bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Case for a Schism
Authors: McBee Matthew T. , McCoach D. Betsy , Peters Scott J. , Matthews Michael S.
Published: September 2012

Lack of theoretical coherence in the field of gifted education has given rise to multiple attempts at a grand unification, including most recently the work of Subotnik, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Worrell (2011). The authors argue that the incoherence is an inevitable consequence of the fundamental incompatibility of theoretical and definitional features desired by psychologists and educators. Our field could best progress by splitting into the two related but distinct disciplines of high-ability psychology and advanced academics. Furthermore, the prospective adoption of Subotnik et al.’s eminence framework as an organizational principle for either advanced academics or high-ability psychology is criticized.
Important Issues, Some Rhetoric, and a Few Straw Men
Authors: Worrell Frank C. , Olszewski-Kubilius Paula , Subotnik Rena F.
Published: September 2012

In this article, the authors respond to the eight commentaries on “Rethinking Giftedness and Gifted Education: A Proposed Direction Forward Based on Psychological Science” using several themes to organize their response. These themes include ability, developmental trajectories, effort and opportunity, psychosocial factors, eminence, and equity. The authors reaffirm the contention that eminence is an appropriate standard for assigning the gifted label in individuals with well-developed talents.
The ‘urs of the patron saint of Lahore: national popular festival and sacred union between the Pakistani State and society?
Authors: Philippon Alix
Published: September 2012

Sufi shrines in Pakistan are the communal loci of popular piety. Through their symbolic meaning and capacity for mobilization, they have become pivotal power stakes in Pakistani politics. Since the late 1950s, the State has attempted to nationalize them and make them tools for the construction of its identity and authority, in a modernist perspective embodied in the Ministry of Religious Endowments ( awqaf ministry). In Pakistan, the veneration of saints takes a spectacularly festive turn during the ‘ urs (meaning ‘marriage’ in Arabic, symbolizing the union of the saint with God). As the anniversaries of the death of saints, the ‘urs have become the focus of yearly pilgrimages. In nationalized shrines, these popular festivals are managed by the awqaf ministry. Among the most notable is the ‘urs of the patron saint of Lahore, Hadhrat Syed Ali Bin Uthman al-Hujweri (1010–1072). His shrine is one of the biggest in Pakistan and his ‘urs constitutes one of the largest religious gatherings in the Pakistani calendar. Massively loaded with nationalist and political symbols, the religious ritual is legitimized as a key element of national identity and, conversely, serves to legitimize the government and its administrative machinery. Hence, the State exploits the pilgrimage as a political platform in order to communicate with the population, through emotional and symbolic means. Thus, the celebration of the union of the saint with God somehow becomes the yearly opportunity for the sacred union between the Pakistani State and society.
Pour une sociologie des pèlerinages séculiers contemporains. Essai de typologie
Authors: Frégosi Franck
Published: September 2012

The author proposes an analysis of secular pilgrimages. Referring to the notion of ‘secular pilgrimage’ he takes into account, via a simultaneously anthropological and sociological approach, a socially multiform reality ranging from annual public tributes to illustrious men to political commemorations solemnized by historic events, visits to historic sites and even gatherings in memory of deceased show-business stars.
New application of micro-turbine: nuclear emergency cooling
Authors: Almasi Amin
Published: September 2012

A micro-turbine can offer a high availability, a compact design, a reliable operation, an easy maintenance, great fuel flexibility, low dynamic forces and fewer moving parts (usually only one moving assembly). The old-fashion emergency diesel engine generators and battery systems have been used for decades in critical emergency units such as nuclear emergency cooling systems. They seem unreliable and unsuitable for modern facilities. The modern micro-turbine technology is proposed as a reliable, lightweight and compact solution for emergency power supply applications. New application of the micro-turbines for the nuclear facility emergency cooling system is explained.
Using Digital Photography to Enhance Student Creativity
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this article is to help students develop their digital photography skills and see the world through new eyes. An emphasis is placed on using digital photography to communicate ideas and feelings.
Social Emotional Needs
Authors: Cross Tracy L.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this column is to describe and discuss the use of personal narrative, how it influences the lives of students with gifts and talents (SWGT), and how it can be used as a tool to understanding their dreams and aspirations.
Theory Into Practice
Authors: Kaplan Sandra N.
Published: September 2012

The importance of putting theory into practice can be addressed and advocated to educators and gifted students through the presentation of a Continuum of Practice.
Flexural properties of glass and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Dong Chensong , Davies Ian J
Published: September 2012

A study on the flexural properties of hybrid glass and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites is presented in this article. Three combinations of the carbon and glass fibers, i.e. S-2&T700S, S-2&TR30S and E&TR30S, were chosen to make hybrid composite specimens. Specimens were made by the hand lay-up process in an intra-ply configuration with varying degrees of glass fibers added to the surface of a carbon laminate. These specimens were then tested in the three-point bend configuration in accordance with ASTM D790-07 at a span to depth ratio of 32. The failure modes were examined under an optical microscope, and it was found that the dominant failure mode was compressive failure. The flexural behavior was also simulated using finite element analysis, and the flexural modulus, flexural strength and strain to failure were calculated. Both the experiments and finite element analysis suggest flexural modulus decreases with increasing percentage of glass fibers. Positive hybrid effects exist by substituting carbon fibers with glass fibers on the compressive surface.
Introducing home based skin-to-skin care for low birth weight newborns: a pilot approach to education and counseling in Ghana
Authors: Bazzano Alessandra , Hill Zelee , Tawiah-Agyemang Charlotte , Manu Alexander , ten Asbroek Guus , Kirkwood Betty
Published: September 2012

Skin-to-skin contact (STSC) for low birth weight newborns in community settings may greatly improve survival, especially where access to health facilities is limited. Community STSC has been implemented in large-scale trials in Asia and is recommended by WHO and UNICEF. In countries where the practice is entirely new, such as Ghana, STSC may need special educational approaches. Objective: The dual aims of this study were to understand the acceptance and barriers to STSC in an African community setting and to use in-depth formative research to contribute to the success of a behavior-based health intervention. Design: A rapid qualitative study with an intentionally small sample. Setting: Kintampo, Ghana, a predominately rural, agrarian area in the center of the country with diverse ethnic groups in a forest-savannah transition zone. Method: Key informants were consulted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to develop the pilot. Five mothers participated in pilot instruction (four refused), which included counseling and used a trials-of-improved-practices methodology; data from group discussion with traditional birth attendants were also included. Results: It was difficult to overcome barriers to the practice (post partum pain, fear of harming the umbilicus), and less intractable barriers (traditional carrying practices, fear of causing harm, lack of back support, time constraints, breast feeding issues) were reported. Conclusion: Some study participants tried STSC but none did it continuously. As promotion of STSC could be vital for improving newborn survival in low resource settings, tackling perceived barriers may be an important way to increase acceptability of this practice.
Les perspectives temporelles : les connaître pour en tenir compte dans nos interventions en promotion de la santé
Authors: Lessard Lily
Published: September 2012

Résumé

La modification des habitudes de vie pour adopter des comportements sains repose notamment sur la capacité des individus et des populations à estimer les conséquences à long terme des gestes accomplis aujourd’hui. Cette capacité peut cependant varier d’une personne à l’autre, notamment en raison des perspectives temporelles (PT) adoptées. Les PT réfèrent à la tendance d’une personne ou d’un groupe de personnes à orienter ses décisions en fonction d’une vision tournée vers le passé, le présent ou le futur. Cet article vise à démystifier le concept de PT et à comprendre leur construit, afin d’identifier différentes façons d’en tenir compte dans les interventions en promotion de la santé. L’influence des PT sur la santé est principalement liée à leur capacité d’agir sur la motivation des personnes à adopter et à maintenir certains comportements. Une attention particulière doit être portée aux personnes et aux populations dont les PT sont orientées vers le présent. Elles présenteraient un plus grand risque d’adopter des comportements délétères et seraient susceptibles d’être moins sensibles aux messages qui visent la modification de ces comportements que les personnes qui adoptent une PT orientée vers le futur. En ce qui concerne leur construit, les PT sont le fruit de différentes dynamiques psychologiques et des facteurs individuels (âge, sexe, état de santé) et environnementaux (milieu familial, statut socioéconomique, éducation, culture). Parmi les moyens présentés pour tenir compte des PT dans les interventions en promotion de la santé figurent la mise en valeur des avantages à court terme d’un changement de comportement qui vise des bénéfices à long terme pour la santé, la modulation de l’intensité du soutien à l’empowerment des communautés en fonction des PT adoptées et la permutation d’une PT orientée vers le présent vers une PT orientée vers le futur.
Effects of activating fluxes on pulsed laser beam welded AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Shen J , Wang L Z , Zhao M L , Wang D , Xu N
Published: September 2012

Effects of activating fluxes on macromorphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of low power pulse laser beam welding of AZ31 magnesium alloy joints were investigated by microstructural observations and mechanical properties tests (including the ultimate tensile strength and hardness). The results showed that activating flux (SiO2) is more effective in improving the laser welded penetrations when the heat input is at a critical value ( E = 53·42 J mm−1). Five typical fluxes (SiO2, TiO2, ZnCl2, CaCl2 and CaF2) all increased the weld penetrations and D/ W ratios of the welded joints. The morphologies of grains in the band zones with fluxes are characterised by dendritic crystals. Moreover, the widths of the band zones with oxide and chloride fluxes are wider than that with fluorine flux. The mechanical properties of the welded joints with fluxes were lower than those without flux. The fracture surface of the welded joints with fluxes exhibited a character of a mixed fracture.
Investigation of metal flow in bridge die extrusion of Alloy 6063 and subsequent effect on surface quality and weld seam integrity
Authors: Sheppard T , Niu L , Velay X
Published: September 2012

This paper describes a detailed study of tube extrusion by simulation using finite element method (FEM). The finite element model used one-sixth of symmetry. The extrusion load, temperature evolution and metal flow were predicted. Innovative methods, combining both grid and surface tools, were used to define in detail the flow of material. These showed clearly the inner and outer surface formation mechanisms of the tube extrusion. The seam weld, an important quality indicator, was also evaluated by selecting an appropriate criterion.
Effect of heat treatment on interface microstructure and bond strength in explosively welded Ti/304L stainless steel clad
Authors: Yadegari M , Ebrahimi A R , Karami A
Published: September 2012

The effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and bond strength at the interface of explosively welded titanium/304L stainless steel clad have been investigated. The microstructure of the clad interface were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. At 700°C, the formation of intermetallic phases σ and Fe2Ti besides β-Ti were confirmed, while in samples, heat treated at 800°C and 900°C, other intermetallic phases such as λ and FeTi, NiTi, NiTi2 phases were detected in addition to σ and Fe2Ti phases. The shear test results show that the shear strengths of heat treated samples are overall significantly lower than that of stress relieved samples. This could be due to the formation of brittle intermetallic phases at the interface. Despite of formation of the intermetallic phase at 700°C, the shear strength of the sample is still more than the minimum standard amount of 137·9 MPa. It is also observed that the higher the heat treatment temperature, the lower the interface shear strength, which can be explained by the fact that the volume fraction of intermetallics increases with increasing temperature. The shear strength values of heat treated samples are lower than those of diffusion bonded clads. This could be attributed to the fact that the total widths of intermetallic layers achieved in heat treated samples are larger than those of for diffusion bonded ones.
Serpins in rice: protein sequence analysis, phylogeny and gene expression during development
Authors: Francis Sheila E , Ersoy Renan A , Ahn Joon-Woo , Atwell Brian J , Roberts Thomas H
Published: September 2012

Background

Most members of the serpin family of proteins are potent, irreversible inhibitors of specific serine or cysteine proteinases. Inhibitory serpins are distinguished from members of other families of proteinase inhibitors by their metastable structure and unique suicide-substrate mechanism. Animal serpins exert control over a remarkable diversity of physiological processes including blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, innate immunity and aspects of development. Relatively little is known about the complement of serpin genes in plant genomes and the biological functions of plant serpins.

Results

A structurally refined amino-acid sequence alignment of the 14 full-length serpins encoded in the genome of the japonica rice Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare (a monocot) showed a diversity of reactive-centre sequences (which largely determine inhibitory specificity) and a low degree of identity with those of serpins in Arabidopsis (a eudicot). A new convenient and functionally informative nomenclature for plant serpins in which the reactive-centre sequence is incorporated into the serpin name was developed and applied to the rice serpins. A phylogenetic analysis of the rice serpins provided evidence for two main clades and a number of relatively recent gene duplications. Transcriptional analysis showed vastly different levels of basal expression among eight selected rice serpin genes in callus tissue, during seedling development, among vegetative tissues of mature plants and throughout seed development. The gene OsSRP-LRS (Os03g41419), encoding a putative orthologue of Arabidopsis AtSerpin1 (At1g47710), was expressed ubiquitously and at high levels. The second most highly expressed serpin gene was OsSRP-PLP (Os11g11500), encoding a non-inhibitory serpin with a surprisingly well-conserved reactive-centre loop (RCL) sequence among putative orthologues in other grass species.

Conclusions

The diversity of reactive-centre sequences among the putatively inhibitory serpins of rice point to a range of target proteases with different proteolytic specificities. Large differences in basal expression levels of the eight selected rice serpin genes during development further suggest a range of functions in regulation and in plant defence for the corresponding proteins.
Time-course microarrays reveal early activation of the immune transcriptome and adipokine dysregulation leads to fibrosis in visceral adipose depots during diet-induced obesity
Authors: Kwon Eun-Young , Shin Su-Kyung , Cho Yun-Young , Jung Un Ju , Kim Eunjung , Park Taesun , Park Jung Han Yoon , Yun Jong Won , McGregor Robin A , Park Yong Bok , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: September 2012

Background

Visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) hypertrophy, adipokine production, inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with obesity, but the time-course of these changes in-vivo are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the time-course of changes in adipocyte morphology, adipokines and the global transcriptional landscape in visceral WAT during the development of diet-induced obesity.

Results

C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or normal diet (ND) and sacrificed at 8 time-points over 24 weeks. Excessive fat accumulation was evident in visceral WAT depots (Epidydimal, Perirenal, Retroperitoneum, Mesentery) after 2–4 weeks. Fibrillar collagen accumulation was evident in epidydimal adipocytes at 24 weeks. Plasma adipokines, leptin, resistin and adipsin, increased early and time-dependently, while adiponectin decreased late after 20 weeks. Only plasma leptin and adiponectin levels were associated with their respective mRNA levels in visceral WAT. Time-course microarrays revealed early and sustained activation of the immune transcriptome in epididymal and mesenteric depots. Up-regulated inflammatory genes included pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines (Tnf, Il1rn, Saa3, Emr1, Adam8, Itgam, Ccl2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9) and their upstream signalling pathway genes (multiple Toll-like receptors, Irf5 and Cd14). Early changes also occurred in fibrosis, extracellular matrix, collagen and cathepsin related-genes, but histological fibrosis was only visible in the later stages.

Conclusions

In diet-induced obesity, early activation of TLR-mediated inflammatory signalling cascades by CD antigen genes, leads to increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. Early changes in collagen genes may trigger the accumulation of ECM components, promoting fibrosis in the later stages of diet-induced obesity. New therapeutic approaches targeting visceral adipose tissue genes altered early by HFD feeding may help ameliorate the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity.
Constitutive expression of transgenes encoding derivatives of the synthetic antimicrobial peptide BP100: impact on rice host plant fitness
Authors: Nadal Anna , Montero Maria , Company Nuri , Badosa Esther , Messeguer Joaquima , Montesinos Laura , Montesinos Emilio , Pla Maria
Published: September 2012

Background

The Biopeptide BP100 is a synthetic and strongly cationic α-helical undecapeptide with high, specific antibacterial activity against economically important plant-pathogenic bacteria, and very low toxicity. It was selected from a library of synthetic peptides, along with other peptides with activities against relevant bacterial and fungal species. Expression of the BP100 series of peptides in plants is of major interest to establish disease-resistant plants and facilitate molecular farming. Specific challenges were the small length, peptide degradation by plant proteases and toxicity to the host plant. Here we approached the expression of the BP100 peptide series in plants using BP100 as a proof-of-concept.

Results

Our design considered up to three tandemly arranged BP100 units and peptide accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), analyzing five BP100 derivatives. The ER retention sequence did not reduce the antimicrobial activity of chemically synthesized BP100 derivatives, making this strategy possible. Transformation with sequences encoding BP100 derivatives (bp100der) was over ten-fold less efficient than that of the hygromycin phosphotransferase (hptII) transgene. The BP100 direct tandems did not show higher antimicrobial activity than BP100, and genetically modified (GM) plants constitutively expressing them were not viable. In contrast, inverted repeats of BP100, whether or not elongated with a portion of a natural antimicrobial peptide (AMP), had higher antimicrobial activity, and fertile GM rice lines constitutively expressing bp100der were produced. These GM lines had increased resistance to the pathogens Dickeya chrysanthemi and Fusarium verticillioides, and tolerance to oxidative stress, with agronomic performance comparable to untransformed lines.

Conclusions

Constitutive expression of transgenes encoding short cationic α-helical synthetic peptides can have a strong negative impact on rice fitness. However, GM plants expressing, for example, BP100 based on inverted repeats, have adequate agronomic performance and resistant phenotypes as a result of a complex equilibrium between bp100der toxicity to plant cells, antimicrobial activity and transgene-derived plant stress response. It is likely that these results can be extended to other peptides with similar characteristics.
Genetic analysis of polymorphisms in the kalirin gene for association with age-at-onset in European Huntington disease patients
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chun , Metzger Silke , Riess Olaf , Soehn Anne S , Nguyen Huu Phuc
Published: September 2012

Background

Huntington disease (HD) is caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the HD gene. Although the length of the CAG repeat strongly correlates with the age-at-onset (AAO), AAO in HD individuals may differ dramatically in spite of similar expanded CAG repeat lengths. Additional genetic or environmental factors are thought to influence the disease onset. Several modifier genes have been discovered so far but they do not fully explain the variability of AAO in HD. To potentially identify a novel genetic modifier, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the kalirin (KALRN) gene. Kalirin is a protein crucially involved in spine plasticity and its interaction with huntingtin-associated protein-1 (HAP-1) and a potential protein dysfunction might contribute to spine pathogenesis in HD.

Methods

The selected SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and association of SNPs with AAO was investigated with the framework of linear models in an analysis of variance and covariance.

Results

Eleven SNPs in the kalirin gene were examined in an association study in European HD patients. The ten coding SNPs under investigation were monomorphic, whereas SNP rs10934657 in the promoter region showed a minor allele frequency >1%. An analysis of covariance together with the influence of the expanded HD allele was applied in 680 HD patients. SNP rs10934657 did not affect the AAO of the examined HD population.

Conclusions

The results did not reveal an association between the analyzed kalirin polymorphisms and the AAO in HD. However, it does not exclude other SNPs of the kalirin gene as susceptible genetic modifiers.
Identification of uterine ion transporters for mineralisation precursors of the avian eggshell
Authors: Jonchère Vincent , Brionne Aurélien , Gautron Joël , Nys Yves
Published: September 2012

Background

In Gallus gallus, eggshell formation takes place daily in the hen uterus and requires large amounts of the ionic precursors for calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Both elements (Ca2+, HCO3
-) are supplied by the blood via trans-epithelial transport. Our aims were to identify genes coding for ion transporters that are upregulated in the uterine portion of the oviduct during eggshell calcification, compared to other tissues and other physiological states, and incorporate these proteins into a general model for mineral transfer across the tubular gland cells during eggshell formation.

Results

A total of 37 candidate ion transport genes were selected from our database of overexpressed uterine genes associated with eggshell calcification, and by analogy with mammalian transporters. Their uterine expression was compared by qRTPCR in the presence and absence of eggshell formation, and with relative expression levels in magnum (low Ca2+/HCO3
- movement) and duodenum (high rates of Ca2+/HCO3
- trans-epithelial transfer). We identified overexpression of eleven genes related to calcium movement: the TRPV6 Ca2+ channel (basolateral uptake of Ca2+), 28 kDa calbindin (intracellular Ca2+ buffering), the endoplasmic reticulum type 2 and 3 Ca2+ pumps (ER uptake), and the inositol trisphosphate receptors type 1, 2 and 3 (ER release). Ca2+ movement across the apical membrane likely involves membrane Ca2+ pumps and Ca2+/Na+ exchangers. Our data suggests that Na+ transport involved the SCNN1 channel and the Na+/Ca2+ exchangers SLC8A1, 3 for cell uptake, the Na+/K+ ATPase for cell output. K+ uptake resulted from the Na+/K+ ATPase, and its output from the K+ channels (KCNJ2, 15, 16 and KCNMA1).

We propose that the HCO3
- is mainly produced from CO2 by the carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) and that HCO3
- is secreted through the HCO3
-/Cl- exchanger SLC26A9. HCO3
- synthesis and precipitation with Ca2+ produce two H+. Protons are absorbed via the membrane’s Ca2+ pumps ATP2B1, 2 in the apical membrane and the vacuolar (H+)-atpases at the basolateral level. Our model incorporate Cl- ions which are absorbed by the HCO3
-/Cl- exchanger SLC26A9 and by Cl- channels (CLCN2, CFTR) and might be extruded by Cl-/H+ exchanger (CLCN5), but also by Na+ K+ 2 Cl- and K+ Cl- cotransporters.

Conclusions

Our Gallus gallus uterine model proposes a large list of ion transfer proteins supplying Ca2+ and HCO3
- and maintaining cellular ionic homeostasis. This avian model should contribute towards understanding the mechanisms and regulation for ionic precursors of CaCO3, and provide insight in other species where epithelia transport large amount of calcium or bicarbonate.
Association of Alanine Aminotransferase Levels (ALT) with the Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index (HIRI): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gómez-Sámano Miguel Ángel , Cuevas-Ramos Daniel , Mehta Roopa , Brau-Figueroa Hasan , Meza-Arana Clara Elena , Gulias-Herrero Alfonso
Published: September 2012

Background

The association between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and hepatic insulin resistance (IR) has been evaluated with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. However, there is no information about the association of ALT with the Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index (HIRI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum ALT levels and HIRI in subjects with differing degrees of impaired glucose metabolism.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included subjects that had an indication for testing for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Clinical and biochemical evaluations were carried out including serum ALT level quantification. HIRI was calculated for each participant. Correlation analyses and lineal regression models were used to evaluate the association between ALT levels and HIRI.

Results

A total of 324 subjects (37.6% male) were included. The mean age was 40.4 ± 14.3 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.0 ± 7.3 kg/m2. Individuals were divided into 1 of 5 groups: without metabolic abnormalities (n = 113, 34.8%); with the metabolic syndrome (MetS, n = 179, 55.2%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 85, 26.2%); impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, n = 91, 28.0%), and T2DM (n = 23, 7.0%). The ALT (p < 0.001) and HOMA2-IR (p < 0.001) values progressively increased with HIRI quartiles, while ISI-Matsuda (p < 0.001) progressively decreased. After adjustment for sex, age, and BMI, we identified a significant correlation between HIRI and ALT in persons with the MetS (r = 0.22, p = 0.003), IFG (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), IGT (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and T2DM (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Lineal regression analysis adjusting for age, HDL-C, TG and waist circumference (WC) showed an independent association between ALT and HIRI in subjects with the MetS (beta = 0.07, p = 0.01), IFG (beta = 0.10, p = 0.02), IGT (beta = 0.09, p = 0.007), and T2DM (beta = 0.31, p = 0.003). This association was not identified in subjects without metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusions

ALT levels are independently associated with HIRI in subjects with the MetS, IFG, IGT, and T2DM. The ALT value in these subjects may be an indirect parameter to evaluate hepatic IR.
Collaborative learning about e-health for mental health professionals and service users in a structured anonymous online short course: pilot study
Authors: Ashurst Emily J , Jones Ray B , Williamson Graham R , Emmens Tobit , Perry Jon
Published: September 2012

Background

Professionals are interested in using e-health but implementation of new methods is slow. Barriers to implementation include the need for training and limited awareness or experience. Research may not always convince mental health professionals (MHPs). Adding the 'voice' of mental health service users (MHSUs) in collaborative learning may help. Involving MHSUs in face-face education can be difficult. We had previously been unable to engage MHPs in online discussion with MHSUs. Here we assessed the feasibility of short online courses involving MHSUs and MHPs.

Methods

We ran three e-health courses, comprising live interactive webcast, week’s access to a discussion forum, and final live interactive webcast. We recruited MHPs via posters, newsletters, and telephone from a local NHS trust, and online via mailing lists and personal contacts from NHS trusts and higher education. We recruited MHSUs via a previous project and an independent user involvement service. Participants were presented with research evidence about e-health and asked to discuss topics using professional and lived experience. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and attrition, participation, and researcher workloads. Outcomes of self-esteem and general self-efficacy (MHSUs), and Internet self-efficacy and confidence (MHPs) were piloted.

Results

Online recruiting was effective. We lost 15/41 from registration to follow-up but only 5/31 that participated in the course failed to complete follow-up. Nineteen MHPs and 12 MHSUs took part and engaged with each other in online discussion. Feedback was positive; three-quarters of MHPs indicated future plans to use the Internet for practice, and 80% of MHSUs felt the course should be continued. Running three courses for 31 participants took between 200 to 250 hours. Before and after outcome measures were completed by 26/31 that participated. MHP Internet self-efficacy and general Internet confidence, MHSU self-esteem and general self-efficacy, all seemed reliable and seemed to show some increase.

Conclusions

Collaborative learning between MHSUs and MHPs in a structured online anonymous environment over a one-week course is feasible, may be more practical and less costly than face-face methods, and is worthy of further study.
Using financial incentives to increase initial uptake and completion of HPV vaccinations: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mantzari Eleni , Vogt Florian , Marteau Theresa M
Published: September 2012

Background

HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Uptake however, of the ‘catch-up’ campaign in England for 17-18 year old girls is below the 80% NHS target. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the impact of financial incentives on (a) the uptake and completion of an HPV vaccination programme and (b) the quality of the decisions to undertake the vaccination.

Method/Design

One thousand (n = 1000) 16-18 year-old girls will be invited to participate in an HPV vaccination programme: Five-hundred (n = 500) will have received a previous invitation to get vaccinated but will have failed to do so (previous non-attenders) and 500 will not have previously received an invitation (first-time invitees). Girls will be randomly selected from eligible participants who are registered with a GP in areas covered by the Birmingham East and North (BEN) and Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trusts. The two samples of girls will be randomised to receive either a standard vaccination invitation letter or an invitation letter including the offer of vouchers worth £45 for receiving three vaccinations. Girls will also complete a questionnaire to assess the quality of their decisions to be vaccinated. The primary outcome will be uptake of the 1st and 3rd vaccinations. The secondary outcome will be the quality of the decisions to undertake the vaccination, measured by assessing attitudes towards and knowledge of the HPV vaccination.

Discussion

The key results will be: a) the effectiveness of financial incentives in increasing uptake of the 1st and 3rd vaccinations; b) the role of participants’ socio-economic status in the moderation of the impact of incentives on uptake; and c) the impact of incentives on the quality of decisions to undertake the HPV vaccinations.
Immobilization of Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 for efficient asymmetric reduction of ketones and biocatalyst recycling
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hong , Wang Xiao-Ting , Lou Wen-Yong , Li Ying , Wu Hong , Zong Min-Hua , Smith Thomas J , Chen Xin-De
Published: September 2012

Background

The bacterium Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 is a promising whole-cell biocatalyst with exclusive anti-Prelog stereoselectivity for the reduction of prochiral ketones that can be used to make valuable chiral alcohols such as (R)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-3-butyn-2-ol. Although it has promising catalytic properties, its stability and reusability are relatively poor compared to other biocatalysts. Hence, we explored various materials for immobilizing the active cells, in order to improve the operational stability of biocatalyst.

Results

It was found that Ca-alginate give the best immobilized biocatalyst, which was then coated with chitosan to further improve its mechanical strength and swelling-resistance properties. Conditions were optimized for formation of reusable immobilized beads which can be used for repeated batch asymmetric reduction of 4′-chloroacetophenone. The optimized immobilized biocatalyst was very promising, with a specific activity of 85% that of the free-cell biocatalyst (34.66 μ mol/min/g dw of cells for immobilized catalyst vs 40.54 μ mol/min/g for free cells in the asymmetric reduction of 4′-chloroacetophenone). The immobilized cells showed better thermal stability, pH stability, solvent tolerance and storability compared with free cells. After 25 cycles reaction, the immobilized beads still retained >50% catalytic activity, which was 3.5 times higher than degree of retention of activity by free cells reused in a similar way. The cells could be recultured in the beads to regain full activity and perform a further 25 cycles of the reduction reaction. The external mass transfer resistances were negligible as deduced from Damkohler modulus Da < <1, and internal mass transfer restriction affected the reduction action but was not the principal rate-controlling step according to effectiveness factors η < 1 and Thiele modulus 0.3<∅ <1.

Conclusions

Ca-alginate coated with chitosan is a highly effective material for immobilization of Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 cells for repeated use in the asymmetric reduction of ketones. Only a small cost in terms of the slightly lower catalytic activity compared to free cells could give highly practicable immobilized biocatalyst.
Malaria resistance genes are associated with the levels of IgG subclasses directed against Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigens in Burkina Faso
Authors: Afridi Sarwat , Atkinson Alexandre , Garnier Séverine , Fumoux Francis , Rihet Pascal
Published: September 2012

Background

HBB, IL4, IL12,TNF, LTA, NCR3andFCGR2Apolymorphisms have been associated with malaria resistance in humans, whereas cytophilic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are thought to play a critical role in immune protection against asexual blood stages of the parasite. Furthermore,HBB, IL4, TNF,andFCGR2Ahave been associated with both malaria resistance and IgG levels. This suggests that some malaria resistance genes influence the levels of IgG subclass antibodies.

Methods

In this study, the effect ofHBB, IL4, IL12,TNF, LTA, NCR3andFCGR2Apolymorphisms on the levels of IgG responses againstPlasmodium falciparumblood-stage extract was investigated in 220 individuals living in Burkina Faso. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient among IgG subclasses was determined. A family-based approach was used to assess the association of polymorphisms with anti-P. falciparumIgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 levels.

Results

After applying a multiple test correction, several polymorphisms were associated with IgG subclass or IgG levels. There was an association of i) haemoglobin C with IgG levels; ii) the FcγRIIa H/R131 with IgG2 and IgG3 levels; iii)TNF-863 with IgG3 levels; iv)TNF-857 with IgG levels; and, v)TNF1304 with IgG3, IgG4, and IgG levels.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results support the hypothesis that some polymorphisms affect malaria resistance through their effect on the acquired immune response, and pave the way towards further comprehension of genetic control of an individual’s humoral response against malaria.
Molecular heterogeneity in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Thomas Laura , Mautner Victor-Felix , Cooper David N , Upadhyaya Meena
Published: September 2012

Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1), resulting from NF1 gene loss of function, is characterized by an increased risk of developing benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Whereas the cellular heterogeneity of NF1-associated tumors has been well studied, the molecular heterogeneity of MPNSTs is still poorly understood. Mutational heterogeneity within these malignant tumors greatly complicates the study of the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis. We have explored this molecular heterogeneity by performing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of the NF1, TP53, RB1, PTEN, and CDKN2A genes on sections of 10 MPNSTs derived from 10 unrelated NF1 patients. LOH data for the TP53 gene was found to correlate with the results of p53 immunohistochemical analysis in the same tumor sections. Further, approximately 70% of MPNSTs were found to display intra-tumoral molecular heterogeneity as evidenced by differences in the level of LOH between different sections of the same tumor samples. This study constitutes the first systematic analysis of molecular heterogeneity within MPNSTs derived from NF1 patients. Appreciation of the existence of molecular heterogeneity in NF1-associated tumors is important not only for optimizing somatic mutation detection, but also for understanding the mechanisms of NF1 tumorigenesis, a prerequisite for the development of specifically targeted cancer therapeutics.
Distributed user selection scheme for uplink multiuser MIMO systems in a multicell environment
Authors: Lee Byong Ok , Shin Oh-Soon , Lee Kwang Bok
Published: September 2012

We propose an interference-aware user selection scheme for uplink multiuser multiple-input multiple-output systems in a multicell environment. The proposed scheme works in a distributed manner. Each mobile station determines its transmit beamforming vector based on the locally available channel state information, and informs the associated base station (BS) of the amount of potential interference caused to adjacent cells along with the resulting beamforming vector. Then, the BS selects a set of users to be served simultaneously with consideration of intercell interference. The user selection scheme is devised either to maximize the sum rate or to achieve proportional fairness among users. For each case, we derive an optimal user selection criterion and propose a suboptimal distributed user selection algorithm with low complexity. Simulation results confirm that the proposed scheme offers significant throughput enhancement due to reduction of the intercell interference in a multicell environment.
Common fixed points of Ćirić-type contractive mappings in two ordered generalized metric spaces
Authors: Abbas M , Cho YJ , Nazir T
Published: September 2012

In this paper, using the setting of two ordered generalized metric spaces, a unique common fixed point of four mappings satisfying a generalized contractive condition is obtained. We also present an example to demonstrate the results presented herein.

MSC:54H25, 47H10, 54E50.
Intuitionistic random almost additive-quadratic mappings
Authors: Park Choonkil , Eshaghi Gordji Madjid , Ghanifard Masumeh , Khodaei Hamid
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we investigate the Hyers-Ulam stability of the additive-quadratic functional equation

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MSC:39B52, 34K36, 46S50, 47S50, 34Fxx.
TGFβ signalling plays an important role in IL4-induced alternative activation of microglia
Authors: Zhou Xiaolai , Spittau Björn , Krieglstein Kerstin
Published: September 2012

Background

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system and are accepted to be involved in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that microglia, like peripheral macrophages, exhibit two entirely different functional activation states, referred to as classical (M1) and alternative (M2) activation. TGFβ is one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines and its effect on inhibiting microglia or macrophage classical activation has been extensively studied. However, the role of TGFβ during alternative activation of microglia has not been described yet.

Methods

To investigate the role of TGFβ in IL4-induced microglia alternative activation, both, BV2 as well as primary microglia from new born C57BL/6 mice were used. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blots were performed to detect mRNA and protein levels of the alternative activation markers Arginase1 (Arg1) and Chitinase 3-like 3 (Ym1) after treatment with IL4, TGFβ or both. Endogenous TGFβ release after IL4 treatment was evaluated using the mink lung epithelial cell (MLEC) assay and a direct TGFβ2 ELISA. TGFβ receptor type I inhibitor and MAPK inhibitor were applied to address the involvement of TGFβ signalling and MAPK signalling in IL4-induced alternative activation of microglia.

Results

TGFβ enhances IL4-induced microglia alternative activation by strongly increasing the expression of Arg1 and Ym1. This synergistic effect on Arg1 induction is almost completely blocked by the application of the MAPK inhibitor, PD98059. Further, treatment of primary microglia with IL4 increased the expression and secretion of TGFβ2, suggesting an involvement of endogenous TGFβ in IL4-mediated microglia activation process. Moreover, IL4-mediated induction of Arg1 and Ym1 is impaired after blocking the TGFβ receptor I indicating that IL4-induced microglia alternative activation is dependent on active TGFβ signalling. Interestingly, treatment of primary microglia with TGFβ alone results in up regulation of the IL4 receptor alpha, indicating that TGFβ increases the sensitivity of microglia for IL4 signals.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data reveal a new role for TGFβ during IL4-induced alternative activation of microglia and consolidate the essential functions of TGFβ as an anti-inflammatory molecule and immunoregulatory factor for microglia.
LTR point mutations in the Tax-responsive elements of HTLV-1 isolates from HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients
Authors: Magri Mariana Cavalheiro , Costa Emanuela Avelar Silva , Caterino-de-Araujo Adele
Published: September 2012

Background

In Virology Journal 2011, 8:535, Neto et al. described point mutations into Tax-responsive elements (TRE) of the LTR region of HTLV-1 isolates from asymptomatic carriers from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and hypothesized that the presence of the G232A mutation in the TRE-1 increase viral proliferation and consequently the proviral load (PvL), while the A184G mutation in the TRE-2 do not have such effect.

Findings

We performed the real-time PCR assay (pol) and sequenced LTR region of HTLV-1 isolates from 24 HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients without HTLV-1-associated diseases from the same geographic area. These sequences were classified as belonging to the transcontinental subgroup A of the Cosmopolitan subtype a. The frequency of G232A mutation (16/24, 66.7%) was high as much as 61.8% reported by Neto’s in HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers with high PvL. High frequency (13/24, 54.2%) of double mutations G232A and A184G was also detected in HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients. We did not quantify PvL, but comparative analyses of the cycle threshold (Ct) median values of the group of isolates presenting the mutated-types sequences (Ct 33.5, n = 16) versus the group of isolates with the wild-type sequences (Ct 32, n = 8) showed no statistical difference (p = 0.4220).

Conclusion

The frequencies of mutated-type sequences in the TRE-1 and TRE-2 motifs were high in HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients from Sao Paulo, Brazil. If these LTR point mutations have predictive value for the development of HTLV-1-associated diseases or they correspond to the subtype of virus that circulate in this geographic area has to be determined.
The effects of telbivudine in late pregnancy to prevent intrauterine transmission of the hepatitis B virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Min , Zhou Xin , Gao Sheng , Yang Shi-Gui , Wang Bing , Chen Hua-Zhong , Ruan Bing
Published: September 2012

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. Presently, even with proper joint immunoprophylaxis, approximately 10-15% of newborns from HBV carrier mothers suffer from HBV infection through intrauterine transmission. One of the risk factors is the level of maternal viraemia. Telbivudine is a synthetic thymidine nucleoside analogue with activity against HBV. A few studies have evaluated the efficacy of telbivudine in preventing intrauterine HBV infection during late pregnancy. So we conducted this meta-analysis to arrive at an evidence-based conclusion. We searched Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Knowledge and China Biological Medicine Database from January 1990 to December 2011. Relative risks (RR) of the seropositivity rates for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA in newborns and infants were studied. Mean differences (MD) in maternal HBV DNA levels were reviewed. Finally two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) were left for analysis which included 576 mothers in total, of whom 306 received telbivudine treatment and 270 did not receive any drug. All newborns received hepatitis B vaccine (HBVac) and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) after birth. The seropositivity rate for HBsAg or HBV DNA was significantly lower in the telbivudine group, both at birth and at 6–12 months follow up. Meanwhile, maternal HBV DNA levels prior to delivery were significantly lower in the telbivudine group. In addition, the frequency of serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation was similar in the two groups. Our meta-analysis provides preliminary evidence that telbivudine application in late pregnancy is effective in the interruption of intrauterine HBV infection, with no significant adverse effects or complications. More high quality, well-designed, double-blinded, randomised controlled and large size clinical trials are needed for further investigation and more convincing results in the future.