bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory and Power in Qufu: Inscribing the past of Confucius’ Descendants
Authors: Agnew Christopher S.
Published: July 2009

This article examines the connection between writing on the past and the construction of collective memory and identity by the Kong family of Qufu, the recognized descendants of the Confucius. Kong family dukes raised an ancestor named Renyu to a position of importance in the Kong historical imaginary second only to Confucius himself, transforming a seemingly insignificant name from the family records into a powerful signifier of the centralized economic and political institution represented by the title of the “Duke for Fulfilling the Sage.” By tracing the development of the legend of Kong Renyu from the fourteenth century to the present, this article details the centrality of social and political power in the construction of the historical narratives that serve as the basis of collective memory and identity.
Student IEP Participation and Academic Achievement Across Time
Authors: Barnard-Brak Lucy , Lechtenberger DeAnn
Published: July 2009

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that students with disabilities be provided the necessary special education and related services that will allow them the benefit of a free and appropriate public education. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are the product of a team planning process that facilitates the coordination of such services for all students with disabilities in public schools who receive special education services. The purpose of the current study was to examine the association of student IEP participation with academic achievement across time. Although research has indicated the potential value of student participation in IEP meetings in developing self-determination skills, the relationship between student participation in IEP meetings and academic achievement has yet to be empirically examined. This article provides evidence that supports a positive association between student IEP participation and academic outcomes for students with disabilities at the elementary school level.
Transition Planning/Coordinating Interventions for Youth with Disabilities
Authors: Cobb R. Brian , Alwell Morgen
Published: July 2009

The relationship between transition planning/coordinating interventions and transition outcomes for secondary-aged youth with disabilities was explored in this systematic review. A total of 31 studies intervening with 859 youth with a wide variety of disabilities were reviewed. Using the transition intervention framework of Kohler and Field (2003) the findings of this review support the efficacy of student-focused planning and student-development interventions in improving the transition-related outcomes for youth with disabilities. There were not an adequate number of studies meeting minimal standards of methodological adequacy to assess the efficacy of family involvement, collaborative service delivery, and program structure interventions. Implications for practice are suggested as well as directions to the reader to locate more detailed descriptions of how several interventions associated with student-focused planning and some areas of student development might be acquired and implemented in secondary educational environments.
Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction on Students’ Knowledge of Postschool Options
Authors: Mazzotti Valerie L. , Test David W. , Wood Charles L. , Richter Sharon
Published: July 2009

Enhancing students’ ability to make informed choices is an important precursor to successful choice-making, decision-making, and goal-setting. This study used a multiple-baseline design across behaviors replicated across participants to examine the effects of computer-assisted instruction on acquisition of students’ knowledge of postschool options (i.e., employment, education, independent living). Results demonstrated a functional relationship between baseline and intervention for all four students. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Problems Meeting Basic Needs Predict Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Hispanic Older Adults
Authors: Sachs-Ericsson Natalie , Corsentino Elizabeth , Cougle Jesse R.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: Indices of low socioeconomic status (SES) have been found to predict negative health outcomes. However, problems meeting basic needs (e.g., not having enough money for health care, adequate food, etc.) may be a more potent measure of negative health outcomes than other more typically assessed indices of SES, such as income. This article examined the association between problems meeting basic needs and cognitive decline in a sample of community-dwelling Hispanic older adults ( N = 1,964). Method: The authors used a prospective design to study the influence of problems meeting basic needs on cognitive functioning. Analyses controlled for demographics, health problems, and depressive symptoms. Results: The authors found problems meeting basic needs to be a more potent predictor of cognitive decline than income. Discussion: Interventions focused on providing older adults with resources for meeting basic needs, such as adequate food and health care, may substantially reduce the subsequent level of stress and health problems in this population.
Who supports delayed retirement? A study of older workers in Israel
Authors: Litwin Howard , Achdut Leah , Youssim Iaroslav
Published: July 2009

Delayed retirement is a policy measure aimed at ensuring financial stability in many countries, but this particular pension reform mechanism still lacks public support. Using data from the Israeli sample of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement (SHARE) in Europe, this article examines factors which predict support for delayed retirement among older Israeli workers (n=556). Hierarchical regression analysis of agreement with recently instituted delayed retirement measures showed that the perceived societal consequences of the reform were the strongest predictors. Older and more educated respondents and those more confident in their present workplace were also more likely to support delayed retirement. Those who favour state responsibility for care of older people tended to support delayed retirement less. The findings suggest that information campaigns on the contribution of continued employment to health and family solidarity might diminish current fears regarding the delayed retirement-based pension reforms. They also imply that non-partisan leadership is needed in order to recruit broader public support for such reform.
Music as Language
Authors: Ready Trisha
Published: July 2009

This article is an inquiry into the potential role of music in helping to address and to articulate complex emotional states such as the feelings patients might experience during the process of an illness or while undergoing bereavement. The article is centered on the role music played in structuring and articulating the cancer treatment experience of my infant nephew. What is woven around that central core is a synthesis and analysis of various philosophical perspectives, autobiographical vignettes, and empirical research. The writer postulates that music has an essential, inherent capacity to scaffold and contain emotions. Music is also considered a means to help facilitate the expression of difficult emotions such as lamentation, longing, and fear of the unknown that are often otherwise isolating, ineffable, or unbearable for patients. A major point of inquiry in this article is whether music can serve as a nurturing love object, or as a transitional object, for a patient during times of intense distress. What is also woven throughout this article is a subexploration of various philosophical perspectives on the cultural meanings and metaphors of illness.
End-of-Life Decision Making and Emotional Burden: Placing Family Meetings in Context
Authors: Radwany Steven , Albanese Terry , Clough Lynn , Sims Linda , Mason Hallie , Jahangiri Sudy
Published: July 2009

Background: Helping families make end-of-life care decisions can be challenging for health care providers in an intensive care unit (ICU). Family meetings facilitated by palliative care consult services (PCCS) have been recommended and found effective for improving support for families in these difficult situations. These services can be improved with a deeper understanding of factors associated with emotional burden in the aftermath of end-of-life decision making. Objective: This qualitative study seeks to provide a better understanding of family experiences and emotional burden surrounding end-of-life decision making. Participants and Methods: We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 23 family members following the death of a loved one in the ICU. All participants had been involved in a PCCS-led family meeting concerning end-of-life decisions about their loved one. Methodology from grounded theory was used to analyze the content of transcripts and to build a theoretical model. Results: From the perspective of the family, decision making at the end of life is described within a theoretical model of salient experiences that are relevant to families’ emotional burdens. Three temporal stages were evident: (1) the illness experience, (2) decision making in the family meeting, and (3) the dying process. However, emotional burden in the form of lingering questions and resentment was more common when families reported having negative experiences during the final hospital stay. Conclusions: Supportive responsiveness from the PCCS for families who have experienced critical incidents or who have unanswered questions or resentment about treatment may be an important consideration to alleviate later emotional burden.
Conflict, Theatrical Production, and Pedagogy
Authors: Denton Diana , Ryder Steve
Published: July 2009

Conflict generated in theatre productions in university theatre departments is unique to its context. Issues of role ambiguity; scarce resources; fear and response to the unknown or unfamiliar; and power relations, among others, influence both the generation and the management of conflict. Examining such conflict and the behaviors used to engage it, the authors consider what alternate “performances” might be available to handle conflict effectively and wholly. The authors wonder what fully communal performances and discourses of experience are possible? Using metaphor and concepts of the rhizomatic story, the authors examine conflict issues generated in actual student production contexts.
April 2009 OASIS Questions and Answers
Authors: Niewenhous Susan S.
Published: July 2009

Home care clinicians have been dealing with “OASIS” for nearly 10 years. Many questions in the data set continue to give pause and require clinicians to think “How do I answer that question when this particular circumstance exits?” In addition to providing the latest information available on OASIS issues as disseminated from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this new column will deliver to the reader the latest answers to OASIS data set questions posed to CMS by agencies and home care clinicians.
Gadolinium-enhancing or active T2 magnetic resonance imaging lesions in multiple sclerosis clinical trials?
Authors: Bonzano L , Roccatagliata L , Mancardi GL , Sormani MP
Published: July 2009

Background

The treatment effects in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials are often estimated by monitoring disease activity by the count of “active” plaques on T2-weighted or gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between the treatment effects estimated on T2-weighted or Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MRI.

Methods

Data were extracted from published randomized clinical trials in relapsing-remitting MS with frequent MRI, reporting both active T2 and Gd-enhancing lesions. A regression analysis was performed between the treatment effects estimated on the two different MRI endpoints.

Results

A strong association was found between the treatment effect on Gd-enhancing lesions and on active T2 lesions (R2 = 0.93), and the treatment effect estimates were almost the same (slope = 0.96).

Conclusion

Defining either active T2 or Gd-enhancing lesions as MRI endpoint seems to be not crucial for monitoring MRI activity in MS clinical trials. The choice of the best MRI endpoint should be based on different considerations (e.g., sensitivity, reproducibility, time for assessment, safety, and patients’ comfort). Further monitoring active T2 lesions could allow less expensive trials, without requiring injection of Gd-based contrast agents.
Lower urinary tract dysfunction in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Authors: Panicker JN , Nagaraja D , Kovoor JME , Nair KPS , Subbakrishna DK
Published: July 2009

Background

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in multiple sclerosis has been well documented. However, its occurrence and outcome in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) has only been variably reported.

Objective

To evaluate LUTD in ADEM, correlation with other neurological deficits, and outcome.

Methods

Patients with ADEM having significant LUTD were evaluated. LUTD was evaluated by symptom analysis, ultrasonography, and urodynamics. Storage symptoms were managed using antimuscarinics and significant voiding dysfunction by catheterization.

Results

Of 61 patients, 20 (33%) had LUTD. Voiding dysfunction was more common and 16 patients were in urinary retention. Cystometry demonstrated detrusor overactivity in four patients and underactivity in four patients. Incontinence was reported more often in patients with frontoparietal white matter changes in MR imaging. LUTD was found to be associated with occurrence of paraparesis or tetraparesis, though did not predict functional outcome at discharge. At 3 months follow up, five patients continued to have LUTD and urgency and hesitancy were commonest symptoms.

Conclusion

LUTD is common in ADEM, especially in patients with lower limb pyramidal involvement and its causes multifactorial. Presence of LUTD does not influence the functional outcome of patients with ADEM. Recovery may be incomplete and symptoms may persist even after recovery of other neurological deficits.
Dose-dependent melanonychia by mitoxantrone
Authors: Reinsberger C , Meuth SG , Wiendl H
Published: July 2009

We report an unusual case of a 43-year old female patient suffering from multiple sclerosis, who was treated with mitoxantrone. Few weeks after treatment initiation a hyperpigmentation of the patient’s left thumb and index was noted. Following dose-reduction (from 12 to 10 mg/m2) and over the further course of mitoxantrone treatment the discoloration slightly faded. Although mitoxantrone is known to cause hyperpigmentation of various tissues this is the first report of melanonychia without hyperpigmentation of other tissue. Albeit speculative, pathogenesis of selective melanonychia by mitoxantrone could involve selective activation of nail matrix melanocytes or endocrine disturbances involving melanocyte stimulating hormone.
Measuring and Analyzing Frequency Responses of Heat Conduction in Nanjing Buildings under In Situ Conditions
Authors: Changhai Peng  , Zhishen Wu
Published: July 2009

In this paper we present in-situ measurements of the thermal characteristics of buildings in Nanjing, including information about the test chamber and arrangement of measuring points as well as measurement results, taken in Nanjing during the summer of 2001. A method for the analysis of in situ data is also presented that involves calculating frequency responses of heat conduction in buildings under in situ conditions. The main conclusions are as follows: For the zeroth and the first-order response of the frequency responses of heat conduction in buildings, the measured values match very well with theoretical values; therefore, it is possible to apply this analytical method in practical situations. However, the values measured were lower than the theoretical values, primarily, it was thought, because the tested buildings might not be dry enough; they might be affected by thermal bridges, and/or the un-controlled climate could affect measurements under field conditions. For the second-order response, the difference between the test values and theoretical values was too large to be accepted. Therefore, it was concluded that it was too difficult to measure accurately the second-order response of the frequency responses of heat conduction in buildings under in situ conditions. However, for the decay rate of the first-order response, values have already reached 20 times those needed to meet the requirements of engineering plans. We conclude, it is advisable to calculate the frequency responses of heat conduction in buildings under in situ conditions using the first-order response.
Examining the Role of Training in Evidence-Based Public Health: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Baker Elizabeth A. , Brownson Ross C. , Dreisinger Mariah , McIntosh Leslie D. , Karamehic-Muratovic Ajlina
Published: July 2009

The use of evidence-based public health (EBPH) approaches is generally recognized as essential to changing public health outcomes. However, using an EBPH decision-making process requires public health practitioners to have the skills to review the evidence and pick the most workable strategy to address the problem at hand for their population of interest and the local context. Although there has been a growing body of academic literature examining the skills needed to translate evidence-based programs in local settings, many public health practitioners have not had the opportunity to learn or develop these skills. This article reports on qualitative interviews conducted to evaluate the process and impact of an EBPH course. The course has been found to assist participants in integrating new and existing skills to make evidence-based decisions. However, participants emphasize that factors external to the course influence their ability to engage in the EBPH process they learned.
Party Coalitions and Interest Group Networks
Authors: Grossmann Matt , Dominguez Casey B. K.
Published: July 2009

We analyze affiliation networks of interest groups that endorse the same candidates in primary elections, donate to the same candidates in general elections, and voice support for the same legislative proposals. Patterns of interest group ties resemble two competing party coalitions in elections but not in legislative debate. Campaign endorsement and financial contribution ties among interest groups are consistently correlated but legislative ties do not follow directly from electoral alliances. The results challenge the consensus in the emerging literature on the expanded party organization; interest groups have distinct incentives to join together in a party coalition in elections but also to build bipartisan grand coalitions to pursue legislative goals. We also modify conventional views on party differences. The Democratic coalition is not fractured into many small constituencies. The Democratic campaign and legislative networks are denser than equivalent Republican networks, with a core of labor organizations occupying central positions.
Mutations in CBL occur frequently in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Loh Mignon L. , Sakai Debbie S. , Flotho Christian , Kang Michelle , Fliegauf Manfred , Archambeault Sophie , Mullighan Charles G. , Chen Leslie , Bergstraesser Eva , Bueso-Ramos Carlos E. , Emanuel Peter D. , Hasle Henrik , Issa Jean-Pierre , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Locatelli Franco , Starý Jan , Trebo Monica , Wlodarski Marcin , Zecca Marco , Shannon Kevin M. , Niemeyer Charlotte M.
Published: July 2009

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia is an aggressive myeloproliferative disorder characterized by malignant transformation in the hematopoietic stem cell compartment with proliferation of differentiated progeny. Seventy-five percent of patients harbor mutations in the NF1, NRAS, KRAS, or PTPN11 genes, which encode components of Ras signaling networks. Using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, we identified a region of 11q isodisomy that contains the CBL gene in several JMML samples, and subsequently identified CBL mutations in 27 of 159 JMML samples. Thirteen of these mutations alter codon Y371. In this report, we also demonstrate that CBL and RAS/PTPN11 mutations were mutually exclusive in these patients. Moreover, the exclusivity of CBL mutations with respect to other Ras pathway-associated mutations indicates that CBL may have a role in deregulating this key pathway in JMML.
ID1 promotes expansion and survival of primary erythroid cells and is a target of JAK2V617F-STAT5 signaling
Authors: Wood Andrew D. , Chen Edwin , Donaldson Ian J. , Hattangadi Shilpa , Burke Karly A. , Dawson Mark A. , Miranda-Saavedra Diego , Lodish Harvey F. , Green Anthony R. , Göttgens Berthold
Published: July 2009

The discovery of JAK2V617F as an acquired mutation in the majority of patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) and the key role of the JAK2-STAT5 signaling cascade in normal hematopoiesis has focused attention on the downstream transcriptional targets of STAT5. Despite evidence of its vital role in normal erythropoiesis and its ability to recapitulate many of the features of myeloid malignancies, including the MPDs, few functionally validated targets of STAT5 have been described. Here we used a combination of comparative genomics and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to identify ID1 as a novel target of the JAK2-STAT5 signaling axis in erythroid cells. STAT5 binds and transactivates a downstream enhancer of ID1, and ID1 expression levels correlate with the JAK2V617F mutation in both retrovirally transfected fetal liver cells and polycythemia vera patients. Knockdown and overexpression studies in a well-characterized erythroid differentiation assay from primary murine fetal liver cells demonstrated a survival-promoting action of ID1. This hitherto unrecognized function implicates ID1 in the expansion of erythroblasts during terminal differentiation and suggests that ID1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycythemia vera. Furthermore, our findings contribute to an increasing body of evidence implicating ID proteins in a wider range of cellular functions than initially appreciated.
Distinctive interactions of the Arabidopsis homolog of the 30 kD subunit of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (AtCPSF30) with other polyadenylation factor subunits
Authors: Rao Suryadevara , Dinkins Randy D , Hunt Arthur G
Published: July 2009

Background

The Arabidopsis ortholog of the 30 kD subunit of the mammalian Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor (AtCPSF30) is an RNA-binding endonuclease that is associated with other Arabidopsis CPSF subunits (orthologs of the 160, 100, and 73 kD subunits of CPSF). In order to further explore the functions of AtCPSF30, the subcellular distribution of the protein was examined by over-expressing fusion proteins containing fluorescent reporters linked to different CPSF subunits.

Results

It was found that AtCPSF30 by itself localizes, not to the nucleus, but to the cytoplasm. AtCPSF30 could be found in the nucleus when co-expressed with AtCPSF160 or AtCPSF73(I), one of the two Arabidopsis orthologs of CPSF73. This re-directing of AtCPSF30 indicates that AtCPSF30 is retained in the nucleus via interactions with either or both of these other CPSF subunits. Co-expression of AtCSPF30 with AtCPSF100 altered the location, not of AtCPSF30, but rather of AtCPSF100, with these proteins residing in the cytoplasm. Deletion of plant-specific N- or C-terminal domains of AtCPSF30 abolished various of the interactions between AtCPSF30 and other CPSF subunits, suggesting that the plant CPSF complex assembles via novel protein-protein interactions.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the nuclear CPSF complex in plants is a dynamic one, and that the interactions between AtCPSF30 and other CPSF subunits are different from those existing in other eukaryotes.
Developmental changes in the expression of creatine synthesizing enzymes and creatine transporter in a precocial rodent, the spiny mouse
Authors: Ireland Zoe , Russell Aaron P , Wallimann Theo , Walker David W , Snow Rod
Published: July 2009

Background

Creatine synthesis takes place predominately in the kidney and liver via a two-step process involving AGAT (L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase) and GAMT (guanidinoacetate methyltransferase). Creatine is taken into cells via the creatine transporter (CrT), where it plays an essential role in energy homeostasis, particularly for tissues with high and fluctuating energy demands. Very little is known of the fetal requirement for creatine and how this may change with advancing pregnancy and into the early neonatal period. Using the spiny mouse as a model of human perinatal development, the purpose of the present study was to comprehensively examine the development of the creatine synthesis and transport systems.

Results

The estimated amount of total creatine in the placenta and brain significantly increased in the second half of pregnancy, coinciding with a significant increase in expression of CrT mRNA. In the fetal brain, mRNA expression of AGAT increased steadily across the second half of pregnancy, although GAMT mRNA expression was relatively low until 34 days gestation (term is 38–39 days). In the fetal kidney and liver, AGAT and GAMT mRNA and protein expression were also relatively low until 34–37 days gestation. Between mid-gestation and term, neither AGAT or GAMT mRNA or protein could be detected in the placenta.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that in the spiny mouse, a species where, like the human, considerable organogenesis occurs before birth, there appears to be a limited capacity for endogenous creatine synthesis until approximately 0.9 of pregnancy. This implies that a maternal source of creatine, transferred across the placenta, may be essential until the creatine synthesis and transport system matures in preparation for birth. If these results also apply to the human, premature birth may increase the risk of creatine deficiency.
Mitochondrial and Y-chromosome diversity of the Tharus (Nepal): a reservoir of genetic variation
Authors: Fornarino Simona , Pala Maria , Battaglia Vincenza , Maranta Ramona , Achilli Alessandro , Modiano Guido , Torroni Antonio , Semino Ornella , Santachiara-Benerecetti Silvana A
Published: July 2009

Background

Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent represent an area considered as a source and a reservoir for human genetic diversity, with many markers taking root here, most of which are the ancestral state of eastern and western haplogroups, while others are local. Between these two regions, Terai (Nepal) is a pivotal passageway allowing, in different times, multiple population interactions, although because of its highly malarial environment, it was scarcely inhabited until a few decades ago, when malaria was eradicated. One of the oldest and the largest indigenous people of Terai is represented by the malaria resistant Tharus, whose gene pool could still retain traces of ancient complex interactions. Until now, however, investigations on their genetic structure have been scarce mainly identifying East Asian signatures.

Results

High-resolution analyses of mitochondrial-DNA (including 34 complete sequences) and Y-chromosome (67 SNPs and 12 STRs) variations carried out in 173 Tharus (two groups from Central and one from Eastern Terai), and 104 Indians (Hindus from Terai and New Delhi and tribals from Andhra Pradesh) allowed the identification of three principal components: East Asian, West Eurasian and Indian, the last including both local and inter-regional sub-components, at least for the Y chromosome.

Conclusion

Although remarkable quantitative and qualitative differences appear among the various population groups and also between sexes within the same group, many mitochondrial-DNA and Y-chromosome lineages are shared or derived from ancient Indian haplogroups, thus revealing a deep shared ancestry between Tharus and Indians. Interestingly, the local Y-chromosome Indian component observed in the Andhra-Pradesh tribals is present in all Tharu groups, whereas the inter-regional component strongly prevails in the two Hindu samples and other Nepalese populations.

The complete sequencing of mtDNAs from unresolved haplogroups also provided informative markers that greatly improved the mtDNA phylogeny and allowed the identification of ancient relationships between Tharus and Malaysia, the Andaman Islands and Japan as well as between India and North and East Africa. Overall, this study gives a paradigmatic example of the importance of genetic isolates in revealing variants not easily detectable in the general population.
A BAC-based physical map of the Hessian fly genome anchored to polytene chromosomes
Authors: Aggarwal Rajat , Benatti Thiago R , Gill Navdeep , Zhao Chaoyang , Chen Ming-Shun , Fellers John P , Schemerhorn Brandon J , Stuart Jeff J
Published: July 2009

Background

The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) is an important insect pest of wheat. It has tractable genetics, polytene chromosomes, and a small genome (158 Mb). Investigation of the Hessian fly presents excellent opportunities to study plant-insect interactions and the molecular mechanisms underlying genome imprinting and chromosome elimination. A physical map is needed to improve the ability to perform both positional cloning and comparative genomic analyses with the fully sequenced genomes of other dipteran species.

Results

An FPC-based genome wide physical map of the Hessian fly was constructed and anchored to the insect's polytene chromosomes. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones corresponding to 12-fold coverage of the Hessian fly genome were fingerprinted, using high information content fingerprinting (HIFC) methodology, and end-sequenced. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) co-localized two BAC clones from each of the 196 longest contigs on the polytene chromosomes. An additional 70 contigs were positioned using a single FISH probe. The 266 FISH mapped contigs were evenly distributed and covered 60% of the genome (95,668 kb). The ends of the fingerprinted BACs were then sequenced to develop the capacity to create sequenced tagged site (STS) markers on the BACs in the map. Only 3.64% of the BAC-end sequence was composed of transposable elements, helicases, ribosomal repeats, simple sequence repeats, and sequences of low complexity. A relatively large fraction (14.27%) of the BES was comprised of multi-copy gene sequences. Nearly 1% of the end sequence was composed of simple sequence repeats (SSRs).

Conclusion

This physical map provides the foundation for high-resolution genetic mapping, map-based cloning, and assembly of complete genome sequencing data. The results indicate that restriction fragment length heterogeneity in BAC libraries used to construct physical maps lower the length and the depth of the contigs, but is not an absolute barrier to the successful application of the technology. This map will serve as a genomic resource for accelerating gene discovery, genome sequencing, and the assembly of BAC sequences. The Hessian fly BAC-clone assembly, and the names and positions of the BAC clones used in the FISH experiments are publically available at http://genome.purdue.edu/WebAGCoL/Hfly/WebFPC/.
The vasa regulatory region mediates germline expression and maternal transmission of proteins in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae: a versatile tool for genetic control strategies
Authors: Papathanos Philippos A , Windbichler Nikolai , Menichelli Miriam , Burt Austin , Crisanti Andrea
Published: July 2009

Background

Germline specific promoters are an essential component of potential vector control strategies which function by genetic drive, however suitable promoters are not currently available for the main human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.

Results

We have identified the Anopheles gambiae vasa-like gene and found its expression to be specifically localized to both the male and female gonads in adult mosquitoes. We have functionally characterised using transgenic reporter lines the regulatory regions required for driving transgene expression in a pattern mirroring that of the endogenous vasa locus. Two reporter constructs indicate the existence of distinct vasa regulatory elements within the 5' untranslated regions responsible not only for the spatial and temporal but also for the sex specific germline expression. vasa driven eGFP expression in the ovary of heterozygous mosquitoes resulted in the progressive accumulation of maternal protein and transcript in developing oocytes that were then detectable in all embryos and neonatal larvae.

Conclusion

We have characterized the vasa regulatory regions that are not only suited to drive transgenes in the early germline of both sexes but could also be utilized to manipulate the zygotic genome of developing embryos via maternal deposition of active molecules. We have used computational models to show that a homing endonuclease-based gene drive system can function in the presence of maternal deposition and describe a novel non-invasive control strategy based on early vasa driven homing endonuclease expression.
Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR expression studies in the apomictic and sexual grass Brachiaria brizantha
Authors: Silveira Érica Duarte , Alves-Ferreira Márcio , Guimarães Larissa Arrais , da Silva Felipe Rodrigues , Carneiro Vera Tavares de Campos
Published: July 2009

Background

Brachiaria brizantha is an important forage grass. The occurrence of both apomictic and sexual reproduction within Brachiaria makes it an interesting system for understanding the molecular pathways involved in both modes of reproduction. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) has emerged as an important technique to compare expression profile of target genes and, in order to obtain reliable results, it is important to have suitable reference genes. In this work, we evaluated eight potential reference genes for B. brizantha qRT-PCR experiments, isolated from cDNA ovary libraries. Vegetative and reproductive tissues of apomictic and sexual B. brizantha were tested to validate the reference genes, including the female gametophyte, where differences in the expression profile between sexual and apomictic plants must occur.

Results

Eight genes were selected from a cDNA library of ovaries of B. brizantha considering the similarity to reference genes: EF1 (elongation factor 1 alpha), E1F4A (eukaryotic initiation factor 4A), GAPDH (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), GDP (glyceroldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), SUCOA (succinyl-CoA ligase), TUB (tubulin), UBCE (ubiquitin conjugating enzyme), UBI (ubiquitin). For the analysis, total RNA was extracted from 22 samples and raw Ct data after qRT-PCR reaction was analyzed for primer efficiency and for an overall analysis of Ct range among the different samples. Elongation factor 1 alpha showed the highest expression levels, whereas succinyl-CoA ligase showed the lowest within the chosen set of samples. GeNorm application was used for evaluation of the best reference genes, and according to that, the least stable genes, with the highest M values were tubulin and succinyl-CoA ligase and the most stable ones, with the lowest M values were elongation factor 1 alpha and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, when both reproductive and vegetative samples were tested. For ovaries and spikelets of both sexual and apomictic B. brizantha the genes with the lowest M values were BbrizUBCE, BbrizE1F4A and BbrizEF1.

Conclusion

In total, eight genes belonging to different cellular processes were tested. Out of them, BbrizTUB was the less stable while BbrizEF1 followed by BbrizUBCE were the more stable genes considering male and female reproductive tissues, spikelets, roots and leaves. Regarding the best reference genes for ovary tissues, where apomictic and sexual reproduction must occur, the best reference genes were BbrizUBCE, BbrizE1F4A and BbrizEF1. Our results provide crucial information for transcriptional analysis in the Brachiaria ssp, helping to improve the quality of gene expression data in these species, which constitute an excellent plant system for the study of apomixis.
Lipoprotein lipase activity and mass, apolipoprotein C-II mass and polymorphisms of apolipoproteins E and A5 in subjects with prior acute hypertriglyceridaemic pancreatitis
Authors: Coca-Prieto Inmaculada , Valdivielso Pedro , Olivecrona Gunilla , Ariza María José , Rioja José , Font-Ugalde Pilar , García-Arias Carlota , González-Santos Pedro
Published: July 2009

Background

Severe hypertriglyceridaemia due to chylomicronemia may trigger an acute pancreatitis. However, the basic underlying mechanism is usually not well understood. We decided to analyze some proteins involved in the catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia.

Methods

Twenty-four survivors of acute hypertriglyceridaemic pancreatitis (cases) and 31 patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (controls) were included. Clinical and anthropometrical data, chylomicronaemia, lipoprotein profile, postheparin lipoprotein lipase mass and activity, hepatic lipase activity, apolipoprotein C II and CIII mass, apo E and A5 polymorphisms were assessed.

Results

Only five cases were found to have LPL mass and activity deficiency, all of them thin and having the first episode in childhood. No cases had apolipoprotein CII deficiency. No significant differences were found between the non-deficient LPL cases and the controls in terms of obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, drug therapy, gender distribution, evidence of fasting chylomicronaemia, lipid levels, LPL activity and mass, hepatic lipase activity, CII and CIII mass or apo E polymorphisms. However, the SNP S19W of apo A5 tended to be more prevalent in cases than controls (40% vs. 23%, NS).

Conclusion

Primary defects in LPL and C-II are rare in survivors of acute hypertriglyceridaemic pancreatitis; lipase activity measurements should be restricted to those having their first episode during chilhood.
Epidemiology of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: prevalence, severity, determinants, and the importance of race/ethnicity
Authors: Lacasse Anaïs , Rey Evelyne , Ferreira Ema , Morin Caroline , Bérard Anick
Published: July 2009

Background

Studies that contributed to the epidemiology of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy have reported conflicting findings, and often failed to account for all possible co-variables necessary to evaluate the multidimensional associations. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Estimate the prevalence and the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy during the 1st and the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and 2) Identify determinants of presence and severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy during the 1st and 2nd trimesters separately, with a special emphasis on the impact of race/ethnicity.

Methods

A prospective study including pregnant women attending the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine or René-Laennec clinics for their prenatal care was conducted from 2004 to 2006. Women were eligible if they were ≥ 18 years of age, and ≤ 16 weeks of gestation. Women were asked to fill out a 1st trimester self-administered questionnaire and were interviewed over the telephone during their 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Presence of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy was based on the reporting of pregnant women (yes/no); severity of symptoms was measured by the validated modified-PUQE index.

Results

Of the 367 women included in the study, 81.2% were Caucasians, 10.1% Blacks, 4.6% Hispanics, and 4.1% Asians. Multivariate analyses showed that race/ethnicity was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of reporting nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (Asians vs. Caucasians OR: 0.13; 95%CI 0.02–0.73; and Blacks vs. Caucasians OR: 0.29; 95%CI 0.09–0.99).

Conclusion

Our study showed that race/ethnicity was associated with the reporting of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
2La chromosomal inversion enhances thermal tolerance of Anopheles gambiae larvae
Authors: Rocca Kyle AC , Gray Emilie M , Costantini Carlo , Besansky Nora J
Published: July 2009

Background

The mosquitoAnopheles gambiaeis broadly distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa and this contributes to making it the most efficient vector of malaria on the continent. The pervasiveness of this species is hypothesized to originate in local adaptations facilitated by inversion polymorphisms. One inversion, named 2La, is strongly associated with aridity clines in West and Central Africa: while 2La is fixed in arid savannas, the 2L+aarrangement is predominantly found in the rainforest. Ability to survive high temperature exposure is an essential component of aridity tolerance, particularly in immature stages that are restricted to shallow puddles. Toward deciphering the role of the 2La inversion in local adaptation, the present investigation focused on variation in larval and pupal thermo-tolerance in two populations dissimilar solely in 2La arrangement.

Methods

A laboratory colony ofA. gambiaethat is polymorphic for 2La but standard for all other known inversions was used to create 2 homokaryotypic populations (2L+aand 2La). The survival of 4thinstar larvae and pupae from both populations was then tested following exposure to thermal stress with and without prior heat hardening.

Results

Larvae responded identically to a 40°C heat stress, with about 50% of larvae dying after 1.5–2 h and few larvae surviving a 3 h stress. When heat hardened prior to the thermal stress, thermo-tolerance of both larval populations increased, with 2La 24 h survival significantly exceeding that of 2L+a. Pupae were generally more thermo-tolerant than larvae, although 2La pupae were less so than 2L+a. Heat hardening had no positive effect on pupal thermo-tolerance.

Conclusion

The increased thermo-tolerance observed in 2La larvae following heat hardening suggests higher responsiveness (i.e., thermal sensitivity) of the inverted karyotype. By responding more drastically to the heat shock, 2La larvae are better equipped to resist the potentially lethal temperatures that occur in arid habitats. The lower survival of 2La pupae compared with 2L+amay reflect the cost of this sensitivity, whereby the thermal resistance mechanisms prevent successful completion of metamorphosis. The costs and benefits of thermal resistance are discussed in light of the climates characterizing either end of the 2La frequency cline.
Evolution of SIV toward RANTES resistance in macaques rapidly progressing to AIDS upon coinfection with HHV-6A
Authors: Biancotto Angélique , Grivel Jean-Charles , Lisco Andrea , Vanpouille Christophe , Markham Phillip D , Gallo Robert C , Margolis Leonid B , Lusso Paolo
Published: July 2009

Background

Progression to AIDS is often associated with the evolution of HIV-1 toward increased virulence and/or pathogenicity. Evidence suggests that a virulence factor for HIV-1 is resistance to CCR5-binding chemokines, most notably RANTES, which are believed to play a role in HIV-1 controlin vivo. HIV-1 can achieve RANTES resistance either by phenotypic switching from an exclusive CCR5 usage to an expanded coreceptor specificity, or by the acquisition of alternative modalities of CCR5 usage. An infectious agent that might promote the evolution of HIV-1 toward RANTES resistance is human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), which is frequently reactivated in HIV-1-infected patients and is a potent RANTES inducer in lymphoid tissue.

Results

SIV isolates obtained from pig-tailed macaques (M. nemestrina) after approximately one year of single infection with SIVsmE660or dual infection with SIVsmE660and HHV-6AGSwere characterized for their growth capacity and sensitivity to HHV-6A- and RANTES-mediated inhibition in human or macaque lymphoid tissuesex vivo. Four out of 4 HHV-6A-coinfected macaques, all of which progressed to full-blown AIDS within 2 years of infection, were found to harbor SIV variants with a reduced sensitivity to both HHV-6A and RANTES, despite maintaining an exclusive CCR5 coreceptor specificity; viruses derived from two of these animals replicated even more vigorously in the presence of exogenous HHV-6A or RANTES. The SIV variants that emerged in HHV-6A-coinfected macaques showed an overall reducedex vivoreplication capacity that was partially reversed upon addition of exogenous RANTES, associated with suppressed IL-2 and enhanced IFN-γ production. In contrast, SIV isolates obtained from two singly-infected macaques, none of which progressed to AIDS, maintained HHV-6A/RANTES sensitivity, whereas the only AIDS progressor among singly-infected macaques developed an SIV variant with partial HHV-6A/RANTES resistance and increased replication capacity, associated with expanded coreceptor usage.

Conclusion

These results providein vivoevidence of SIV evolution toward RANTES resistance in macaques rapidly progressing to AIDS. RANTES resistance may represent a common virulence factor allowing primate immunodeficiency retroviruses to evade a critical mechanism of host antiviral defense.
Erratum to: Presence of necrotic strains of Potato virus Yin Mexican potatoes
Authors: Ramírez-Rodríguez Victoriano Roberto , Frías-Treviño Gustavo , Aviña-Padilla Katia , Martínez-Soriano Juan Pablo
Published: July 2009

Correction to Ramírez-Rodríguez VR, Frías-Treviño G, Aviña-Padilla K, Silva-Rosales L, Martínez-Soria JP: Presence of necrotic strains of Potato virus Y in Mexican potatoes. Virology Journal 2009, 6:48
Erratum to: Costs and effects of paliperidone extended release compared with alternative oral antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia in Greece: a cost effectiveness study
Authors: Geitona Maria , Kousoulakou Hara , Ollandezos Markos , Athanasakis Kostas , Papanicolaou Sotiria , Kyriopoulos Ioannis
Published: July 2009

Correction to Geitona M, Kousoulakou H, Ollandezos M, Athanasakis K, Papanicolaou S and Kyriopoulos I: Costs and effects of paliperidone extended release compared with alternative oral antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia in Greece: a cost effectiveness study. Annals of General Psychiatry 2008, 7:16. This correction reports changes in the values listed for Ziprasidone and Aripiprazole in Table Ten.
Changes in serum adiponectin concentrations in critical illness: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Venkatesh Bala , Hickman Ingrid , Nisbet Janelle , Cohen Jeremy , Prins John
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Adiponectin plays an important role in the regulation of tissue inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Perturbations in adiponectin concentration have been associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Data on adiponectin pathophysiology in critical illness are limited.

Methods

Twenty three critically ill patients (9 severe sepsis, 7 burns, 7 trauma). Adiponectin assays on Days 3 (D3) and 7 (D7). Simultaneous, cortisol, cortisone and CRP measurements. Data from 16 historical controls were used for comparison.

Results

The mean plasma adiponectin concentration for the ICU cohort on D3 and D7 were not significantly different (4.1 ± 1.8 and 5.0 ± 3.3 mcg/ml respectively, P = 0.38). However, these were significantly lower than the mean plasma adiponectin in the control population (8.78 ± 3.81 mcg/ml) at D3 (P < 0.0001) and D7 (P = 0.002). Plasma adiponectin showed a strong correlation with plasma cortisol in the ICU group on both D3 (R2 = 0.32, P < 0.01) and D7 (R2 = 0.64, 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between plasma adiponectin and CRP on D7, R = -0.35.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, critical illness was associated with lower adiponectin concentrations as compared with controls. A significant relationship between plasma cortisol and adiponectin in critically ill patients was evident, both during the early and late phases. These data raise the possibility that adiponectin may play a part in the inflammatory response in patients with severe illness.