bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allograft Vasculopathy Versus Atherosclerosis
Authors: Rahmani Maziar , Cruz Rani P. , Granville David J. , McManus Bruce M.
Published: October 2006

Over the last 4 decades, heart transplantation (HTx) has evolved as a mainstream therapy for heart failure. Approximately half of patients needing HTx have organ failure consequent to atherosclerosis. Despite advances in immunosuppressive drugs, long-term success of HTx is limited by the development of a particular type of coronary atherosclerosis, referred to as cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Although the exact pathogenesis of CAV remains to be established, there is strong evidence that CAV involves immunologic mechanisms operating in a milieu of nonimmunologic risk factors. The immunologic events constitute the principal initiating stimuli, resulting in endothelial injury and dysfunction, altered endothelial permeability, with consequent myointimal hyperplasia and extracellular matrix synthesis. Lipid accumulation in allograft arteries is prominent, with lipoprotein entrapment in the subendothelial tissue, through interactions with proteoglycans. The apparent endothelial “intactness” in human coronary arteries of the transplanted heart suggest that permeability and function of the endothelial barrier altered. Various insults to the vascular bed result in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) activation. Activated SMCs migrate from the media into the intima, proliferate, and elaborate cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in luminal narrowing and impaired vascular function. Arteriosclerosis is a broad term that is used to encompass all diseases that lead to arterial hardening, including native atherosclerosis, postangioplasty restenosis, vein bypass graft occlusion, and CAV. These diseases exhibit many similarities; however, they are distinct from one another in numerous ways as well. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the risk factors and the pathophysiological similarities and differences between CAV and atherosclerosis.
The “Wild Indians” of Andros Island
Authors: Howard Rosalyn
Published: October 2006

Andros Island, Bahamas, served as a refuge for freedom-seeking Black Seminoles who escaped from Florida. They began landing secretly on the island in 1821 after the British in Nassau reneged on their promise to help the Seminole Indians and Black Seminoles fight against White aggressors in Florida. While conducting research on Andros Island in 1937, anthropologist John Goggin met Felix MacNeil, a descendant of the Florida Black Seminole refugees. His encounters with MacNeil and others led Goggin to conclude that he had positively identified the legendary “Wild Indians” of Andros Island as descendants of the Florida Black Seminoles. The majority of residents in the present-day settlement of Red Bays on Andros Island are descended from those original exiles from Florida. This article provides an ethnohistorical perspective of the Black Seminole legacy in Florida and the Bahamas that focuses on the oral history and lives of Felix MacNeil and other descendants.
Race and the “I Have a Dream” Legacy
Authors: Jones Antwan
Published: October 2006

In the study reported here, the author had two objectives: (1) to test the relationship between racial attitudes toward Blacks and attitudes toward civil rights and (2) to find predictors of positive civil rights attitudes. Using multivariate regression modeling, the author finds that there is a positive relationship between racial attitudes toward Blacks and attitudes toward civil rights. The model also suggests a positive relationship between ideological proximity, or how close one feels to Blacks, and attitudes toward civil rights. In addition, the author finds that political party identification, age, education, gender, racial identification, and region of residence are all significant predictors of positive civil rights attitudes. The final model has an explained variance of 19%, thus calling for additional research in this area.
Self-reported Practice, Confidence, and Knowledge About Palliative Care of Nurses in a Japanese Regional Cancer Center: Longitudinal Study After 1-Year Activity of Palliative Care Team
Authors: Morita Tatsuya , Fujimoto Koji , Imura Chizuru , Nanba Miki , Fukumoto Naoko , Itoh Tomoko
Published: October 2006

Knowledge and skill deficits about palliative care in medical professionals are among the most common barriers to quality palliative care. This study in a Japanese regional cancer center was conducted to clarify nurses’ self-reported practices, confidence, and knowledge, and the changes in these parameters after the 1-year educational and clinical activity of a palliative care team. Questionnaires were distributed to 134 nurses before and after a palliative care team conducted 6-topic educational programs and clinical consultation activity throughout the year. The nurses were asked to report their practices, confidence, and knowledge about palliative care in 5 fields (pain, dyspnea, delirium, communication, and dying-phase). In some areas of palliative care, hospital nurses did not adhere to recommended practices, had knowledge deficits, and were not generally confident with palliative care practices. However, daily palliative care team activities, including educational programs and clinical consultation service, could improve their practice and knowledge levels.
Modafinil Reduces Fatigue in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A: A Case Series
Authors: Carter Gregory T. , Han Jay J. , Mayadev Angeli , Weiss Michael D.
Published: October 2006

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the most common hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is a slowly progressive disorder characterized by diffuse muscle weakness and prominent distal atrophy that predominantly involves the intrinsic muscles of the feet and the peroneal muscles. It results in marked reduction in functional aerobic capacity during exercise and fatigue is commonly reported. To date, no pharmacologic treatment has been shown to be effective for treating fatigue in Charcot-Marie-Tooth. Modafinil is used to treat the symptoms of fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. However, fatigue and subsequent excessive daytime sleepiness secondary to fatigue are common symptoms in many neurologic disorders. Prior reports on patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, have shown beneficial effects of modafinil in treating fatigue. We report 4 patients with genetically confirmed Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease who had significant fatigue that was almost completely relieved by modafinil.
Parenteral Morphine Prescribing Patterns Among Inpatients With Pain From Advanced Cancer: A Prospective Survey of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Use
Authors: Walsh Declan , Perin Mary Lou , McIver Beth
Published: October 2006

Prescribing patterns for parenteral morphine for symptom control in advanced cancer were studied in 50 consecutive hospital admissions (27 men, 23 women, median age, 62 years). Patients were interviewed daily (median time, 9 days) concerning analgesia while they were receiving parenteral morphine. Five major inpatient prescribing patterns were identified: (1) intravenous to oral, (2) intravenous to subcutaneous, (3) intravenous only, (4) subcutaneous only, and (5) mixed. The intravenoustooral group had more stable pain control than the intravenous-to-subcutaneous group. Pain control was good in the mixed group, suggesting that flexibility in the route of administration contributes to better pain control. Patients with neuropathic pain required higher doses of morphine. These patterns of parenteral morphine application reflect the complexity of the challenge presented by the various cancer pain syndromes. Physicians should be knowledgeable about the appropriate and flexible use of different routes of administration for morphine and other opioids.
Medical Students as Hospice Volunteers: The Benefits to a Hospice Organization
Authors: Setla Judith , Watson Linda
Published: October 2006

Hospices have regulatory requirements to provide volunteers who can assist families in a variety of ways. Hospices also typically provide large amounts of uncompensated education for students in various life sciences as part of their mission to promote quality care for those at the end-of-life. Separately, there is evidence of the educational benefits of exposing medical students to hospice patients and practices. But little has been published about the costs or benefits such teaching programs incur at the hospices involved. Hospice of Central New York developed a service-learning elective where first-year medical students were trained as volunteers. Despite initial concerns that significant staff time would be required to develop and maintain this elective, it appears to be an efficient way to satisfy the need for volunteers while contributing to the education of the involved students.
Acculturation Strategies and Attitudes of African Immigrants in the South of Spain: Between Reality and Hope
Authors: Luque Marisol Navas , del Carmen García Fernández María , Tejada Antonio José Rojas
Published: October 2006

This research is based on the work of Berry, Bourhis, Piontkowski, and their colleagues on general immigrant acculturation attitudes. The main purpose is to show that the division of the general acculturation attitude into different areas provides more complete information on the acculturation process undergone by immigrants. A new acculturation model, Relative Acculturation Extended Model, (RAEM) has been designed and tested. The model establishes seven areas of acculturation and differentiates among the acculturation strategies adopted (real situation) and the acculturation attitudes preferred (ideal situation) by immigrants. Eight hundred thirteen African immigrants (residents in the south of Spain, Andalusia) who responded to a questionnaire participated in the study. The results show that the general acculturation attitude is one of integration; however, the strategies adopted and the attitudes preferred vary depending on the areas of acculturation considered.
Economic Influences on Ideals About Future Jobs in Young Adults in Formerly Socialist Countries and the United States
Authors: Olson Josephine E. , Frieze Irene H. , Wall Sally , Zdaniuk Bozena , Telpuchovskaya Nina , Ferligoj Anuška , Kogovšek Tina , Horvat Jasna , Šarlija Nataša , Jarošová Eva , Pauknerová Daniela , Luu Lan Anh Nguyen , Kovacs Mònika , Miluska Jolanta , Orgocka Aida , Erokhina Ludmila , Mitina Olga V. , Popova Ludmila V. , Petkevičiu-te Nijolė , Pejic-Bach Mirjana , Makovec Maja Rus
Published: October 2006

University students today in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) confront a world in which old ideals learned under state socialism are being questioned. Despite initial difficulties after the end of socialism, most of these countries now have more stable market economies. This article investigates how macroeconomic variables relate to ideals for future work in samples of students from eight CEE countries and the United States. Results indicate there are some significant relationships between macroeconomic factors and job values. Wanting a job that pays well is associated with poorer economic conditions, whereas wanting a career is associated with better economic conditions. Results for wanting a job that allowed time for family are mixed, with higher GDP per capita a positive predictor but economic growth a negative predictor. Economic predictors of wanting a job helping others are weak, with a significant effect of growth found only when U.S. data are added.
The Haudenosaunee Imagination and the Ecology of the Sacred
Authors: Sheridan Joe , Longboat Roronhiakewen "He Clears the Sky" Dan
Published: October 2006

Imagination is understood to be a quality of mind in settler culture. In Haudenosaunee/Mohawk tradition, the same quality is understood to be animal and spiritual helpers manifesting their presence in one’s life. That sacred ecology of mind is a consequence of long residence in traditional territory and enduring spiritual and intellectual relationships between people, clans, and landscape. Conceiving of imagination without sourcing its ecological origin contributes to and extends anthropocentrism consistent with minds unwilling to naturalize to their surroundings. Worse yet, conceits purporting imagination to have a purely human origin are consistent with preferences for exclusively human environments. Spiritual and intellectual integrity is achieved on Turtle Island by the interplay of human and more-than-human consciousness. The experience of imagination is minding all things. Minding all things performs the spiritual conservation of all things. All things comprise the Indigenous mind and Indigenous minds are composed of all things.
Rivals to Systematic Training
Authors: McClernon Timothy
Published: October 2006

The problem and the solution. Managers have multiple approaches to choose from in determining how best to develop their workforce and organizational performance. Systematic training is but one option among many development strategies. Advocates of training need to be fully aware of rival choices available to their internal clients as they make choices to support or not support training proposals. These rivals compete for limited resources such as time and budget. Better understanding these alternatives allows human resource development (HRD) professionals to participate more fully in development discussions with decision makers. This article explores these rival alternatives.
Alternative Training Models
Authors: Cowell Charles , Hopkins Pamela Clinton , McWhorter Rochell , Jorden Debra L.
Published: October 2006

The problem and the solution . Systematic training models include elements that facilitate the methodical planning and organization of the instructional events that lead to an effective learning experience. By applying a systematic approach to the design and development of an individual program or an entire training function, it is far more likely that the important learning outcomes will be realized. This article discusses several systematic training model alternatives to the analysis, design, develop, implement, evaluate (ADDIE) model.
Development Phase of Systematic Training: New Technology Lends Assistance
Authors: Dobbs Rita L.
Published: October 2006

The problem and the solution. The field of human resource development (HRD) has long ascribed to the analysis, design, develop, implement, and evaluate (ADDIE) model for the systematic creation and delivery of training programs. The development phase is where the actual materials and course content used in the teaching-learning process are created. With the explosion of information technologies in today’s world, the course developer must now make the best decision about how to use electronic support related to training. There is a need to explore the development phase of systematic training to see what information technologies are available for the training developer and how these technologies enhance the development process and outcomes.
Training Evaluation: Knowing More Than Is Practiced
Authors: Wang Greg G. , Wilcox Diane
Published: October 2006

The problem and the solution. Training program evaluation is an important and culminating phase in the analysis, design, develop, implement, evaluate (ADDIE) process. However, evaluation has often been overlooked or not implemented to its full capacity. To assess and ensure the quality, effectiveness, and the impact of systematic training, this article emphasizes the importance of summative evaluation at the last phase of ADDIE and presents developments toward a summative evaluation framework of training program effectiveness. The focus is the connection of final summative evaluation to the direction provided by the analysis phase and the concerns of the host organization.
The Future of Systemic and Systematic Training
Authors: Swanson Richard A. , Dobbs Rita L.
Published: October 2006

The problem and the solution. The overriding challenge facing the training profession and the larger human resource development (HRD) profession is to become systemic. There are many rivals to training and HRD interventions. Gaining and retaining the professional stature must go beyond relationship building and beyond systematic processes and on to systemically connecting human potential to the core of the systems being served and led.
Analyzing Qualitative Data: Health Care Experiences of Women with Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Markovic Milica
Published: October 2006

This article describes the process of writing up qualitative research and developing and testing a grounded theory. The article is based on data collected from in-depth interviews conducted in Australia with women with gynecological cancer. Thematic analysis of the data identified issues pertinent to women's experiences. The article describes the discovery of themes in women’s stories and develops a grounded theory on women’s health care experiences on the basis of interview data.
Terrorism and the Politics of Fear
Authors: Altheide David L.
Published: October 2006

This article examines how news reports about terrorism in five nationally prominent U.S. newspapers reflect the terms and discourse associated with the politics of fear, or decision makers' promotion and use of audience beliefs and assumptions about danger, risk, and fear, to achieve certain goals. Qualitative data analysis of the prevalence and meaning of the words fear, victim, terrorism, and crime 18 months before and after the attacks of September 11, 2001, shows that terrorism and crime are now linked very closely with the expanding use of fear, there was a dramatic increase in linking terrorism to fear, coverage of crime and fear persisted but at a very low rate, and there was a large increase in news reports linking terrorism to victim. The implications for the social constructionist approach to social problems and social control are discussed.
Fierce Mustache, Muddy Chaos, and Nothing Much Else: Two Cinematic Images of the Balkans
Authors: Miskovic Maya
Published: October 2006

This article reviews the current North American scholarly and popular accounts on the Balkans as the framework to discuss two war films, Behind Enemy Lines and Harrison's Flowers. The depicted wars serve as a stage on which Western heroes exercise their moral superiority, winning over the amorphous Balkan characters.
A Passage Toward Homeplace
Authors: Willink Kate
Published: October 2006

In this essay, I perform a doubled-story, a double-accented tale of the dialogic process of Mrs. Womble, a lifelong resident of Chatham County and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, telling her memories of homeplace. What follows is a rough account of discovering through conversation, taste, and time—all dialogical components—what homeplacemeans to Mrs. Womble and, through and with her, to myself. I hope to trouble in this telling the production and consumption of narrative, place and space, home, and food.
Performing Parent Dialogues on High-Stakes Testing: Consent and Resistance to the Hegemony of Accountability
Authors: Freeman Melissa , Mathison Sandra , Wilcox Kristen Campbell
Published: October 2006

Assessment-driven accountability has altered the way schools deliver their services to children, and their relations with parents. Listening to how parents talk about their experiences with testing fosters an understanding of the discursive power found in the state's accountability rhetoric about learning, achievement, and assessment and how this discourse is accepted or rejected by parents. Focus groups with parents were conducted as part of a naturalistic study examining state-mandated testing and teaching and learning in two New York State school districts: one suburban and one urban. In four dialogic acts, we bring to life the questions, concerns, and understandings parents have of the impact state testing has on their children's educational experience. These acts represent areas of struggle for parents as they make sense of the new accountability discourse. They can be thought of as a performed critique of this discourse and its exemplification.
CpGcluster: a distance-based algorithm for CpG-island detection
Authors: Hackenberg Michael , Previti Christopher , Luque-Escamilla Pedro Luis , Carpena Pedro , Martínez-Aroza José , Oliver José L
Published: October 2006

Background

Despite their involvement in the regulation of gene expression and their importance as genomic markers for promoter prediction, no objective standard exists for defining CpG islands (CGIs), since all current approaches rely on a large parameter space formed by the thresholds of length, CpG fraction and G+C content.

Results

Given the higher frequency of CpG dinucleotides at CGIs, as compared to bulk DNA, the distance distributions between neighboring CpGs should differ for bulk and island CpGs. A new algorithm (CpGcluster) is presented, based on the physical distance between neighboring CpGs on the chromosome and able to predict directly clusters of CpGs, while not depending on the subjective criteria mentioned above. By assigning a p-value to each of these clusters, the most statistically significant ones can be predicted as CGIs. CpGcluster was benchmarked against five other CGI finders by using a test sequence set assembled from an experimental CGI library. CpGcluster reached the highest overall accuracy values, while showing the lowest rate of false-positive predictions. Since a minimum-length threshold is not required, CpGcluster can find short but fully functional CGIs usually missed by other algorithms. The CGIs predicted by CpGcluster present the lowest degree of overlap with Alu retrotransposons and, simultaneously, the highest overlap with vertebrate Phylogenetic Conserved Elements (PhastCons). CpGcluster's CGIs overlapping with the Transcription Start Site (TSS) show the highest statistical significance, as compared to the islands in other genome locations, thus qualifying CpGcluster as a valuable tool in discriminating functional CGIs from the remaining islands in the bulk genome.

Conclusion

CpGcluster uses only integer arithmetic, thus being a fast and computationally efficient algorithm able to predict statistically significant clusters of CpG dinucleotides. Another outstanding feature is that all predicted CGIs start and end with a CpG dinucleotide, which should be appropriate for a genomic feature whose functionality is based precisely on CpG dinucleotides. The only search parameter in CpGcluster is the distance between two consecutive CpGs, in contrast to previous algorithms. Therefore, none of the main statistical properties of CpG islands (neither G+C content, CpG fraction nor length threshold) are needed as search parameters, which may lead to the high specificity and low overlap with spurious Alu elements observed for CpGcluster predictions.
Statistical inference of chromosomal homology based on gene colinearity and applications to Arabidopsis and rice
Authors: Wang Xiyin , Shi Xiaoli , Li Zhe , Zhu Qihui , Kong Lei , Tang Wen , Ge Song , Luo Jingchu
Published: October 2006

Background

The identification of chromosomal homology will shed light on such mysteries of genome evolution as DNA duplication, rearrangement and loss. Several approaches have been developed to detect chromosomal homology based on gene synteny or colinearity. However, the previously reported implementations lack statistical inferences which are essential to reveal actual homologies.

Results

In this study, we present a statistical approach to detect homologous chromosomal segments based on gene colinearity. We implement this approach in a software package ColinearScan to detect putative colinear regions using a dynamic programming algorithm. Statistical models are proposed to estimate proper parameter values and evaluate the significance of putative homologous regions. Statistical inference, high computational efficiency and flexibility of input data type are three key features of our approach.

Conclusion

We apply ColinearScan to the Arabidopsis and rice genomes to detect duplicated regions within each species and homologous fragments between these two species. We find many more homologous chromosomal segments in the rice genome than previously reported. We also find many small colinear segments between rice and Arabidopsis genomes.
The Council on Chiropractic Education's New Wellness Standard: A call to action for the chiropractic profession
Authors: Evans Jr Marion W , Rupert Ronald
Published: October 2006

Background

The chiropractic profession has long considered itself to be a preventive science. Recently the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) has defined a set of standards that must be implemented at all US chiropractic colleges as of January of 2007. These are specific to wellness measures and health promoting efforts that should be performed by chiropractors. This will mandate traditional health promotion and prevention methods be taught to students at accredited colleges and to practicing chiropractors.

Objective

To present the idea of performing traditional health promotion and wellness-concepts in chiropractic practice as a call to action for clinicians and generate discussion on the topic.

Discussion

This manuscript discusses relevant topics of health promotion and prevention for chiropractors and other practicing clinicians that should be made priorities with patients in order to enhance both patient health and community and population health.

Conclusion

All practicing chiropractors, as well as other clinicians should take these new standards from the CCE as a call to action to begin helping patients address the removable causes of morbidity, disability and premature mortality where they exist, in addition to treating their painful spinal conditions.
Requirement of tumor necrosis factor α and nuclear factor-κB in the induction by IFN-γ of inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophages
Authors: Vila-del Sol Virginia , Díaz-Muñoz Manuel D , Fresno Manuel
Published: October 2006

IFN-γ induces NO production, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein, and promoter expression in mouse macrophage cells. Mutation of IFN regulatory factor 1 responsive element, γ-activated site, as well as NF-κB elements in the murine iNOS promoter strongly reduced IFN-γ-induced iNOS transcriptional activity. The role of NF-κB activation in iNOS induction by IFN-γ was corroborated by overexpression of the NF-κB inhibitory protein IκBα, which inhibited iNOS promoter activity induced by IFN-γ. In addition, IFN-γ treatment induced p65 binding to the iNOS promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation asay and NF-κB binding to DNA by EMSA, although with a delayed kinetics, suggesting an indirect autocrine role for another cytokine produced in response to IFN-γ. It is interesting that we found that IFN-γ induced TNF-α secretion, and the induction of iNOS expression by IFN-γ was abolished in primary peritoneal macrophages from TNF-α-deficient (TNF-α−/−) mice or in RAW 264.7 cells treated with anti-TNF-α neutralizing antibodies. Moreover, exogenous addition of recombinant mouse TNF-α restored iNOS expression induced by IFN-γ in TNF-α−/− mice. It is intriguing that NF-κB binding to DNA in response to IFN-γ treatment was absent in TNF-α−/− mice. Taken together, our data suggest that the TNF-α produced in response to IFN-γ is required for iNOS induction by activating NF-κB transcription factor.
Fast Times and Digital Literacy: Participation Roles and Portfolio Construction within Instant Messaging
Authors: Jacobs Gloria E.
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of adolescent use of instant messaging. Grounded in the New Literacy Studies stance that literacy is a social practice embedded in local contexts and informed by global ideologies (Street, 1995), I argue that participation in digital literacies such as instant messaging has implications for how wired youth are being prepared for participation in today's society. By using cultural historical activity theory and the activity system (Engeström, 1987a; Engeström & Middleton, 1996; University of Helsinki Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research, n.d.) as the unit of analysis, I posit that instant messaging provides a space for participation in the roles of text producer, consumer, and distributor. Drawing on Gee's (2000a, 2000c, 2000d) descriptions of fast capitalism and shape-shifting portfolio people, I suggest that the 3 text roles contribute to the participant's portfolio or collection of attributes, achievements, and skills that can be rearranged to meet the demands of changing contexts.
Researching Critical Literacy: A Critical Study of Analysis of Classroom Discourse
Authors: van Sluys Katie , Lewison Mitzi , Flint Amy Seely
Published: October 2006

Studying critical literacies includes examining how research practices influence what is learned about classroom activity and the world. This article highlights the processes and practices used in studying 1 classroom conversation. The data, drawn from an elementary school classroom of a Critical Literacy in Action teacher-researcher group member, features 2 girls exploring issues of hairstyle, race, and cultural identity. Data were analyzed using 3 lenses—grounded theory, existing typologies for content analysis, and critical discourse analysis. Findings highlight how the students drew on and used diverse textual resources, sources of knowledge, and critical practices, as well as how participants situated themselves within larger social discourse. These findings were then collectively analyzed to further understand the nuances of using each analytic tool and the implications for this classroom and critical literacy research at large. Our research design, experiences, and findings invite further exploration of the promises, challenges, and complexities of studying classroom practices from critical perspectives.
Nemo-like kinase (NLK) acts downstream of Notch/Delta signalling to downregulate TCF during mesoderm induction in the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Röttinger Eric , Croce Jenifer , Lhomond Guy , Besnardeau Lydia , Gache Christian , Lepage Thierry
Published: October 2006

Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrates have established that the MAP kinase-related protein NLK counteracts Wnt signalling by downregulating the transcription factor TCF. Here, we present evidence that during early development of the sea urchin embryo, NLK is expressed in the mesodermal precursors in response to Notch signalling and directs their fate by downregulating TCF. The expression pattern of nlk is strikingly similar to that of Delta and the two genes regulate the expression of each other. nlk overexpression, like ectopic activation of Notch signalling, provoked massive formation of mesoderm and associated epithelial mesenchymal transition. NLK function was found to be redundant with that of the MAP kinase ERK during mesoderm formation and to require the activity of the activating kinase TAK1. In addition, the sea urchin NLK, like its vertebrate counterpart, antagonizes the activity of the transcription factor TCF. Finally, activating the expression of a TCF-VP16 construct at blastula stages strongly inhibits endoderm and mesoderm formation, indicating that while TCF activity is required early for launching the endomesoderm gene regulatory network, it has to be downregulated at blastula stage in the mesodermal lineage. Taken together, our results indicate that the evolutionarily conserved TAK/NLK regulatory pathway has been recruited downstream of the Notch/Delta pathway in the sea urchin to switch off TCF-β-catenin signalling in the mesodermal territory, allowing precursors of this germ layer to segregate from the endomesoderm.
Compartments and the control of growth in theDrosophilawing imaginal disc
Authors: Martín Francisco A. , Morata Ginés
Published: October 2006

The mechanisms that control organ growth are among the least known in development. This is particularly the case for the process in which growth is arrested once final size is reached. We have studied this problem in the wing disc of Drosophila, the developmental and growth parameters of which are well known. We have devised a method to generate entire fast-growing Minute+ (M+) discs or compartments in slow developing Minute/+ (M/+) larvae. Under these conditions, a M+ wing disc gains at least 20 hours of additional development time. Yet it grows to the same size of Minute/+ discs developing in M/+ larvae. We have also generated wing discs in which all the cells in either the anterior (A) or the posterior (P)compartment are transformed from M/+ to M+. We find that the difference in the cell division rate of their cells is reflected in autonomous differences in the developmental progression of these compartments: each grows at its own rate and manifests autonomous regulation in the expression of the developmental genes wingless and vestigial. In spite of these differences, `mosaic' discs comprising fast and slow compartments differentiate into adult wings of the correct size and shape. Our results demonstrate that imaginal discs possess an autonomous mechanism with which to arrest growth in anterior and posterior compartments, which behave as independent developmental units. We propose that this mechanism does not act by preventing cell divisions, but by lengthening the division cycle.
Phosphorylation of IP3R1 and the regulation of[Ca2+]i responses at fertilization: a role for the MAP kinase pathway
Authors: Lee Bora , Vermassen Elke , Yoon Sook-Young , Vanderheyden Veerle , Ito Junya , Alfandari Dominique , De Smedt Humbert , Parys Jan B. , Fissore Rafael A.
Published: October 2006

A sperm-induced intracellular Ca2+ signal([Ca2+]i) underlies the initiation of embryo development in most species studied to date. The inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) in mammals, or its homologue in other species, is thought to mediate the majority of this Ca2+ release. IP3R1-mediated Ca2+ release is regulated during oocyte maturation such that it reaches maximal effectiveness at the time of fertilization, which, in mammalian eggs, occurs at the metaphase stage of the second meiosis (MII). Consistent with this, the [Ca2+]ioscillations associated with fertilization in these species occur most prominently during the MII stage. In this study, we have examined the molecular underpinnings of IP3R1 function in eggs. Using mouse and Xenopus eggs, we show that IP3R1 is phosphorylated during both maturation and the first cell cycle at a MPM2-detectable epitope(s),which is known to be a target of kinases controlling the cell cycle. In vitro phosphorylation studies reveal that MAPK/ERK2, one of the M-phase kinases,phosphorylates IP3R1 at at least one highly conserved site, and that its mutation abrogates IP3R1 phosphorylation in this domain. Our studies also found that activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway is required for the IP3R1 MPM2 reactivity observed in mouse eggs, and that eggs deprived of the MAPK/ERK pathway during maturation fail to mount normal[Ca2+]i oscillations in response to agonists and show compromised IP3R1 function. These findings identify IP3R1 phosphorylation by M-phase kinases as a regulatory mechanism of IP3R1 function in eggs that serves to optimize[Ca2+]i release at fertilization.
HDAC activity regulates entry of mesoderm cells into the cardiac muscle lineage
Authors: Karamboulas Christina , Swedani Albert , Ward Chris , Al-Madhoun Ashraf S. , Wilton Sharon , Boisvenue Sophie , Ridgeway Alan G. , Skerjanc Ilona S.
Published: October 2006

Class II histone deacetylases (HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC7 and HDAC9) have been shown to interact with myocyte enhancer factors 2 (MEF2s) and play an important role in the repression of cardiac hypertrophy. We examined the role of HDACs during the differentiation of P19 embryonic carcinoma stem cells into cardiomyoctyes. Treatment of aggregated P19 cells with the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A induced the entry of mesodermal cells into the cardiac muscle lineage, shown by the upregulation of transcripts Nkx2-5, MEF2C, GATA4 and cardiac α-actin. Furthermore, the overexpression of HDAC4 inhibited cardiomyogenesis, shown by the downregulation of cardiac muscle gene expression. Class II HDAC activity is inhibited through phosphorylation by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK). Expression of an activated CaMKIV in P19 cells upregulated the expression of Nkx2-5, GATA4 and MEF2C, enhanced cardiac muscle development, and activated a MEF2-responsive promoter. Moreover, inhibition of CaMK signaling downregulated GATA4 expression. Finally, P19 cells constitutively expressing a dominant-negative form of MEF2C, capable of binding class II HDACs, underwent cardiomyogenesis more efficiently than control cells, implying the relief of an inhibitor. Our results suggest that HDAC activity regulates the specification of mesoderm cells into cardiomyoblasts by inhibiting the expression of GATA4 and Nkx2-5 in a stem cell model system.
A role for non-muscle myosin II function in furrow maturation in the early zebrafish embryo
Authors: Urven Lance E. , Yabe Taijiro , Pelegri Francisco
Published: October 2006

Cytokinesis in early zebrafish embryos involves coordinated changes in the f-actin- and microtubule-based cytoskeleton, and the recruitment of adhesion junction components to the furrow. We show that exposure to inhibitors of non-muscle myosin II function does not affect furrow ingression during the early cleavage cycles but interferes with the recruitment of pericleavage f-actin and cortical β-catenin aggregates to the furrow, as well as the remodeling of the furrow microtubule array. This remodeling is in turn required for the distal aggregation of the zebrafish germ plasm. Embryos with reduced myosin activity also exhibit at late stages of cytokinesis a stabilized contractile ring apparatus that appears as a ladder-like pattern of short f-actin cables, supporting a role for myosin function in the disassembly of the contractile ring after furrow formation. Our studies support a role for myosin function in furrow maturation that is independent of furrow ingression and which is essential for the recruitment of furrow components and the remodeling of the cytoskeleton during cytokinesis.
Increased Rheb-TOR signaling enhances sensitivity of the whole organism to oxidative stress
Authors: Patel Parthive H. , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko
Published: October 2006

The accumulation of free radical damage to an organism over its lifespan can cause premature aging and disease including cancer, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. The well-conserved Rheb–Target-of-rapamycin (TOR)–S6-kinase (S6K) signaling pathway regulates several cellular processes and has been shown to influence lifespan and diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Using adult Drosophila, we describe for the first time in metazoans that TOR activity can influence the stress response. We find that mildly increasing systemic Rheb-TOR-S6K signaling sensitizes the whole organism to oxidative stress and promotes senescence of locomotor activity with age. Furthermore, we find that S6K is required for increased Rheb-TOR signaling to sensitize the whole organism to oxidative stress and promote the senescence of locomotor activity. Interestingly, we also find that increasing Rheb-TOR signaling in muscle can increase the sensitivity of adults to oxidative stress. These data imply that pathological situations that increase TOR activity might perturb the ability of the whole organism to cope with stress causing disease progression and aging.
An unexpected role for keratin 10 end domains in susceptibility to skin cancer
Authors: Chen Jiangli , Cheng Xing , Merched-Sauvage Maria , Caulin Carlos , Roop Dennis R. , Koch Peter J.
Published: October 2006

Keratin 10 (K10) is a type I keratin that is expressed in post-mitotic suprabasal keratinocytes of the skin. Based on cell culture experiments and transgenic mouse studies, it has been proposed that K10 suppresses cell proliferation and tumor formation in the skin. Furthermore, the ability of K10 to suppress cell proliferation was mapped to its unique N- and C-terminal protein domains. In the present study, we modified the endogenous keratin 14 (K14) gene of mice using a knock-in approach to encode a chimeric keratin that consists of the K14 rod domain fused to the K10 head and tail domains (K1014chim). This transgene was expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis and the outer root sheath of hair follicles. Unexpectedly, we found that the K10 end domains had no effect on basal keratinocyte proliferation in vivo. Moreover, when subjected to a chemical skin carcinogenesis protocol, papilloma formation in mutant mice was accelerated instead of being inhibited. Our data suggest that the increased tumor susceptibility of K1014chim mice is in part due to a suppression of apoptosis in mutant keratinocytes. Our results support the notion that intermediate filaments, in addition to their function as cytoskeletal components, affect tumor susceptibility of epithelial cells.
Efficiency of the planetary gear hybrid powertrain
Authors: Cho Sungtae , Ahn Kukhyun , Lee Jang Moo
Published: October 2006

The planetary gear hybrid powertrain (PGHP) is known as one of the most efficient configurations for hybrid electric vehicles. The system controls the speed and torque of each component so that it can produce adequate input and output speeds for the optimal operation of the total system. In this paper, the system mechanism is analysed to understand the relation between the input and output speeds. In addition, the transmission efficiency is expressed as a function of three parameters based on the calculation of the net output power. The characteristics of the transmission system showed a large difference from those of a conventional CVT. The speed ratio was the key parameter that affected the efficiency. Furthermore, the performances of the electric motor and generator were decisive factors owing to the loss in the energy conversion. In a simulation on an urban driving schedule, the optimal operation of the engine was able to be obtained, and the system showed an improvement of 2.2 per cent in fuel economy.
An approach for powertrain gear transmission error prediction using the non-linear finite element method
Authors: Mao K
Published: October 2006

Research has established that gear transmission error (TE) is the predominant source of system excitation and via a complex transfer function produces noise in the powertrain system. Thus, reduction and control of TE will result in improved NVH performance. This paper will introduce an accurate method for estimating TE in powertrain transmission systems through an accurate gear contact analysis. To achieve high geometry accuracy, gear tooth geometry will be mathematically generated by using Python script interfacing with finite element analysis (FEA) software instead of importing from other computer aided design (CAD) packages. Real rolling and sliding contact simulations have been achieved by the latest nonlinear FEA techniques. High-quality meshes for contact surfaces have been obtained by advanced surface-based tie constraint techniques. An effective way to reduce TE is through gear microgeometry modification, i.e. crowning, tip relief, and lead correction. Gear micro-geometry modification will be mathematically achieved through Python script interfaced with finite element models.
Development of the Mennen 3 PeriPro fixation plate for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur
Authors: Pappas C A , Young P G , Lee A J C
Published: October 2006

The Mennen femur plate is an internal fixation device used for the management of femoral perisprosthetic fractures, usually after total hip replacement surgery. The implant uses a number of curved prongs that embrace the fractured bone around its circumference without interfering with the stem of the prosthesis. Although the device has been used with considerable clinical success since its first introduction, a number of negative clinical results have been reported in the literature. The failure modes of the device are described and an evaluation of its performance is briefly presented. Based on this assessment as well as comments in the open literature, modifications in the design of the device have been implemented. The new Mennen 3 PeriPro plate is presented, with all the necessary data for a coherent explanation of its improved characteristics as defined using numerical simulations and experimental tests. The new device has all the beneficial features of the previous plate with improved structural performance and fatigue life and new sculpted formation of the prongs, providing a simple implantation technique with maximum gripping and minimum effort from the surgeon. The unique mode of fixation has been further improved, providing ample anchorage on the fracture bone without compromising its biomechanical integrity. By combining the device with a cable system, the spectrum of applications will be further expanded, enabling the surgeon to treat a broader range of fracture patterns.
Trial fitting of a removable partial denture framework made using computer-aided design and rapid prototyping techniques
Authors: Bibb R J , Eggbeer D , Williams R J , Woodward A
Published: October 2006

Previous studies of CAD/CAM-produced sacrificial patterns for removable partial denture frameworks have been documented but to date, no such restorations have been test-fitted to a patient. This paper provides details of the first trial fitting to a patient of an RPD framework, the sacrificial pattern of which was produced by CAD/CAM and RP technologies. A cast of the patient was scanned and the normal procedures of dental surveying and pattern build were undertaken with reference to the scanned model using computer-aided design. A sacrificial pattern of the design was produced by rapid prototyping technology. After spruing the pattern, investment-casting and finishing techniques were carried out according to conventional principles. The framework was successfully trial-fitted to the patient and clinically judged to be acceptable for the next stage of denture fabrication, that of adding acrylic bases and artificial teeth.
Radiopacity of tantalum-loaded acrylic bone cement
Authors: Persson C , Guandalini L , Baruffaldi F , Pierotti L , Baleani M
Published: October 2006

Radiopacifying agents are commonly added to bone cements to enhance the visibility of the cement in radiography. The radiopacifiers usually employed may, however, have undesired effects on the mechanical properties of the cement. A potentially new radiopacifier is tantalum, which in the present work was evaluated in terms of radiopacity. Bone cements containing different percentages of tantalum were compared with plain bone cement as well as with formulations containing different percentages of the commonly used radiopacifier barium sulphate. The radiopacity was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively, by measuring with a digital densitometer the optical density of the cement on X-ray films, and consulting the expertise of ten orthopaedic surgeons. It was found that tantalum does present radiopacity, but not as high as barium sulphate under the specific conditions applied to this study.