bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire-Protective and Flame-Retardant Coatings - A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Weil Edward D.
Published: January 2011

This review covers mainly intumescent coatings, with briefer discussions of non-intumescent organic fire-resistive coatings and cementitious inorganic coatings. Emphasis is placed on the more recent developments, and the more recent patent literature is surveyed. Modeling and optimizing are covered both from basic and applied aspects. The chemistry of the production of a foamed char barrier is discussed. Enhancing the performance by adjuvants and choice of binders is shown to be possible. The important interactions of ammonium polyphosphate with other components such as titanium dioxide are described. Testing is briefly discussed, as are some shortcomings of present-day coatings, such as limited water resistance, and some opportunities for improvement.
Independent Travel: Colonialism, Liberalism and the Self
Authors: Lozanski Kristin
Published: January 2011

Independent travel is constructed by its adherents as a more benign form of travel than mass tourism. Yet this alternative form of travel remains implicated in colonial legacies through its adherence to the liberal project of self-development. Through voluntarily undertaking hardship and narrating their experiences to other travelers and broader audiences, independent travelers depend upon the very same structural inequalities they seek to overcome in order to construct the liberal self, which is itself implicated in colonialism.
Urban Workers’ Leisure Culture and the ‘Public Sphere’: A Study of the Transformation of the Workers’ Cultural Palace in Reform-Era China
Authors: Xing Guoxin
Published: January 2011

This article looks into urban Chinese working-class leisure culture through a case study of the transformed Workers’ Cultural Palace in Zhengzhou in Henan province. Making timely and engaging contribution to the discussion on changing working-class subjectivities in post-Mao China, the author investigates Zhengzhou workers’ cultural and communicative activities, including songs, dramas and political discussions in an urban space. The case study provides hints of a re-politicized space which constitutes a public sphere, attended by the working class, of free discussion on class inequalities and related issues. In the emergent public sphere inhabited by urban workers, class consciousness is nurtured as distinct from the Chinese middle class. The findings point to contested public spheres in China’s increasingly class-divided society and the return of class politics at the bottom rungs, taking issue with seemingly conventional wisdom purporting to declare the end of class in practical Chinese politics and scholarly Chinese studies.
Neoliberal Globalization and Trade Unionism: Toward Radical Political Unionism?
Authors: Upchurch Martin , Mathers Andy
Published: January 2011

This article revisits the question of changing forms of trade unionism within the context of neoliberal globalization. While broadly accepting the argument that globalization might encourage the development of more radical forms of unionism as survival strategies, it argues that such radicalism cannot be understood satisfactorily by the term social movement unionism (SMU). This is due to over-reliance on theories of the new social movements (NSMs), which produce a largely de-classed and de-politicized perspective. The article uses insights gained from theoretical work on protest and labour movement development to bring the state back into the analysis and applies this analysis to oppositional trade union practice in a variety of institutional contexts. It concludes by making a case for understanding contemporary forms of oppositional trade union strategy through the term radical political unionism which takes account of both its social and political determinants as well as the agency role played by political leaderships.
The Four Horsemen of the Fair Housing Apocalypse: A Critique of Fair Housing Policy in the USA
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark , Patterson Kelly L.
Published: January 2011

This article examines US fair housing policy from a critical perspective. We describe the impact of the expansion of neoliberal ideology on the fair housing assistance program (FHAP), the fair housing initiatives program (FHIP), and the scope of US Department of Justice activities. Prior findings from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and IRS Form 990 are summarized. We argue that neoliberalism has contributed to the underdevelopment, underfunding, and poor implementation of US fair housing policy. We offer three recommendations for fair housing reform. The first focuses on the need to remove fair housing activities from HUD and place them in an independent fair housing agency. The second focuses on the need for the federal government to mandate fair housing enforcement across all governmental programs and agencies. The third focuses on the need for increased lobbying, litigation, and activism by community-based advocacy organizations for reform.
A Social Neuroscientific Model of Vocational Behavior
Authors: Hansen Jo-Ida C. , Sullivan Brandon A. , Luciana Monica
Published: January 2011

In this article, the separate literatures of a neurobiologically based approach system and vocational interests are reviewed and integrated into a social neuroscientific model of the processes underlying interests, based upon the idea of selective approach motivation. The authors propose that vocational interests describe the types of stimuli that activate the approach system for a particular individual and provide empirical evidence for this model by relating measures associated with approach motivation with measures of vocational interests. The results support the hypothesis that vocational interests are shaped by distinct facets of the approach system.
Comparative Nephrotoxicity of Aristolochic Acid and Tetrandrine In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Yuan Sheau-Yun , Yang Chi-Rei , Cheng Chen-Li , Hsu Shih-Lan , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Lin Chi-Chen , Chou Ying-Yi , Cheng Ya-Wen
Published: January 2011

Aristolochic acid (AA) and tetrandrine (TET) are the major bioactive components in Chinese herbs used for weight loss. The nephropathy caused by the 2 Chinese herbs has not been simultaneously investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the potential nephrotoxicity of AA and TET using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and mice. The results showed that TET was more potent than AA in inhibiting MDCK cell growth via inducing apoptosis, as determined by annexin-V staining, 4’, 6’-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, DNA fragmentation, and caspase 3 activity. Mice treated with AA (10 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal administration for 3 months showed nephrotoxicity, elevated blood urea nitrogen, and increased renal tubular injuries. In contrast, mice treated with 50 mg/kg of TET in the same time period had moderate hydropic degeneration of the distal tubules in the kidneys. These results suggest that TET is more cytotoxic than AA in MDCK cells but shows less nephrotoxic than AA in mice.
Hepatoprotection in a Rat Model of Acute Liver Damage Through Inhibition of CY2E1 Activity by Total Alkaloids Extracted From Rubus alceifolius Poir
Authors: Lin Jiumao , Zhao Jinyan , Li Tianjiao , Zhou Jianheng , Hu Juan , Hong Zhenfeng
Published: January 2011

We aimed to examine the effect of an alkaloid extract of the roots of Rubus alceifolius Poir on liver damage and cytochrome enzymes, and underlying mechanism. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Rats were then treated with the hepatoprotective drug bifendate, or with low, medium, and high doses of an alkaloid extract from the roots of R alceifolius Poir. Both bifendate and alkaloid treatment decreased the increase in liver enzymes and cell damage caused by CCl4. Carbon tetrachloride treatment alone caused a decrease in total cytochrome P450 content, an increase in CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, and an increase in CYP2E1 and a decrease in CYP3A1 enzymatic activity. Alkaloid treatment brought these concentrations and activities back toward normal. In summary, these results suggest that alkaloids from R alceifolius Poir may act to protect the liver through decreasing CYP2E1 enzymatic activity through decreasing its mRNA.
The Body and the Eye: Perspectives, Technologies, and Practices of Urbanism
Authors: Sæter Oddrun
Published: January 2011

The article focuses on various ways of viewing the city, and their possible consequences for the conception and construction of the urban environment. The approach has involved the development of two ideal type perspectives, represented by two contrasting figures: the flâneur and the planner. The theoreticians discussed here, Walter Benjamin and Le Corbusier, were fascinated and even seduced by the modern era and contemporary technology. But while Benjamin’s fascination was tempered with criticism, Le Corbusier’s enthusiasm was more wholehearted in nature. The aim for the reflection is to discover both how far we can contrast two different kinds of rationalities and also whether some interesting meeting points exist between them. Which possibilities do their perspectives inhabit to open up to a “third perspective”, including acts of sensing the city, as well as social practices and participation in planning and creating cities?
Tourist Maps as Diagrams of Destination Space
Authors: Farías Ignacio
Published: January 2011

Tourist maps cannot be understood as signs or symbolic representations of an already constituted destination space. They are spatial devices playing an active role in the constitution of such space. To grasp this generative capacity, the author proposes conceiving tourist maps as diagrams, in the sense first introduced by Foucault and further developed by Deleuze and Guattari. Looking at very diverse tourist maps of Berlin and relying on selected spatial theory, this article examines four diagrammatic operations through which tourist maps constitute destination space: extending matter, edging experience, placing objects, and folding displacement. The article concludes by assessing the virtual ontological status of the space thus constituted.
Asylum in the Margins of Contemporary Britain: The Spatial Practices of Desire in Gypo
Authors: McAllister Kirsten Emiko
Published: January 2011

This article examines Jan Dunn’s film Gypo in the context of a wider field of films referred to as home territory asylum films, which portray asylum seekers as figures of movement who transform the lives of those living in the economic and social margins of the British home territories. In these films, desire compels the characters to cross the boundaries separating asylum seekers and local residents, transforming the spaces of exclusion with their spatial practices. Unlike other home territory asylum films, in Gypo it is queer desire that draws the characters together. Like de Certeau’s tactics, queer desire in Gypo is fluid and operates within while eluding spaces of control, revealing how heteronormative desire reproduces spaces of exclusion that are articulated with global capital. The article ends with a discussion of how the film uses the Romantic imagery of Turner and Constable to situate the seemingly insignificant struggles of characters on the larger stage of globalization, creating an emotional landscape with disturbing forces that the article argues are difficult to decipher without an examination of the troubling realm of desire.
CFS prevalence and risk factors over time
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Porter Nicole , Hunnell Jessica , Rademaker Alfred , Richman Judith A.
Published: January 2011

The present natural history study examined the course of CFS from 1995—97 (Wave 1) to approximately 10 years later (Wave 2) from a random, community-based, multi-ethnic population. The rate of CFS remained approximately the same over the period of time from Wave 1 to Wave 2, although a high level of mortality was found (18% of those with medical or psychiatric exclusions group, 12.5% for the CFS group). Physical measures of disability and fatigue, along with measures of specific somatic symptoms, better differentiate individuals who later are diagnosed with CFS than more psychosocial measures such as stress and coping.
Health compromising behaviors among Chinese adolescents: Role of physical abuse, school experience, and social support
Authors: So-kum Tang Catherine , Wong William C.W. , Leung Phil M.S. , Chen Wei-qin , Lee Albert , Ling Davina C.
Published: January 2011

This study examined the influence of immediate social environment on health compromising behaviors (HCB) among 6564 high school students in China. Results showed that physical abuse by parents was a major risk factor that accounted for high rates of HCB. Perceived positive school experience and social support were protective factors associated with low rates of HCB. These two protective factors also buffered the adverse influence of abuse on the practice of individual HCB. In particular, parental abuse was associated with sexual experimentation, non-fatal self-harm, and suicide behaviors only at low levels of protective factors.
Do Changes in Illness Perceptions Predict Changes in Psychological Distress among Oesophageal Cancer Survivors?
Authors: Dempster Martin , McCorry Noleen K. , Brennan Emma , Donnelly Michael , Murray Liam J. , Johnston Brian T.
Published: January 2011

This study aimed to examine whether changes in the illness perceptions of oesophageal cancer survivors explain changes in their levels of psychological distress relative to demographic and biomedical variables and coping strategies. Oesophageal cancer survivors completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire — Revised, the Cancer Coping Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at two points in time, 12 months apart. Cluster analysis was used to identify groups of respondents who reported a similar profile of change in their illness perception scores over time. Findings suggested that enhancing control cognitions and encouraging a positive focus coping strategy may be important in improving psychological health.
Global migratory potential and the scope of justice
Authors: Child Richard
Published: January 2011

We live in an era of global migratory potential — a time when a vast number of people have the physical capacity to move relatively quickly and easily between states. In this article, I use this fact to motivate a powerful objection to ‘statism’, the view that the egalitarian principles of justice which apply to citizens have no application outside the boundaries of the state. I argue that, in a world characterized by global migratory potential, the supposed contrast between the normative standing of citizens and non-citizens on which the doctrine of statism depends is much harder to establish than proponents of the doctrine seem to realize. Focusing initially on the well-known justification for statism based on the notion of reciprocity between cooperators in a joint venture for mutual advantage, I argue that non-citizens play just as important a role as citizens in upholding schemes of cooperation, and that non-citizens should therefore be included in the scope of egalitarian justice along with citizens. I then go on to explain why the problem raised by the fact of migratory potential threatens to undermine not only the reciprocity-based conception, but all other conceptions of statism. The challenge for the proponent of statism is to show that the relationship in which each individual citizen stands with the state is not only a justice-grounding relationship, but also one in which no non-citizen stands with the state. The challenge has not been met so far, and I argue that it is unlikely to be met in the future.
Exploring positioning in Alzheimer Disease through analyses of family talk
Authors: Purves Barbara A.
Published: January 2011

The ways in which people with dementia are positioned through talk has received considerable attention, but to date there has been little exploration of such positioning in everyday family life. Given the importance of family in caring for persons with dementia, it is critical that we understand, first, how family members position themselves and each other as they negotiate changes associated with dementia and, second, the implications of that process, both for individual members and for the family as a unit. In this study, two complementary approaches were used to explore positioning in the family of a woman with dementia. The first used interviewing to reveal how family members positioned themselves and each other in their conscious reflections about dementia. The second, drawing on conversation analysis, highlighted how they positioned themselves and each other in their everyday conversations together. Implications for the study of dementia in the family are discussed.
Application of advanced statistical methods for extracting long-term trends in static monitoring data from an arch dam
Authors: Loh Chin-Hsiung , Chen Chia-Hui , Hsu Ting-Yu
Published: January 2011

The objective of this article is to develop methods for extracting trends from long-term structural health monitoring data and try to set an early warning threshold level based on the results of analyses. The long-term monitoring data in this study is the continuous monitoring of the dam static deformation. Two different approaches were applied to extract features of the long-term structural health monitoring data of the static deformation of the Fei-Tsui Arch Dam (Taiwan). The methods include the singular spectrum analysis with auto regressive model (SSA-AR) and the nonlinear principal component analysis (NPCA) using auto-associative neural network method (AANN). The singular spectrum analysis is a novel nonparametric technique based on principles of multi-variance statistics. An AR model is optimized for each of the principal components obtained from SSA, and the multi step predicted values are recombined to make the time series. Different from SSA method the NPCA-AANN method is also used to extract the underlying features of static deformation of the dam. By using these two different methods, the residual deformation between the estimated and the recorded data was generated, through statistical analysis, the threshold level of the dam static deformation can be determined. Discussion on the two proposed methods to the static deformation monitoring data of Fei-Tsui Arch Dam (Taiwan) is discussed.
An optimal global projection denoising algorithm and its application to shaft orbit purification
Authors: Hou Shumin , Liang Ming , Li Yourong
Published: January 2011

Noise reduction is a main step in fault diagnosis of the rotating machinery. However, it is not effective enough to purify the nonlinear fault features from the vibration shaft orbits using the traditional signal denoising techniques. This article improved the global projection denoising algorithm via calculating the optimal time delay τ and embedding dimension m, which can be regarded as an extension of the global phase space reconstruction. The de-noising effects of Lorenz signal and the experiment cases illustrated the optimal global projection method is very effective and reliable in reducing the noise and reconstructing the signals. Consequently, it is heavily recommended for use in fault diagnosis of large rotating machinery as well as in the other kinds of machinery.
Monitoring load levels in multi-wire strands by nonlinear ultrasonic waves
Authors: Nucera Claudio , Scalea Francesco Lanza di
Published: January 2011

Monitoring load levels in multi-wire steel strands is relevant to ensuring the proper structural performance of post-tensioned concrete structures, suspension bridges, and cable-stayed bridges. This article investigates the use of ultrasonic nonlinearity as a means to determine the level of load applied to the strands. Since an axial load on a multi-wire strand generates proportional contact stresses between adjacent wires, ultrasonic nonlinearity from the inter-wire contact must be related to the level of axial load. This article shows that the higher harmonic generation of ultrasonic guided waves propagating in individual wires of the strand indeed changes monotonically with the applied load, with smaller higher harmonic amplitudes with increasing load levels. This trend is consistent with known studies on higher harmonic generation from ultrasonic plane waves incident on a contact interface under a changing contact pressure. The article presents experimental studies on free strands and embedded strands, and numerical studies (nonlinear Finite Element Analysis) on free strands.
Notch/HES1-mediated PARP1 activation: a cell type–specific mechanism for tumor suppression
Authors: Kannan Sankaranarayanan , Fang Wendy , Song Guangchun , Mullighan Charles G. , Hammitt Richard , McMurray John , Zweidler-McKay Patrick A.
Published: January 2011

Notch signaling plays both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles, depending on cell type. In contrast to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), where Notch activation promotes leukemogenesis, induction of Notch signaling in B-cell ALL (B-ALL) leads to growth arrest and apoptosis. The Notch target Hairy/Enhancer of Split1 (HES1) is sufficient to reproduce this tumor suppressor phenotype in B-ALL; however, the mechanism is not yet known. We report that HES1 regulates proapoptotic signals by the novel interacting protein Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase1 (PARP1) in a cell type–specific manner. Interaction of HES1 with PARP1 inhibits HES1 function, induces PARP1 activation, and results in PARP1 cleavage in B-ALL. HES1-induced PARP1 activation leads to self-ADP ribosylation of PARP1, consumption of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+, diminished adenosine triphosphate levels, and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria to the nucleus, resulting in apoptosis in B-ALL but not T-cell ALL. Importantly, induction of Notch signaling by the Notch agonist peptide Delta/Serrate/Lag-2 can reproduce these events and leads to B-ALL apoptosis. The novel interaction of HES1 and PARP1 in B-ALL modulates the function of the HES1 transcriptional complex and signals through PARP1 to induce apoptosis. This mechanism shows a cell type–specific proapoptotic pathway that may lead to Notch agonist–based cancer therapeutics.
ETV6/RUNX1-positive relapses evolve from an ancestral clone and frequently acquire deletions of genes implicated in glucocorticoid signaling
Authors: Kuster Lilian , Grausenburger Reinhard , Fuka Gerhard , Kaindl Ulrike , Krapf Gerd , Inthal Andrea , Mann Georg , Kauer Maximilian , Rainer Johannes , Kofler Reinhard , Hall Andrew , Metzler Markus , Meyer Lüder Hinrich , Meyer Claus , Harbott Jochen , Marschalek Rolf , Strehl Sabine , Haas Oskar A. , Panzer-Grümayer Renate
Published: January 2011

Approximately 25% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias carry the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene. Despite their excellent initial treatment response, up to 20% of patients relapse. To gain insight into the relapse mechanisms, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphism arrays for DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs) in 18 matched diagnosis and relapse leukemias. CNAs were more abundant at relapse than at diagnosis (mean 12.5 vs 7.5 per case; P = .01) with 5.3 shared on average. Their patterns revealed a direct clonal relationship with exclusively new aberrations at relapse in only 21.4%, whereas 78.6% shared a common ancestor and subsequently acquired distinct CNA. Moreover, we identified recurrent, mainly nonoverlapping deletions associated with glucocorticoid-mediated apoptosis targeting the Bcl2 modifying factor (BMF) (n = 3), glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 (n = 4), and components of the mismatch repair pathways (n = 3). Fluorescence in situ hybridization screening of additional 24 relapsed and 72 nonrelapsed ETV6/RUNX1-positive cases demonstrated that BMF deletions were significantly more common in relapse cases (16.6% vs 2.8%; P = .02). Unlike BMF deletions, which were always already present at diagnosis, NR3C1 and mismatch repair aberrations prevailed at relapse. They were all associated with leukemias, which poorly responded to treatment. These findings implicate glucocorticoid-associated drug resistance in ETV6/RUNX1-positive relapse pathogenesis and therefore might help to guide future therapies.
The VEGF-regulated transcription factor HLX controls the expression of guidance cues and negatively regulates sprouting of endothelial cells
Authors: Testori Julia , Schweighofer Bernhard , Helfrich Iris , Sturtzel Caterina , Lipnik Karoline , Gesierich Sabine , Nasarre Patrick , Hofer-Warbinek Renate , Bilban Martin , Augustin Hellmut G. , Hofer Erhard
Published: January 2011

The HLX gene encoding a diverged homeobox transcription factor has been found to be up-regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in endothelial cells. We have now investigated the gene repertoire induced by HLX and its potential biologic function. HLX strongly increased the transcripts for several repulsive cell-guidance proteins including UNC5B, plexin-A1, and semaphorin-3G. In addition, genes for transcriptional repressors such as HES-1 were up-regulated. In line with these findings, adenoviral overexpression of HLX inhibited endothelial cell migration, sprouting, and vessel formation in vitro and in vivo, whereas proliferation was unaffected. This inhibition of sprouting was caused to a significant part by HLX-mediated up-regulation of UNC5B as shown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–mediated down-modulation of the respective mRNA. VEGF-A stimulation of endothelial cells induced elevated levels of HLX over longer time periods resulting in especially high up-regulation of UNC5B mRNA as well as an increase in cells displaying UNC5B at their surface. However, induction of HLX was strongly reduced and UNC5B up-regulation completely abrogated when cells were exposed to hypoxic conditions. These data suggest that HLX may function to balance attractive with repulsive vessel guidance by up-regulating UNC5B and to down-modulate sprouting under normoxic conditions.
IκBζ augments IL-12– and IL-18–mediated IFN-γ production in human NK cells
Authors: Kannan Yashaswini , Yu Jianhua , Raices Raquel M. , Seshadri Sudarshan , Wei Min , Caligiuri Michael A. , Wewers Mark D.
Published: January 2011

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes is a key component of innate and adaptive immune responses. Because inhibitor of κB-ζ (IκBζ), a Toll-like receptor (TLR)/interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) inducible transcription factor, regulates IFN-γ production in KG-1 cells, we tested IκBζ's role in the classic lymphocyte pathway of IL-12/IL-18–induced IFN-γ. Upon stimulation with IL-12/IL-18, monocyte-depleted human peripheral blood lymphocytes expressed the 79-kDa form of IκBζ and released IFN-γ. CD56+ NK cells were shown to be the IκBζ-producing lymphocyte subpopulation, which also released abundant IFN-γ in response to IL-12/IL-18. Importantly, IκBζ was undetectable in CD56− lymphocytes where IFN-γ release was 10-fold lower. In addition, small interfering RNA knockdown of IκBζ suppressed IFN-γ expression in CD56+ cells. The association of IκBζ with the IFN-γ promoter was documented by chromatin immunoprecipitation. IFN-γ promoter activity from IκBζ overexpression was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Finally, IκBζ coprecipitated with p65 and p50 NF-κB in NK cells in response to IL-12/IL-18, suggesting that IκBζ's effects on IFN-γ promoter activity are coregulated by NF-κB. These results suggest that IκBζ functions as an important regulator of IFN-γ in human NK cells, further expanding the class of IκBζ-modulated genes.
How I treat: diagnosing and managing “in situ” lymphoma
Authors: Carbone Antonino , Santoro Armando
Published: January 2011

The “in situ” lymphomas are often incidental findings in an otherwise reactive-appearing lymph node. Notably, the risk of progression to clinically appreciable lymphoma is not yet fully known. The diagnosis of “in situ” lymphoma is feasible when immunohistochemical characterization is carried out and genetic abnormalities are assessed. “In situ” follicular lymphoma is characterized by the presence within the affected germinal centers of B cells that strongly express BCL2 protein, a finding that supports their neoplastic nature, in the absence of interfollicular infiltration. In “in situ” mantle cell lymphoma, the lymphoma involvement is typically limited to the inner mantle zone, where lymphoma cells are cyclin D1+ and weakly BCL2+, CD5+. A staging workup to exclude other site of involvement is highly recommended for the possible coexistence of an overt lymphoma. Biopsy of all sites of suspicious involvement should be mandatory. No evidence for starting therapy also in the presence of multifocal “in situ” lymphoma exists, and a “wait-and-see policy” is strongly suggested. A follow-up strategy reserving imaging evaluation only in the presence of disease-related symptoms or organ involvement appears to be a reasonable option. For patients with concomitant overt lymphoma, staging and treatment procedures must be done according to malignant counterpart.
Sleeping arrangement and house structure affect bed net use in villages along Lake Victoria
Authors: Iwashita Hanako , Dida Gabriel , Futami Kyoko , Sonye George , Kaneko Satoshi , Horio Masahiro , Kawada Hitoshi , Maekawa Yoshihide , Aoki Yoshiki , Minakawa Noboru
Published: January 2011

Background

Although insecticide-treated bed nets are effective tools, use often does not follow ownership. House structure and space arrangements may make the attempt to use bed nets difficult, especially for school age children. The objectives of this study were to explore whether an individual's sleeping arrangements and house structure affect bed net use in villages along Lake Victoria in western Kenya.

Methods

Sleeping arrangements of residents were directly observed for use of a bed net, use of a bed, and location. House size, number and types of rooms, bed availability, and residents' ages were estimated. The family heads and mothers were asked about the reason for not using bed nets. Individual bed net use was examined against age and sleeping arrangement. Net use at the household level was examined against four variables: bed availability, bed net availability, house size, and number of rooms.

Results

Bed net use by children between five and 15 years of age was lower than that among the other age classes. However, age was dropped from the final model, and sleeping arrangement was significantly associated with net use. Net use was significantly associated with bed availability, number of rooms and their interaction.

Conclusion

Net use was affected by sleeping arrangement and availability of suitable locations for hanging nets, in addition to net availability. Most residents had likely not realized that sleeping arrangement was a factor in net use. The ease of hanging a net is particularly important for children.
MicroRNA 376c enhances ovarian cancer cell survival by targeting activin receptor-like kinase 7: implications for chemoresistance
Authors: Ye Gang , Fu Guodong , Cui Shiying , Zhao Sufen , Bernaudo Stefanie , Bai Yin , Ding Yanfang , Zhang Yaou , Yang Burton B. , Peng Chun
Published: January 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that have important roles in gene regulation. We have previously reported that activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) and its ligand, Nodal, induce apoptosis in human epithelial ovarian cancer cells. In this study, we examined the regulation of ALK7 by miRNAs and demonstrate that miR-376c targets ALK7. Ectopic expression of miR-376c significantly increased cell proliferation and survival, enhanced spheroid formation and blocked Nodal-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, overexpression of miR-376c blocked cisplatin-induced cell death, whereas anti-miR-376c enhanced the effect of cisplatin. These effects of miR-376c were partially compensated by the overexpression of ALK7. Moreover, in serous carcinoma samples taken from ovarian cancer patients who responded well to chemotherapy, strong ALK7 staining and low miR-376c expression was detected. By contrast, ALK7 expression was weak and miR-376c levels were high in samples from patients who responded poorly to chemotherapy. Finally, treatment with cisplatin led to an increase in expression of mRNA encoding Nodal and ALK7 but a decrease in miR-376c levels. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Nodal–ALK7 pathway is involved in cisplatin-induced cell death in ovarian cancer cells and that miR-376c enhances proliferation, survival and chemoresistance by targeting, at least in part, ALK7.
Association between α4 integrin cytoplasmic tail and non-muscle myosin IIA regulates cell migration
Authors: Rosado Leslie A. Rivera , Horn Troy A. , McGrath Sara C. , Cotter Robert J. , Yang Joy T.
Published: January 2011

α4β1 integrin regulates cell migration via cytoplasmic interactions. Here, we report an association between the cytoplasmic tail of α4 integrin (α4 tail) and non-muscle myosin IIA (MIIA), demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation of the MIIA heavy chain (HC) with anti-α4-integrin antibodies and pull-down of MIIA-HC with recombinant α4 tail from cell lysates. The association between the α4 tail and MIIA does not require paxillin binding or phosphorylation at Ser988 in the α4 tail. We found that substituting Glu982 in the α4 tail with alanine (E982A) disrupts the α4–MIIA association without interfering with the paxillin binding or Ser988 phosphorylation. By comparing stably transfected CHO cells, we show that the E982A mutation reduces the ability of α4β1 integrin to mediate cell spreading and to promote front–back polarization. In addition, we show that E982A impairs shear-flow-induced migration of the α4-integrin-expressing CHO cells by reducing their migration speed and directional persistence. The E982A mutation also leads to defects in the organization of MIIA filament bundles. Furthermore, when cells are plated on fibronectin and simulated with shear flow, α4β1 integrin forms filament-like patterns that co-align with MIIA filament bundles. These results provide a new mechanism for linking integrins to the actomyosin cytoskeleton and for regulating cell migration by integrins and non-muscle myosin II.
UV-induced photolesions elicit ATR-kinase-dependent signaling in non-cycling cells through nucleotide excision repair-dependent and -independent pathways
Authors: Vrouwe Mischa G. , Pines Alex , Overmeer Rene M. , Hanada Katsuhiro , Mullenders Leon H. F.
Published: January 2011

Activation of signaling pathways by UV radiation is a key event in the DNA damage response and initiated by different cellular processes. Here we show that non-cycling cells proficient in nucleotide excision repair (NER) initiate a rapid but transient activation of the damage response proteins p53 and H2AX; by contrast, NER-deficient cells display delayed but persistent signaling and inhibition of cell cycle progression upon release from G0 phase. In the absence of repair, UV-induced checkpoint activation coincides with the formation of single-strand DNA breaks by the action of the endonuclease Ape1. Although temporally distinct, activation of checkpoint proteins in NER-proficient and NER-deficient cells depends on a common pathway involving the ATR kinase. These data reveal that damage signaling in non-dividing cells proceeds via NER-dependent and NER-independent processing of UV photolesions through generation of DNA strand breaks, ultimately preventing the transition from G1 to S phase.
Loss of migfilin expression has no overt consequences on murine development and homeostasis
Authors: Moik Daniel V. , Janbandhu Vaibhao C. , Fässler Reinhard
Published: January 2011

Migfilin is a LIM-domain-containing protein of the zyxin family of adaptor proteins and is found at cell–matrix and cell–cell adhesion sites and in the nucleus. In vitro studies have suggested that migfilin promotes β1 integrin activity, regulates cell spreading and migration and induces cardiomyocyte differentiation. To test directly the function of migfilin in vivo, we generated a migfilin-null mouse strain. Here, we report that loss of migfilin expression permits normal development and normal postnatal aging. Fibroblasts and keratinocytes from migfilin-null mice display normal spreading and adhesion, and normal integrin expression and activation. The migration velocity and directionality of migfilin-null embryonic fibroblasts were normal, whereas the velocity of migfilin-null keratinocytes in wound scratch assays was slightly but significantly reduced. Our findings indicate that the roles of migfilin are functionally redundant during mouse development and tissue homeostasis.
LAPTMs regulate lysosomal function and interact with mucolipin 1: new clues for understanding mucolipidosis type IV
Authors: Vergarajauregui Silvia , Martina Jose A. , Puertollano Rosa
Published: January 2011

Loss-of-function mutations in mucolipin 1 (MCOLN1) result in mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe mental and psychomotor retardation. MCOLN1 is a lysosomal ion channel that belongs to the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily. To better understand the cellular function of MCOLN1, a split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid screen was performed with the purpose of revealing new MCOLN1 interaction partners. The screen identified two members of the lysosome-associated protein transmembrane (LAPTM) family as novel interaction partners of MCOLN1. The binding between MCOLN1 and LAPTM members (LAPTMs) was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid assays. In addition, MCOLN1 and LAPTMs extensively colocalize at late endosomes and lysosomes. Overexpression of LAPTM4b caused enlargement of lysosomes and defective lysosomal degradation, indicating that LAPTMs are important for proper lysosomal function. Interestingly, lysosomal swelling induced by LAPTM4b was rescued by expression of MCOLN1, suggesting a functional connection between the two proteins. Finally, depletion of endogenous LAPTMs by siRNA induced accumulation of concentric multi-lamellar structures and electron-dense inclusions that closely resemble the structures found in MLIV cells. Overall, our data provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of MCOLN1 function and suggest a potential role for LAPTMs in MLIV pathogenesis.
The pericentriolar satellite protein CEP90 is crucial for integrity of the mitotic spindle pole
Authors: Kim Kyeongmi , Rhee Kunsoo
Published: January 2011

Pericentriolar satellites are electron-dense granules that are concentrated around the centrosome. They are involved in the recruitment of centrosomal proteins and microtubule organization in interphase cells, but their mitotic functions are largely unknown. In this study, we characterize CEP90 as a component of pericentriolar satellites. CEP90 is present both in the centrosome and in the cytoplasm, but is transiently concentrated at the centrosome once cells enter mitosis. Depletion of CEP90 caused mitotic arrest with misaligned chromosomes. Spindle pole fragmentation was the most characteristic phenotype in CEP90-depleted cells. Spindle poles were fragmented as soon as the spindles attached, suggesting that the mechanical forces of spindle microtubules physically stress the structure of CEP90-depleted spindle poles. Based on these results, we propose that CEP90 is crucial for maintaining the integrity of spindle poles during mitosis.
Reassessment of the role of plasma membrane domains in the regulation of vesicular traffic in yeast
Authors: Brach Thorsten , Specht Tanja , Kaksonen Marko
Published: January 2011

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane has been proposed to contain two stably distributed domains. One of these domains, known as MCC (membrane compartment of Can1) or eisosomes, consists of furrow-like membrane invaginations and associated proteins. The other domain, called MCP (membrane compartment of Pma1), consists of the rest of the membrane area surrounding the MCC patches. The role of this plasma membrane domain organization in endocytosis is under debate. Here we show by live-cell imaging that vesicular traffic is restricted to the MCP and the distribution of endocytic and exocytic sites within the MCP is independent of the MCC patch positions. Photobleaching experiments indicated that Can1 and Tat2, two MCC-enriched permeases, exchange quickly between the two domains. Total internal reflection fluorescence and epi-fluorescence microscopy showed that the enrichment of Can1 at the MCC persisted after addition of its substrate, whereas the enrichment of Tat2 disappeared within 90 seconds. The rates of stimulated endocytosis of Can1 as well as Tat2 were similar in both wild-type cells and pil1Δ cells, which lack the MCC. Thus, our data suggest that the enrichment of certain plasma membrane proteins in the MCC does not regulate the rate of their endocytosis.
How might ants use panoramic views for route navigation?
Authors: Philippides Andrew , Baddeley Bart , Cheng Ken , Graham Paul
Published: January 2011

Studies of insect navigation have demonstrated that insects possess an interesting and sophisticated repertoire of visual navigation behaviours. Ongoing research seeks to help us understand how these behaviours are controlled in natural complex environments. A necessary complement to behavioural studies is an understanding of the sensory ecology within which an animal behaves. To this end we have analysed ants'-perspective views of a habitat within which desert ant navigation is well studied. Results from our analysis suggest that: parsimonious visual strategies for homing and route guidance are effective over behaviourally useful distances even in cluttered environments; that these strategies can function effectively using only the skyline heights as input; and that the simplicity and efficacy of using stored views as a visual compass makes it a viable and robust mechanism for route guidance.
Scaling of mechanical power output during burst escape flight in the Corvidae
Authors: Jackson Brandon E. , Dial Kenneth P.
Published: January 2011

Avian locomotor burst performance (e.g. acceleration, maneuverability) decreases with increasing body size and has significant implications for the survivorship, ecology and evolution of birds. However, the underlying mechanism of this scaling relationship has been elusive. The most cited mechanistic hypothesis posits that wingbeat frequency alone limits maximal muscular mass-specific power output. Because wingbeat frequency decreases with body size, it may explain the often-observed negative scaling of flight performance. To test this hypothesis we recorded in vivo muscular mechanical power from work-loop mechanics using surgically implanted sonomicrometry (measuring muscle length change) and strain gauges (measuring muscle force) in four species of Corvidae performing burst take-off and vertical escape flight. The scale relationships derived for the four species suggest that maximum muscle-mass-specific power scales slightly negatively with pectoralis muscle mass (M–0.18m, 95% CI: –0.42 to 0.05), but less than the scaling of wingbeat frequency (M–0.29m, 95% CI: –0.37 to –0.23). Mean muscle stress was independent of muscle mass (M–0.02m, 95% CI: –0.20 to 0.19), but total muscle strain (percent length change) scaled positively (M0.12m, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.18), which is consistent with previous results from ground birds (Order Galliformes). These empirical results lend minimal support to the power-limiting hypothesis, but also suggest that muscle function changes with size to partially compensate for detrimental effects of size on power output, even within closely related species. Nevertheless, additional data for other taxa are needed to substantiate these scaling patterns.
A latitudinal cline in the efficacy of endogenous signals: evidence derived from retinal cone contraction in fish
Authors: Yammouni Robert , Bozzano Anna , Douglas Ron H.
Published: January 2011

Like many physiological systems synchronised to the light:dark cycle, retinomotor movements in ‘lower’ vertebrates are controlled by both the ambient illumination and input from endogenous circadian oscillators. In the present study, we examine the relative influence of these two signals in various species of teleost fish with different latitudes of origin. We find equatorial species show very strong endogenous control. The cones of the glowlight tetra, for example, continue to go through undiminished cycles of contraction and relaxation that mirror the previous light:dark cycle for at least two weeks in continual darkness. To quantify the relative effectiveness of the ambient light compared with endogenous signals in causing cone contraction, the degree to which seven teleost species responded to light during the dark phase of their light:dark cycle was examined. In this situation the retina receives conflicting instructions; while the light is acting directly to cause light adaptation, any endogenous signal tends to keep the retinal elements dark adapted. The further from the equator a species originated, the more its cones contracted in response to such illumination, suggesting animals from higher latitudes make little use of endogenous oscillators and rely more on ambient illumination to control behaviours. Equatorial species, however, rely on internal pacemakers to a much greater degree and are relatively insensitive to exogenous light signals. Because these data are consistent with published observations in systems as diverse as melatonin synthesis in Arctic reindeer and the behaviour of regional populations of Drosophila, latitudinal clines in the efficacy of circadian oscillators may be a common feature among animals.
Color vision and learning in the monarch butterfly,Danaus plexippus(Nymphalidae)
Authors: Blackiston Douglas , Briscoe Adriana D. , Weiss Martha R.
Published: January 2011

The monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is well known for its intimate association with milkweed plants and its incredible multi-generational trans-continental migrations. However, little is known about monarch butterflies' color perception or learning ability, despite the importance of visual information to butterfly behavior in the contexts of nectar foraging, host-plant location and mate recognition. We used both theoretical and experimental approaches to address basic questions about monarch color vision and learning ability. Color space modeling based on the three known spectral classes of photoreceptors present in the eye suggests that monarchs should not be able to discriminate between long wavelength colors without making use of a dark orange lateral filtering pigment distributed heterogeneously in the eye. In the context of nectar foraging, monarchs show strong innate preferences, rapidly learn to associate colors with sugar rewards and learn non-innately preferred colors as quickly and proficiently as they do innately preferred colors. Butterflies also demonstrate asymmetric confusion between specific pairs of colors, which is likely a function of stimulus brightness. Monarchs readily learn to associate a second color with reward, and in general, learning parameters do not vary with temporal sequence of training. In addition, monarchs have true color vision; that is, they can discriminate colors on the basis of wavelength, independent of intensity. Finally, behavioral trials confirm that monarchs do make use of lateral filtering pigments to enhance long-wavelength discrimination. Our results demonstrate that monarchs are proficient and flexible color learners; these capabilities should allow them to respond rapidly to changing nectar availabilities as they travel over migratory routes, across both space and time.