaboração da Política Nacional de Alimentação e Nutrição no contexto da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, criando em 2001 o Programa Bolsa Alimentação. A criação do Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar, em 1993, fomentou a aprovação do Programa Fome Zero. Identifica-se que na realidade brasileira, a avaliação das políticas públicas é um campo tradicionalmente marcado pela carência de procedimentos sistemáticos.
Regulation of GH secretagogue receptor gene expression in the rat nodose ganglion
Authors: Sato Miho , Nakahara Keiko , Miyazato Mikiya , Kangawa Kenji , Murakami Noboru
Published: October 2007

It has been shown that the ghrelin receptor, GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is synthesized in neurons of the nodose ganglion and then transmitted to axon terminals, where it binds to ghrelin. The orexigenic signal of ghrelin secreted from the stomach is transmitted to the brain via the vagal afferent nerve. To explore the regulation of GHS-R synthesis in the nodose ganglion, we examined whether or not GHS-R type a mRNA expression shows circadian rhythm, and is affected by starvation, vagotomy, or i.v. administration of gastrointestinal peptides. Nodose ganglion GHS-R mRNA levels showed a diurnal rhythm, being high during periods of light and low during darkness. Although starvation tended to increase the level of GHS-R mRNA, a more significant increase was observed upon re-feeding. Vagotomy decreased the level of GHS-R mRNA significantly in comparison with animals that underwent a sham procedure. Cholecystokinin and gastrin increased the level of GHS-R mRNA after 2 h, but after 4 h, the level decreased. These results suggest that GHS-R synthesis in the nodose ganglion is regulated centrally and peripherally by neuronal and humoral information, and that these dynamic changes of GHS-R mRNA expression may be involved in the regulation of feeding by ghrelin.
Differential expression of E-cadherin at the surface of rat β-cells as a marker of functional heterogeneity
Authors: Bosco Domenico , Rouiller Dominique G , Halban Philippe A
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to assess whether the expression of E-cadherin at the surface of rat β-cells is regulated by insulin secretagogues and correlates with insulin secretion. When cultured under standard conditions, virtually all β-cells expressed E-cadherin observed by immunofluorescence, but heterogeneous staining was observed. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), two β-cell sub-populations were sorted: one that was poorly labeled (‘ECad-low’) and another that was highly labeled (‘ECad-high’). After 1-h stimulation with 16.7 mM glucose, insulin secretion (reverse hemolytic plaque assay) from individual ECad-high β-cells was higher than that from ECad-low β-cells. Ca2+-dependent β-cell aggregation was increased at 16.7 mM glucose when compared with 2.8 mM glucose. E-cadherin at the surface of β-cells was increased after 18 h at 11.1 and 22.2 mM glucose when compared with 2.8 mM glucose, with the greatest increase at 22.2 mM glucose + 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). While no labeling was detected on freshly trypsinized cells, the proportion of stained cells increased in a time-dependent manner during culture for 1, 3, and 24 h. This recovery was faster when cells were incubated at 16.7 vs 2.8 mM glucose. Cycloheximide inhibited expression of E-cadherin at 2.8 mM glucose, but not at 16.7 mM, while depolymerization of actin by either cytochasin B or latrunculin B increased surface E-cadherin at low glucose. In conclusion, these results show that expression of E-cadherin at the surface of islet β-cells is controlled by secretagogues including glucose, correlates with insulin secretion, and can serve as a surface marker of β-cell function.
Fetal and neonatal nicotine exposure and postnatal glucose homeostasis: identifying critical windows of exposure
Authors: Bruin Jennifer E , Kellenberger Lisa D , Gerstein Hertzel C , Morrison Katherine M , Holloway Alison C
Published: October 2007

Fetal and lactational exposure to nicotine at concentrations comparable with those in women who smoke causes impaired glucose tolerance in male offspring in postnatal life. It remains unknown whether there are critical windows of susceptibility to nicotine exposure. Female nulliparous Wistar rats were given saline vehicle or nicotine bitartrate (1 mg/kg per day) prior to pregnancy, which was then: A) discontinued during pregnancy and lactation; B) continued until parturition; C) continued until weaning; and D) discontinued during pregnancy and restarted from lactation until weaning. At 26 weeks of age, offspring in each group were challenged with an oral glucose load. β-Cell mass, apoptosis, and proliferation were measured at birth, and at 4 and 26 weeks of age. The animals in group C (exposed to nicotine throughout pregnancy and lactation) had reduced β-cell mass from birth through 26 weeks of age and impaired glucose homeostasis at 26 weeks of age. β-Cell mass was also reduced at birth and at 4 weeks of age in animals exposed to nicotine during pregnancy alone (group B). However, enhanced proliferation following weaning led to recovery of this defect to 98% of control levels by week 26. The response to the glucose load in groups A, B, and D did not differ from controls. Continued exposure to nicotine from conception through lactation results in permanent β-cell loss and subsequent impaired glucose tolerance. This model of type 2 diabetes requires that nicotine exposure occurs both in utero and during lactation.
Type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase is highly expressed in germ cells of adult rat testis
Authors: Wajner Simone Magagnin , dos Santos Wagner Márcia , Melo Rossana C N , Parreira Gleydes G , Chiarini-Garcia Hélio , Bianco Antonio C , Fekete Csaba , Sanchez Edith , Lechan Ronald M , Maia Ana Luiza
Published: October 2007

The testis has been classically described as a thyroid hormone unresponsive tissue, but recent studies indicate that these hormones might play an important role in developing testes. We have previously demonstrated that type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2), a thyroid hormone-activating enzyme, is expressed in adult rodent testis and that its activity is induced by hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, the precise location of D2 in testis is not known. The aim of the present work was to determine the testicular cell types in which D2 is expressed using real-time PCR analysis, in situ hybridization histochemistry, and determination of D2 activity in cell fractions isolated from adult euthyroid and/or hypothyroid rat testis. The D2 mRNA levels in germ cells were higher than those from somatic cells (6.94 ± 1.49 vs 2.32 ± 0.79 arbitrary units (au); P = 0.017). Hypothyroidism increased D2 expression in germ cells (6.94 ± 1.49 vs 8.78 ± 5.43 au, P = 0.002) but did not change D2 transcripts in somatic cells significantly (2.12 ± 0.79 vs 2.88 ± 1.39 au, P = 0.50). In situ hybridization analysis showed that D2 mRNA is specifically present in elongated spermatids undergoing differentiation, whereas other germ cell types and Sertoli cells of seminiferous epithelium and the interstitial cells were virtually negative for this enzyme. The enzyme activity measured in germ and somatic isolated cell fractions (0.23 ± 0.003 vs 0.02 ± 0.013 fmol/min per mg protein respectively; P < 0.001) further confirmed the real-time PCR and in situ hybridization results. Hence, our findings demonstrated that D2 is predominantly expressed in elongated spermatids, suggesting that thyroid hormone might have a direct effect on spermatogenesis in the adult rats.
Warfarin-induced impairment of cortical bone material quality and compensatory adaptation of cortical bone structure to mechanical stimuli
Authors: Sugiyama Toshihiro , Takaki Toshiaki , Sakanaka Kenya , Sadamaru Hiroki , Mori Koji , Kato Yoshihiko , Taguchi Toshihiko , Saito Takashi
Published: October 2007

Long-term warfarin use has been reported to increase fracture risk of rib and vertebra but not hip in elderly patients, but the mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that warfarin would impair bone material quality but could not weaken bone strength under conditions with higher mechanical stimuli. To test this hypothesis, rats were randomized to vehicle or warfarin group at 4 weeks of age and subsequently weight matched into a sedentary or jumping exercise group at 12 weeks of age. At 6 months of age, osteocalcin content, bone mineral density (BMD), mineral size, material properties, morphological parameters, and biomechanical properties of cortical bones were evaluated. In order to seek evidence for a common mechanism of action, effects of nucleation rate of mineral crystals on their rigidity were also investigated using computer simulation. In humeral cortical bones, warfarin did not change BMD, but markedly decreased osteocalcin content, diminished mineral size, and impaired material hardness. Consistent with these results, our computer-simulation model showed that osteocalcin-induced delay of mineral crystal nucleation decreased mineral formation rate, increased mean and distribution of mineral sizes, and strengthened mineral rigidity. In tibial cortical bones, warfarin decreased material ultimate stress; however, under jumping exercise, warfarin increased cross-sectional total and bone areas of these tibiae and completely maintained their biomechanical properties including work to failure. Collectively, our findings suggest that long-term warfarin therapy weakens rib and vertebra by impairing cortical bone material quality due to a marked decrease in osteocalcin content but could not reduce hip strength through compensatory adaptation of cortical bone structure to higher mechanical stimuli.
Estrogen protects against the development of salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy in heterozygous proANP gene-disrupted mice
Authors: Sangaralingham S Jeson , Tse M Yat , Pang Stephen C
Published: October 2007

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women, but the incidence for women rises sharply after menopause. This has been mainly attributed in the reduction of the female sex hormone estrogen during menopause, suggesting that estrogen may have cardioprotective effects, although how estrogen exerts its cardioprotective effects is not fully understood. Moreover, the beneficial effect of estrogen on end-organ damage such as cardiac hypertrophy (CH) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the interaction between estrogen and the natriuretic peptide system (NPS) and their possible roles during the development of CH by using the proANP heterozygous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP +/−) mouse as a model of salt-sensitive CH. Male, female ANP +/− mice, and also ovariectomized (Ovx) female ANP +/− mice treated with oil or estrogen were fed either a normal or high salt (HS) diet. After a 5-week treatment period, marked CH was noted in the male and oil-injected Ovx female ANP +/− mice treated with HS. The cardiac NPS, i.e. ANP, B-type natriuretic peptide, and natriuretic peptide receptor-A, was activated in these ANP +/− mice. Interestingly, the female and estrogen-injected Ovx female ANP +/− mice did not exhibit CH, and the cardiac NPS remained unchanged. Collectively, we provide direct evidence that estrogen has the ability to resist the induction of salt-induced CH in ANP +/− mice. Furthermore, the development of hypertrophy may be activating the cardiac NPS in an attempt to blunt these structural changes.
Increased metastatic lymph node 64 and CYP17 expression are associated with high stage prostate cancer
Authors: Stigliano A , Gandini O , Cerquetti L , Gazzaniga P , Misiti S , Monti S , Gradilone A , Falasca P , Poggi M , Brunetti E , Aglianò A M , Toscano V
Published: October 2007

The metastatic lymph node 64 (MLN64), which is localized in the human chromosome 17, encodes a protein with strong homology with steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Its overexpression in human breast carcinomas and MLNs led to the hypothesis that this protein could be involved in intraneoplastic steroidogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the expression of MLN64 in prostate cancer, another hormone-dependent tumor, and compared its expression with that of CYP17, the gene encoding for the key enzyme of androgen synthesis. We investigated by RT-PCR the expression of MLN64 and CYP17 in 60 prostatic tumors and compared their expression with the stage of disease and the appearance of relapses in a follow-up of 24 months. We found MLN64 and CYP17 expressed in all samples examined, with significantly higher expression in neoplastic tissues with respect to normal tissues (NTs). Moreover, only in neoplastic but not in NTs, a positive linear correlation was found between MLN64 and CYP17 gene expression. MLN64 and CYP17 expression seems to correlate with high stage, high Gleason score and short relapse-free time. These data, for the first time, demonstrate the presence of MLN64 and CYP17 expression in both normal and neoplastic prostatic tissues. The biological role of MLN64 in human prostate and, particularly, in neoplastic tissue is still unclear. Our findings concerning MLN64 and CYP17 gene expression and their significant positive correlation in human prostate cancer may suggest their possible role in intraneoplastic autonomous steroidogenesis.
Molecular cloning of doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1, forkhead transcription factor gene 2, and two types of cytochrome P450 aromatase in Southern catfish and their possible roles in sex differentiation
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Wu Fengrui , Jiao Baowei , Zhang Xiuyue , Hu Chongjiang , Huang Baofeng , Zhou Linyan , Huang Xigui , Wang Zhijian , Zhang Yaoguang , Nagahama Yoshitaka , Cheng Christopher H K , Wang Deshou
Published: October 2007

To address the roles of doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1), forkhead transcription factor gene 2 (Foxl2), and aromatase in sex differentiation of Southern catfish, the cDNA sequences of these genes were isolated from the gonads. Dmrt1a and Dmrt1b were found to be expressed in the gonads, being higher in the testis. A low expression level of Dmrt1b was also detected in the intestine and kidney of the male. Foxl2 was found to be expressed extensively in the brain (B), pituitary (P), gill and gonads (G), with the highest level in the ovary, indicating the possible involvement of Foxl2 in the B–P–G axis. Cytochrome P450 (Cyp)19b was found to be expressed in the brain, spleen, and gonads, while Cyp19a was only expressed in the gonads and spleen. All-female Southern catfish fry were treated with fadrozole (F), tamoxifen (TAM), and 17β-estradiol (E2) respectively, from 5 to 25 days after hatching (dah). The expression levels of these genes were measured at 65 dah. In the F-, TAM-, and FTAM-treated groups, Dmrt1a and Dmrt1b were up-regulated in the gonad, whereas Foxl2 and Cyp19a were down-regulated, while the expression of Cyp19b in the gonad remained unchanged. Furthermore, down-regulation of Foxl2 and Cyp19b was also detected in the brain. In the E2-treated group, Dmrt1a and Dmrt1b were down-regulated to an undetectable level in the gonad, whereas Foxl2 and Cyp19b were up-regulated in the brain. Consistent with the observed changes in the expressions of these genes, 56, 70, and 80% sex-reversed male individuals were obtained in the F-, TAM-, and F + TAM-treated groups respectively. These results indicate the significant roles of Dmrt1, Foxl2, and Cyp19 in the sex differentiation of Southern catfish.
Shooting the Messenger: The Vilification of Irving J. Selikoff
Authors: McCulloch Jock , Tweedale Geoffrey
Published: October 2007

Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (1915–1992), a New York physician based at Mount Sinai Hospital, was the leading American medical expert on asbestos-related diseases between the 1960s and early 1990s. In a country that had been the world's greatest consumer of asbestos, he was also at the center of the key controversies connected with the mineral. In these controversies, Selikoff was consistently demonized as a media zealot who exaggerated the risks of asbestos on the back of bogus medical qualifications and flawed science. Since his death, the criticism has become even more vituperative and claims have persisted that he was malicious or a medical fraud. However, most of the attacks on Selikoff were inspired by the asbestos industry or its sympathizers, and for much of his career he was the victim of a sustained and orchestrated campaign to discredit him. The most serious criticisms usually more accurately describe his detractors than Selikoff himself.
From Chinese Model to U.S. Symptoms: The Paradox of China's Health System
Authors: Gong Sen , Walker Alan , Shi Guang
Published: October 2007

This article explains the paradox of China's recent failure to secure significant improvements in the health of its people despite once being the envy of the developing world for its successful health policies and its huge sustained increases in both economic growth and expenditure on health care. The authors begin with an outline of the organization and financing of China's health services, then track the recent upward trend in health spending and examine its structural features in conjunction with those of spending in other, comparable countries. The main discussion consists of an evaluation of health service system performance in China during the reform era and an explanation of its health paradox. The key elements in this account are the waste of resources, the neglect of proven health interventions, and the lack of fairness in allocation of medical resources—all of which are underpinned by the neoliberal orientation of policy in the reform era. The authors conclude with some policy proposals centering on the restoration of social justice in the health system. The article draws on material previously unavailable in English.
The Role of International Migration in Infectious Diseases: The HIV Epidemic and its Trends in Japan
Authors: Komatsu Ryuichi , Sawada Takashi
Published: October 2007

Globalization and its associated international migrations facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. This article reports trends in and discusses the relation between international migration and HIV infection in Japan. The authors analyze relevant literature, drawing on government and other sources. Among foreigners in Japan, there were 27.0 reported HIV and 9.3 reported AIDS cases per million in 1990, and 52.9 HIV and 38.8 AIDS cases per million in 2000. These rates were initially 45 to 90 times the population prevalence of HIV and AIDS among Japanese, but are now only 10 to 20 times the prevalence among Japanese, as HIV becomes an increasing problem for the Japanese population. HIV-infected foreigners who are uninsured are at a disadvantage for diagnosis, counseling, and treatment compared with insured persons, and at a significantly higher risk for low CD4 counts. For all sections of Japan's population, counseling and testing are inadequate, and surveillance of behavioral risk, infection, and disease is limited. International migrants are at increased risk for HIV transmission and at a disadvantage for care and treatment. Japan needs both to develop policies that assist migrants and to respond to the growing threat among its nonmigrant population.
Cuba's International Cooperation in Health: An Overview
Authors: De Vos Pol , De Ceukelaire Wim , Bonet Mariano , van der Stuyft Patrick
Published: October 2007

In the first years after Cuba's 1959 revolution, the island's new government provided international medical assistance to countries affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts. Step by step, a more structural complementary program for international collaboration was put in place. The relief operations after Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America in 1998, were pivotal. From November 1998 onward, the “Integrated Health Program” was the cornerstone of Cuba's international cooperation. The intense cooperation with Hugo Chávez's Venezuela became another cornerstone. Complementary to the health programs abroad, Cuba also set up international programs at home, benefiting tens of thousands of foreign patients and disaster victims. In a parallel program, medical training is offered to international students in the Latin American Medical School in Cuba and, increasingly, also in their home countries. The importance and impact of these initiatives, however, cannot and should not be analyzed solely in public health terms.
“Let Us Live and Let them Die”
Authors: Burcher Sam , McMahon Jean
Published: October 2007

A WHO staff member's parting salvo to the international health agency and its neoliberal approach to health.
3D Micro‐ and Nanostructures via Interference Lithography
Authors: Jang J.‐H. , Ullal C. K. , Maldovan M. , Gorishnyy T. , Kooi S. , Koh C. , Thomas E. L.
Published: October 2007

Interference lithography (IL) holds the promise of fabricating large‐area, defect‐free 3D structures on the submicrometer scale both rapidly and cheaply. A stationary spatial variation of intensity is created by the interference of two or more beams of light. The pattern that emerges out of the intensity distribution is transferred to a light sensitive medium, such as a photoresist, and after development yields a 3D bicontinuous photoresist/air structure. Importantly, by a proper choice of beam parameters one can control the geometrical elements and volume fraction of the structures. This article provides an overview of the fabrication of 3D structures via IL (e.g., the formation of interference patterns, their dependence on beam parameters and several requirements for the photoresist) and highlights some of our recent efforts in the applications of these 3D structures in photonic crystals, phononic crystals and as microframes, and for the synthesis of highly non spherical polymer particles. Our discussion concludes with perspectives on the future directions in which this technique could be pursued.
A possible link between the pubertal growth of girls and breast cancer in their daughters
Authors: Barker David J.P. , Osmond Clive , Thornburg Kent L. , Kajantie Eero , Forsen Tom J. , Eriksson Johan G.
Published: October 2007

One hypothesis for the origins of breast cancer is that it is initiated by exposure of developing breast tissue in utero to maternal sex hormones. The sex hormone profile is established at puberty, when it regulates growth of the pelvic bones. The pubertal growth of girls is characterized by broadening and rounding of the pelvis. The maximal width between their iliac crests, the intercristal width, increases more rapidly than in boys. We hypothesized that higher sex hormone concentrations at puberty produce larger intercristal widths, and these are markers of increased breast cancer risk in the next generation. We followed up 6,370 women who were born in Helsinki during 1934–1944, and whose mothers' pelvic bones were measured during routine antenatal care. Women whose mothers had large intercristal widths had higher rates of breast cancer. In those born at or after 40 weeks gestation, the hazard ratio for breast cancer was 3.7 (95% CI: 2.1–6.6) if their mother's intercristal width was greater than 30 cm. Among women born to multiparous mothers this hazard ratio rose to 7.2 (3.4–15.4). Hazard ratios for breast cancer were also higher in the daughters of mothers with round iliac crests. Pelvic bone measurements which increase similarly in girls and boys at puberty did not predict breast cancer. We conclude that the intercristal width, and the roundness of the iliac crests, are markers of mothers' sex hormones, and postulate that high concentrations cause genetic instability in differentiating breast cells in their daughters in utero. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Note on drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) ecology and conservation status in Korup National Park, Southwest Cameroon
Authors: Astaras Christos , Mühlenberg Michael , Waltert Matthias
Published: October 2007

We report preliminary findings on drill population ecology, feeding ecology, primate associations and conservation status in Korup National Park, Cameroon, based on analysis of data collected during 1,346 km (620 field hours) of trail patrols from February to June 2006. We encountered drills on 25 occasions and collected 304 fecal samples. Group size was estimated on four occasions (≥25, ≥40, ≥67, ≥77), and multiple males were heard emitting the characteristic two‐phase grunt of mature male drills in two of these groups. We saw a solitary male drill once. Examination of fecal samples indicated a seasonally variable diet consisting mainly of seeds, fruit pith, leaves and insects (especially ants and termites). Irvingia gabonensis and Musanga cecropioides fruits showed the highest percentage of occurrence in May (96%) and March (75%) samples, respectively, and could be a major food source for drills at that time. Drills were in association with at least one additional primate species during 57.9% of observations. These associations involved all of the diurnal primates found in Korup (Cercopithecus mona, Cercopithecus nictitans, Cercopithecus erythrotis, Cercopithecus pogonias, Piliocolobus preussi and Cercocebus torquatus) except chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). We discuss our findings in terms of existing knowledge about drill ecology and highlight the urgent need for the protection of the significant drill population in Korup National Park. Am. J. Primatol. 70:306–310, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simple machine‐assisted protocol for solid‐phase synthesis of depsipeptides
Authors: Spengler Jan , Koksch Beate , Albericio Fernando
Published: October 2007

A straightforward machine‐assisted protocol for the synthesis of linear depsipeptides is reported. The synthesis was performed on a 433A Peptide Synthesizer (Applied Biosystems) using preprogrammed and optimized modules for Boc chemistry and without any need for hardware modification. The robustness of the protocol was demonstrated with 12 examples of 26‐membered depsipeptides with single and multiple (up to 6) ester backbone substitutions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 823–828, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Copper binding and conformation of the N‐terminal octarepeats of the prion protein in the presence of DPC micelles as membrane mimetic
Authors: Dong Shou‐Liang , Cadamuro Sergio A. , Fiorino Ferdinando , Bertsch Uwe , Moroder Luis , Renner Christian
Published: October 2007

The prion protein is usually pictured as globular structured C‐terminal domain that is linked to an extended flexible N‐terminal tail. However, in its physiological form, it is a glycoprotein tethered to the cell surface via a C‐terminal GPI anchor. The low solubility of PrP even without GPI anchor and its strong tendency for aggregation has forced most structural investigations to be performed at low pH and mostly with N‐terminally truncated variants. In the present study, we have used a synthetic peptide related to the PrP tetra‐octarepeat region, i.e., the sequence (Pro‐His‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Trp‐Gly‐Gln)4, for NMR structural analysis of its preferred conformation in DPC micelles as membrane mimic. Well‐defined and identical loops are observed between the four octarepeats that are linked by flexible Gly‐Gly‐Gly sequences. Interaction with the micelles is mainly through the tryptophan residues that appear to act as anchors. Copper binding to the peptide in the presence of DPC micelles revealed marked conformational rearrangements although binding to the micelles is preserved. Interestingly, titration experiments point to cooperative effects for the four binding sites. A destabilization of the DPC micelles by the peptide parallels the destabilizing effect of the prion protein on membranes so that the octarepeat region appears to be very membrane‐active. How the physico–chemical properties reported here are linked to the function and significance of the prion protein remains a puzzle as long as the functional mechanism of the prion protein is not precisely elucidated. Nevertheless, our results emphasize the strong influence of the (membrane) environment on the PrP properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 840–847, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The PTB domain of tensin: NMR solution structure and phosphoinositides binding studies
Authors: Leone Marilisa , Yu Eric C. , Liddington Robert C. , Pasquale Elena B. , Pellecchia Maurizio
Published: October 2007

Tensin is a protein confined at those discrete and specialized regions of the plasma membrane, known as focal adhesions. It contains, at the C‐terminus, a phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain that can interact with the cytoplasmic tail of β‐integrins and is necessary for localization of the protein to cell‐matrix adhesions. Here, we present the NMR solution structure of the PTB domain of tensin1. Moreover, through NMR binding studies, we demonstrate that the PTB domain of tensin1 is able to interact with phosphatidylinositol 4, 5‐diphosphate (PtIns(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PtIns(4)P), presenting higher affinity for the diphosphorylated inositide. Chemical shift mapping studies reveal a putative PtIns(4,5)P2 binding region that is distinct from the predicted integrin β‐tail recognition site. Heteronuclear NOE experiments, recorded in absence and presence of PtIns(4,5)P2, indicate that the interaction with lipids decreases the flexibility of loop regions, predicted to be important for integrin binding, and thus, proposes a possible correlation between the two distinct binding events. Therefore, our studies suggest that capture of lipids by the PTB domain of tensin1 may play a role for the protein function at focal adhesions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 86–92, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
DartBoards and Clovers as new tools in sustainability planning and control
Authors: Bonacchi Massimiliano , Rinaldi Leonardo
Published: October 2007

Among organizations that recognize that a multidimensional perspective is necessary to integrate stakeholder needs into a long term value creation process, only in a few cases are performance measurement systems able to integrate financial indicators with social and environmental metrics. This paper first discusses the sustainability concept for management accounting purposes. After reviewing the literature addressing performance measurement system issues, the paper offers a view as to how implementation of management accounting for sustainability could progress. We suggest a performance measurement system based on two managerial instruments that organize a set of primary and secondary measures, connected with stakeholder satisfaction, and are able to detect and articulate both win–win and trade‐off situations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Paving the way for sustainability communication: evidence from a Swiss study
Authors: Stiller Ylva , Daub Claus‐Heinrich
Published: October 2007

This paper presents and compares the outcomes of an annually repeated project, assessing the corporate reporting practice in the 250 largest Swiss companies, over a time frame of three years (2003–2005). Focusing on the quantitative and qualitative corporate sustainability disclosure, the study attempts a review of the Swiss corporate reporting practice by using a benchmark approach, as an alternative to content analysis, in order to supply best‐practice examples for companies and open the door towards a more dialogical approach. Supported by the findings of Kolk, Gray, Unerman etc. as well as critique aired by Thomson and Bebbington and by Solomon and Darby, the study and its results are discussed and reflected upon in a conceptual and practical context. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Improvement of residual bilinearization by particle swarm optimization for achieving the second‐order advantage with unfolded partial least‐squares
Authors: Bortolato Santiago A. , Arancibia Juan A. , Escandar Graciela M. , Olivieri Alejandro C.
Published: October 2007

The combination of unfolded partial least‐squares (U‐PLS) with residual bilinearization (RBL) provides a second‐order multivariate calibration method capable of achieving the second‐order advantage. RBL is performed by varying the test sample scores in order to minimize the residues of a combined U‐PLS model for the calibrated components and a principal component model for the potential interferents. The sample scores are then employed to predict the analyte concentration, with regression coefficients taken from the calibration step. When the contribution of multiple potential interferents is severe, particle swarm optimization (PSO) helps in preventing RBL to be trapped by false minima, restoring its predictive ability and making it comparable to the standard parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis. Both simulated and experimental systems are analyzed in order to show the potentiality of the new technique. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel application of flow cytometry: Determination of muscle fiber types and protein levels in whole murine skeletal muscles and heart
Authors: Jackaman Connie , Nowak Kristen J. , Ravenscroft Gianina , Lim Esther M. , Clément Sophie , Laing Nigel G.
Published: October 2007

Conventional methods for measuring proteins within muscle samples such as immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis can be time consuming, labor intensive and subject to sampling errors. We have developed flow cytometry techniques to detect proteins in whole murine heart and skeletal muscle. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed on quadriceps and soleus muscles from male C57BL/6J, BALB/c, CBA and mdx mice. Proteins including actins, myosins, tropomyosin and α‐actinin were detected via single staining flow cytometric analysis. This correlated with immunohistochemistry using the same antibodies. Muscle fiber types could be determined by dual labeled flow cytometry for skeletal muscle actin and different myosins. This showed similar results to immunohistochemistry for I, IIA and IIB myosins. Flow cytometry of heart samples from C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice dual labeled with cardiac and skeletal muscle actin antibodies demonstrated the known increase in skeletal actin protein in BALB/c hearts. The membrane‐associated proteins α‐sarcoglycan and dystrophin could be detected in C57BL/6J mice, but were decreased or absent in mdx mice. With the ability to label whole muscle samples simultaneously with multiple antibodies, flow cytometry may have advantages over conventional methods for certain applications, including assessing the efficacy of potential therapies for muscle diseases. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.