bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and negative thermal expansion in the PbTiO3–BiFeO3 system
Authors: Chen J. , Xing X. R. , Liu G. R. , Li J. H. , Liu Y. T.
Published: September 2006

The structures of (1−x)PbTiO3–xBiFeO3 (x=0.3 and 0.6) were investigated by means of the neutron powder diffraction. A splitting shift between Fe and Ti atoms was found along the c axis in 0.7PbTiO3–0.3BiFeO3; however, this splitting does not appear in 0.4PbTiO3–0.6BiFeO3. The tetragonal phase of PbTiO3–BiFeO3 exhibits a large spontaneous polarization. The negative thermal expansion of PbTiO3 is significantly enhanced in a wide temperature range by the BiFeO3 substitution. The average bulk thermal expansion coefficient of 0.4PbTiO3–0.6BiFeO3 is a¯v=−3.92×10−5°C−1, which is much strong in the known negative thermal expansion oxides.
Crystal structure of human histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1)
Authors: Chen Yong , Yang Yuting , Wang Feng , Wan Ke , Yamane Kenichi , Zhang Yi , Lei Ming
Published: September 2006

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) was recently identified as the first histone demethylase that specifically demethylates monomethylated and dimethylated histone H3 at K4. It is a component of the CoREST and other corepressor complexes and plays an important role in silencing neuronal-specific genes in nonneuronal cells, but the molecular mechanisms of its action remain unclear. The 2.8-Å-resolution crystal structure of the human LSD1 reveals that LSD1 defines a new subfamily of FAD-dependent oxidases. The active center of LSD1 is characterized by a remarkable 1,245-Å
3
substrate-binding cavity with a highly negative electrostatic potential. Although the protein core of LSD1 resembles other flavoenzymes, its enzymatic activity and functions require two additional structural modules: an N-terminal SWIRM domain important for protein stability and a large insertion in the catalytic domain indispensable both for the demethylase activity and the interaction with CoREST. These results provide a framework for further probing the catalytic mechanism and the functional roles of LSD1.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Induces Myoblast Differentiation through Cx43 Protein Expression: A Role for a Gap Junction-dependent and -independent Function
Authors: Squecco R. , Sassoli C. , Nuti F. , Martinesi M. , Chellini F. , Nosi D. , Zecchi-Orlandini S. , Francini F. , Formigli L. , Meacci E.
Published: September 2006

Although sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been considered a potent regulator of skeletal muscle biology, acting as a physiological anti-mitogenic and prodifferentiating agent, its downstream effectors are poorly known. In the present study, we provide experimental evidence for a novel mechanism by which S1P regulates skeletal muscle differentiation through the regulation of gap junctional protein connexin (Cx) 43. Indeed, the treatment with S1P greatly enhanced Cx43 expression and gap junctional intercellular communication during the early phases of myoblast differentiation, whereas the down-regulation of Cx43 by transfection with short interfering RNA blocked myogenesis elicited by S1P. Moreover, calcium and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways were required for S1P-induced increase in Cx43 expression. Interestingly, enforced expression of mutated Cx43Δ130–136reduced gap junction communication and totally inhibited S1P-induced expression of the myogenic markers, myogenin, myosin heavy chain, caveolin-3, and myotube formation. Notably, in S1P-stimulated myoblasts, endogenous or wild-type Cx43 protein, but not the mutated form, coimmunoprecipitated and colocalized with F-actin and cortactin in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. These data, together with the known role of actin remodeling in cell differentiation, strongly support the important contribution of gap junctional communication, Cx43 expression and Cx43/cytoskeleton interaction in skeletal myogenesis elicited by S1P.
Caenorhabditis elegansDYF-2, an Orthologue of Human WDR19, Is a Component of the Intraflagellar Transport Machinery in Sensory Cilia
Authors: Efimenko Evgeni , Blacque Oliver E. , Ou Guangshuo , Haycraft Courtney J. , Yoder Bradley K. , Scholey Jonathan M. , Leroux Michel R. , Swoboda Peter
Published: September 2006

The intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery required to build functional cilia consists of a multisubunit complex whose molecular composition, organization, and function are poorly understood. Here, we describe a novel tryptophan-aspartic acid (WD) repeat (WDR) containing IFT protein from Caenorhabditis elegans, DYF-2, that plays a critical role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the IFT machinery. We determined the identity of the dyf-2 gene by transgenic rescue of mutant phenotypes and by sequencing of mutant alleles. Loss of DYF-2 function selectively affects the assembly and motility of different IFT components and leads to defects in cilia structure and chemosensation in the nematode. Based on these observations, and the analysis of DYF-2 movement in a Bardet–Biedl syndrome mutant with partially disrupted IFT particles, we conclude that DYF-2 can associate with IFT particle complex B. At the same time, mutations in dyf-2 can interfere with the function of complex A components, suggesting an important role of this protein in the assembly of the IFT particle as a whole. Importantly, the mouse orthologue of DYF-2, WDR19, also localizes to cilia, pointing to an important evolutionarily conserved role for this WDR protein in cilia development and function.
Erv26p Directs Pro-Alkaline Phosphatase into Endoplasmic Reticulum–derived Coat Protein Complex II Transport Vesicles
Authors: Bue Catherine A. , Bentivoglio Christine M. , Barlowe Charles
Published: September 2006

Secretory proteins are exported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in transport vesicles formed by the coat protein complex II (COPII). We detected Erv26p as an integral membrane protein that was efficiently packaged into COPII vesicles and cycled between the ER and Golgi compartments. The erv26Δ mutant displayed a selective secretory defect in which the pro-form of vacuolar alkaline phosphatase (pro-ALP) accumulated in the ER, whereas other secretory proteins were transported at wild-type rates. In vitro budding experiments demonstrated that Erv26p was directly required for packaging of pro-ALP into COPII vesicles. Moreover, Erv26p was detected in a specific complex with pro-ALP when immunoprecipitated from detergent-solublized ER membranes. Based on these observations, we propose that Erv26p serves as a transmembrane adaptor to link specific secretory cargo to the COPII coat. Because ALP is a type II integral membrane protein in yeast, these findings imply that an additional class of secretory cargo relies on adaptor proteins for efficient export from the ER.
Statistical analysis and time-series models for minimum/maximum temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Hughes Gillian L , Subba Rao Suhasini , Subba Rao Tata
Published: September 2006

It is now widely known that Antarctic air is warming faster than the rest of the world, and the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced major warming over the last 50 years. The monthly mean near surface temperature at the Faraday/Vernadsky station has increased considerably, at a rate of 0.56°C per decade over the year and at 1.09°C per decade over the winter. The increase is not the same over all the stations in the Antarctic region, and the increase is very significant at the Faraday/Vernadsky station. Only at this station are the minimum/maximum monthly temperatures, for the period 1951–2004, separately available, and we believe that the increase in mean surface temperature at this station is mainly due to the increases in minimum temperatures. Therefore, our object in this paper is to study the variations in the minimum/maximum temperatures using a multiple regression model with non-Gaussian correlated errors. By separately analysing the minimum and maximum temperatures, we could clearly identify the source of increase. The average temperature (usually calculated as (max+min)/2) smooths out any variation, and may not be that informative. We model the correlated errors using a linear autoregressive moving average model with innovations, which have an extreme value distribution. We describe the maximum-likelihood estimation methodology and apply this to the datasets described earlier. The methods proposed here can be widely used in other disciplines as well. Our analysis has shown that the increase in the minimum monthly temperatures is approximately 6.7°C over 53 years (1951–2003), whereas we did not find any significant change in the maximum temperature over the same period. We also establish a relationship between the minimum monthly temperatures and ozone levels, and use this model to obtain monthly forecasts for the year 2004 and compare it with the true values available up to December 2004.
Seasonal variations in active dispersal of natural populations of Triatoma infestans in rural north‐western Argentina
Authors: VAZQUEZ‐PROKOPEC G. M. , CEBALLOS L. A. , MARCET P. L. , CECERE M. C. , CARDINAL M. V. , KITRON U. , GÜRTLER R. E.
Published: September 2006

Abstract The flight dispersal of Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is one of the main mechanisms determining community re‐infestation after control interventions. An empirical model of flight initiation coupled with data from a longitudinal study predicted that the flight dispersal of T. infestans would peak in summer. To test this prediction, longitudinal light trap collections were conducted during 3–8 nights in March (late summer), July (winter) and November (spring) 2003, and in March 2004 in a rural community in north‐west Argentina. Following each light‐trapping collection date, all peridomestic sites around light traps were inspected to assess the relative abundance and nutritional status of T. infestans at each site. A total of 21 adult and five nymph T. infestans, six Triatoma guasayana Wygodzinsky & Abalos, and nine Triatoma garciabesi Carcavallo et al. were collected in 96 light‐trapping nights, whereas 696 T. infestans were collected from the peridomestic sites that surrounded the light traps. The arrival of T. infestans in the light traps occurred in 64% of catch stations and peaked in the summer surveys (10–14 bugs) compared with spring and winter surveys. When winds were < 5 km/h, the arrival of adult T. infestans at the light traps was significantly associated with maximum temperature and relative humidity. This is the first field report of seasonal variations in the flight dispersal activity of T. infestans.
Diel timing and frequency of sugar feeding in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, depending on sex, gonotrophic state and resource availability
Authors: GARY R. E. , FOSTER W. A.
Published: September 2006

Abstract Little is known about the sugar‐feeding behaviour of equatorial Africa’s principal vector of malaria, Anopheles gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae). It is suspected to feed on plant sugar infrequently, but possibly the timing depends on environmental circumstances, and males may differ markedly from females. These points of uncertainty were clarified in the laboratory, by monitoring both diel and longterm sugar‐feeding activity in both sexes. Males fed on sugar in a nocturnal diel rhythm closely approximating non‐specific flight activity. Female diel sugar‐feeding patterns resembled published rhythms and cycles of host seeking. Males sugar fed nightly at an average frequency of about twice per night, sustained over 17 days. This was substantially higher than the sugar‐feeding frequency of females that were allowed both blood and oviposition sites every night: they averaged about one sugar feed in every 4 nights. These females fed on sugar between gonotrophic cycles, after eggs were mature but before the next bloodmeal. They did not sugar feed during the 2 days after blood feeding, while blood was being digested and the eggs developed. A slight delay in the availability of either the oviposition site or blood led to an increase in female sugar‐feeding frequency: they averaged more than once per night until the delayed resource was made available. These observations support the conclusion that sugar feeding is a normal part of the biology of both sexes of An. gambiae.
Effects of temephos and temperature onWolbachiaload and life history traits ofAedes albopictus
Authors: WIWATANARATANABUTR S. , KITTAYAPONG P.
Published: September 2006

AbstractMaternally inheritedWolbachia(gram‐negative bacteria) often affect the reproductive fitness of their arthropod hosts and may cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). ComparingWolbachia‐infected and uninfected strains of the mosquitoAedes albopictus(Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), we assessed the effects on fitness of two stressors: temperature elevation (25°C vs. 37°C) and exposure to temephos insecticide (concentration range 0.0017−0.0167 mg/L) during larval development. Fitness was measured in terms of life history traits: percentage survival, development time and wing size. Insecticide treatment was associated with reduction in survival rates and wing size in both sexes, but did not affect development time orWolbachiaload. Temperature elevation by 12°C significantly reduced all four bionomic parameters observed in both sexes.Wolbachiadensity within individual adult mosquitoes was determined by using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on thewspgene. Both male and female adults had significantly lower densities ofWolbachiaafter larval rearing at the higher temperature.
Employing libraries of zinc finger artificial transcription factors to screen for homologous recombination mutants in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lindhout Beatrice I. , Pinas Johan E. , Hooykaas Paul J.J. , Van Der Zaal Bert J.
Published: September 2006

A library of genes for zinc finger artificial transcription factors (ZF‐ATF) was generated by fusion of DNA sequences encoding three‐finger Cys2His2 ZF domains to the VP16 activation domain under the control of the promoter of the ribosomal protein gene RPS5A from Arabidopsis thaliana. After introduction of this library into an Arabidopsis homologous recombination (HR) indicator line, we selected primary transformants exhibiting multiple somatic recombination events. After PCR‐mediated rescue of ZF sequences, reconstituted ZF‐ATFs were re‐introduced in the target line. In this manner, a ZF‐ATF was identified that led to a 200–1000‐fold increase in somatic HR (replicated in an independent second target line). A mutant plant line expressing the HR‐inducing ZF‐ATF exhibited increased resistance to the DNA‐damaging agent bleomycin and was more sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), a combination of traits not described previously. Our results demonstrate that the use of ZF‐ATF pools is highly rewarding when screening for novel dominant phenotypes in Arabidopsis.
Mortality rate and years of life lost from unintentional injury and suicide in South India
Authors: Bose Anuradha , Konradsen Flemming , John Jacob , Suganthy Pearline , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Abraham Sulochana
Published: September 2006

We calculated mortality rates and years of life lost because of unintentional injuries and suicides using community based information obtained prospectively over a 7‐year period, from 1998 to 2004, among a rural and peri‐urban population of 108 000 in South India. Per 100 000 population the total mortality rate for unintentional injuries and suicides combined was 137.1, with 54.9 for unintentional injuries and 82.2 for suicides respectively. Hanging and self‐poisoning with pesticides were the preferred means of suicide. Unintentional injuries and suicides resulted in 26.9% of total life years lost over the study period while 18.9% of all deaths in the population were attributable to unintentional injuries and suicides in the same period. The high burden is particularly notable in the 15–29 age group, where up to 70% of years of life lost are due to injury. The burden of injuries reported in this study is significantly higher than the figures reflected in available reports for India and is likely due to the under reporting in routine mortality statistics, particularly of suicides.
Hepatitis B seroprevalence in Thailand: 12 years after hepatitis B vaccine integration into the national expanded programme on immunization
Authors: Chongsrisawat Voranush , Yoocharoen Pornsak , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Tharmaphornpilas Piyanit , Warinsathien Porpit , Sinlaparatsamee Supakarn , Paupunwatana Siriraj , Chaiear Kasemporn , Khwanjaipanich Sawan , Poovorawan Yong
Published: September 2006

Objectives  To evaluate the impact of the universal hepatitis B (HB) vaccination programme on the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and immunity to HB virus infection among children <18 years and to determine the HB seroprevalence in the Thai population.

Methods  We enrolled people in four provinces, including Chiangrai, Udon Thani, Chonburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat to geographically represent populations in the North, Northeast, Center and South of the country respectively. Serology for HBsAg, anti‐hepatitis B surface (anti‐HBs), and anti‐hepatitis B core (anti‐HBc) was tested using ELISA commercial kits. In total, 6213 subjects aged 6 months to 60 years from the four provincial hospitals and two to three district hospitals of each participating province participated.

Results  Overall HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HBc seropositive rates amounted to 4%, 41.6% and 26.5% respectively. Of 2887 participants aged 6 months to 18 years, 2303 were born after (group I) and 584 prior to (group II) HB vaccine integration into the expanded programme on immunization of each participating province. The HBsAg seropositive rate was 0.7% among group I children and 4.3% among group II children. The prevalence rate of anti‐HBc was 2.9% in group I and 15.8% in group II. In children under 18 years, the HBsAg carrier rate was 0.98% among complete vaccinees and 1.36% among participants without vaccination.

Conclusions  This finding supports the efficacy of universal HB immunization in reducing the prevalence of HB infection in Thailand which is a highly endemic country.
Could the Chagas disease elimination programme in Venezuela be compromised by reinvasion of houses by sylvatic Rhodnius prolixus bug populations?
Authors: Sanchez‐Martin Maria J. , Feliciangeli M. Dora , Campbell‐Lendrum Diarmid , Davies Clive R.
Published: September 2006

The Andean Pact Initiative (1997) committed Andean countries to eliminate vectorial transmission of Chagas disease by 2010 via widespread residual insecticide spraying. In Venezuela, this aim could be compromised by reinvasion of houses by palm tree populations of the major vector Rhodnius prolixus. To test this hypothesis, a multivariate logistic regression was undertaken of risk factors for triatomine infestation and colonization in 552 houses and 1068 peri‐domestic outbuildings in Barinas State. After adjusting for other risk factors, including palm roofs, R. prolixus infestation and colonization of outbuildings (and, to some extent, houses) was significantly associated with proximity to high densities of Attalea butyracea palm trees. House infestation and/or colonization was also positively associated with bug density in peri‐domestic outbuildings, the presence of pigsties and nests. Hence, R. prolixus populations in ineffectively sprayed outbuildings could also provide an important source of house re‐infestations. The secondary vector Triatoma maculata was mainly found associated with the presence of hens nesting both indoors and outdoors.
No detrimental effect on renal function during long‐term use of fluvastatin in renal transplant recipients in the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) study
Authors: Fellström Bengt , Abedini Sadollah , Holdaas Hallvard , Jardine Alan G. , Staffler Beatrix , Gimpelewicz Claudio ,   the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) study group
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Concerns have recently been raised regarding a potential harmful effect of statins on renal function. This study investigated the effect of fluvastatin treatment on renal function in renal transplant recipients enrolled in the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) trial.

Methods:  ALERT was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the effect of fluvastatin, 40–80 mg daily (n = 1050) or placebo (n = 1052) on cardiac and renal outcomes in renal transplant recipients over a follow‐up period of five to six years. The incidence of graft loss, changes in serum creatinine, calculated creatinine clearance and proteinuria, and the incidence of renal adverse events (AEs) were assessed in both treatment groups.

Results:  Fluvastatin treatment in ALERT had no significant effect compared with placebo on renal function, assessed by serum creatinine (overall adjusted mean ± SEM: fluvastatin, 175.4 ± 2.20 μmol/L; placebo, 172.7 ± 2.20 μmol/L; p = 0.39), creatinine clearance (fluvastatin, 55.3 ± 0.30 mL/min; placebo, 55.8 ± 0.30 mL/min; p = 0.26) or proteinuria (fluvastatin, 0.58 ± 0.03 g/24 h; placebo, 0.53 ± 0.03 g/24 h; p = 0.31). There were no significant differences between treatment groups when the 283 patients suffering graft loss were excluded from the analysis. Fluvastatin also had no detrimental effect on creatinine clearance or proteinuria in the subgroup of 340 diabetic patients without graft loss in ALERT. No notable differences in the rate of renal or musculoskeletal AEs were observed between fluvastatin and placebo groups.

Conclusions:  Fluvastatin had no detrimental effect on renal function, or the risk of renal AEs, in renal transplant recipients with or without diabetes enrolled in ALERT. Fluvastatin treatment for the prevention of cardiac events may therefore be used without fear of jeopardizing renal function.
High‐dose busulfan and the risk of pulmonary mortality after autologous stem cell transplant
Authors: Kalaycio Matt , Pohlman Brad , Kuczkowski Elizabeth , Rybicki Lisa , Andresen Steve , Sobecks Ronald , Bolwell Brian
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  The non‐relapse mortality of autologous stem cell transplant is low enough that the procedure has been extended to older patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. We treated 537 non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients with high‐dose chemotherapy consisting of busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide followed by autologous stem cell transplant. Sixteen patients were identified who died of pulmonary complications at a five‐year incidence of 3.6%. Risk factors for pulmonary mortality included older age and lower baseline DCO and FEV1. We conclude that high‐dose busulfan is associated with pulmonary mortality after autologous transplant, particularly in older patients.
Mammary Gland Secretory Concretions Contain Non‐Collagenous Bone Matrix Proteins
Authors: Egerbacher M. , Moussa E. A. M. , Helmreich M. , Böck P. , Schuh M.
Published: September 2006

Secretory concretions in mammary gland alveoli are commonly of microscopical size. However, some concretions reach clinically palpable dimensions and may occlude teat canals and obstruct milk flow. We studied secretory concretions in sheep, goat and cow mammary glands, using routine histological staining methods, conventional histochemistry and electron microscopy. As concretions frequently mineralize, immunostaining for keratan sulphate and calcium‐binding non‐collagenous bone matrix proteins (bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteonectin and osteopontin) was performed. Concretions consisted of organic matrix (condensed secretions) with calcium precipitates. Mineralized deposits mostly show concentric organization, bound haematoxylin, and were readily identified in H&E‐stained sections. Mineral components of concretions reacted for calcium carbonate and phosphate, organic matrix was found to contain sialoglycan material. Immunohistochemistry revealed bone sialoprotein, osteonectin and keratan sulphate in cow and goat concretions. Osteocalcin was detected in sheep, cow and goat concretions, whilst osteopontin was not identified in any of the specimens studied. Our results indicate the presence of non‐collagenous bone matrix proteins (except osteopontin) in mammary gland concretions. These glycoproteins are commonly thought to govern mineralization of organic matrix and are assumed also to promote mineral deposition in mammary gland secretory concretions. Besides caseins, these particular glycoproteins have to be considered as calcium‐binding milk proteins.
Programmed cell death of the ovarian nurse cells during oogenesis of the silkmoth Bombyx mori
Authors: Mpakou Vicky E. , Nezis Ioannis P. , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Margaritis Lukas H. , Papassideri Issidora S.
Published: September 2006

In the present study, we describe the features of programmed cell death of the ovarian nurse cells occurring during vitellogenesis of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. At developmental stage 5, the nurse cells occupy one‐half of the follicular volume and obtain a rather spherical shape, while the nurse cell nuclei appear large and elongated, forming impressive projections. At the following stage, stage 6, the nurse cells decrease in size and their shape becomes elliptic. The nuclei remain elongated, being also characterized by large lobes. The lobes of the ramified nurse cell nuclei seem to retain the nucleus in the center of the cell during the dumping of the nurse cell cytoplasm into the growing oocyte. At stage 7, membrane enclosed vacuoles can be easily detected into the nurse cells cytoplasm. Ultrastructural analysis and fluorescent microscopy using mono‐dansyl‐cadaverine staining of these vacuoles also reveal that they represent autolysosomes. Caspase activity is detected during stage 7, as it is demonstrated by using the Red‐VAD‐FMK staining reagent. At developmental stages 8 and 9, the nurse cells exhibit chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and caspase activity. Finally, during the following stage 10, the nuclear remnants are assembled into apoptotic vesicles, which, after being phagocytosed, are observed in the cytoplasm of adjacent follicle cells. We propose that apoptosis and autophagy operate synergistically during vitellogenesis of B. mori, in order to achieve an efficient and rapid clearance of the degenerated nurse cell cluster.
Role of hunchback in segment patterning of Locusta migratoria manilensis revealed by parental RNAi
Authors: He Zheng‐Bo , Cao Yue‐Qing , Yin You‐Ping , Wang Zhong‐Kang , Chen Bin , Peng Guo‐Xiong , Xia Yu‐Xian
Published: September 2006

In long germ embryos, all body segments are specified simultaneously during the blastoderm stage. In contrast, in short germ embryos, only the anterior segments are specified during the blastoderm stage, leaving the rest of the body plan to be specified later. The striking embryological differences between short and long germ segmentation imply fundamental differences in patterning at the molecular level. To gain insights into the segmentation mechanisms of short germ insects, we have investigated the role of the homologue of the Drosophila gap gene hunchback (hb) in a short germ insect Locusta migratoria manilensi by paternal RNA interference (RNAi). Phenotypes resulting from hb knockdown were categorized into three classes based on severity. In the most extreme case, embryos developed the most anterior structures only, including the labrum, antennae and eyes. The following conclusions were drawn: (i) L. migratoria manilensis hb (Lmm’hb) controls germ band morphogenesis and segmentation in the anterior region; (ii) Lmm’hb may function as a gap gene in a wide domain including the entire gnathum and thorax; and (iii) Lmm’hb is required for proper growth of the posterior germ band. These findings suggest a more extensive role for L. migratoria manilensis hunchback in anterior patterning than those described in Drosophila.
Evaluating the impact of guest speaker postings in online discussions
Authors: Hemphill Leaunda S. , Hemphill Hoyet H.
Published: September 2006

This study investigated the impact of virtual guest speakers facilitating asynchronous discussions. The setting was an online instructional technology course with 16 graduate students and two guest speakers. The research reports the quantity and level of critical thinking of the students and guests. Each posting was coded for frequency and critical thinking. The results indicate that higher‐order thinking occurred and student participation remained high throughout the length of both threaded discussions, regardless of the amount of postings and time spent by the guests. The findings support that guest speakers can be used sparingly in online discussions while still maintaining the quality of the online discussion and frequent, meaningful interactions among students.
Students’ experiences with and preferences for using information technology in music learning in Shanghai’s secondary schools
Authors: Ho Wai‐Chung
Published: September 2006

This study explores the centrality of information technology (IT) to Chinese students’ experiences in music lessons. Students involved in this qualitative and quantitative study described the possibilities of using technology when learning music. From among the students of 15 Shanghai secondary schools, 1741 responded to a written questionnaire and 68 took part in interviews. The students’ perceptions of the use of IT were grouped in relation to three categories: (1) the students’ motivation to learn music, (2) their preferred musical activities and (3) the musical styles preferred for classroom learning. Most students believed that IT could provide motivation for music learning. They used IT mainly in their listening activities but believed that it could also be helpful in learning both classical and popular musical styles. The findings suggest that the use of IT could extend the boundaries of music learning in the classroom, giving rise to a multitude of new and exciting possibilities. This approach to curriculum formulation is argued to be significant in terms of developing students’ technological literacy and providing rich learning environments that make use of computer‐mediated communications and the effectiveness of technology and teacher fidelity in implementing pedagogy.
Review question formats and web design usability in computer‐assisted instruction
Authors: Green Rebecca S. , Eppler Marion A. , Ironsmith Marsha , Wuensch Karl L.
Published: September 2006

We tested the effects of two embedded review question formats and the application of web design guidelines in a computer‐assisted mastery learning course in developmental psychology. Students used either a branching review question format that redirected them to relevant portions of the study module after incorrect answers or a linear format that only provided the correct answer and then continued to the next review question. Students who used the branching format scored higher on their first attempt to pass the mastery quiz, and they required fewer tries to achieve the 90% mastery criterion. The effectiveness of web design guidelines was evaluated based on students’ opinions. Students with positive opinions about the readability and navigational usability of the study module scored higher on their first quiz.
The Korean welfare state: a paradox of expansion in an era of globalisation and economic crisis
Authors: Kwon Soonman , Holliday Ian
Published: September 2006

When the Asian financial crisis took a heavy toll on Korea in the late 1990s, policy makers responded by extending welfare policy. For many analysts, this was a paradoxical move, marking a fundamental reconfiguration of the social policy system. This article contests that interpretation. It examines the changes made to Korean social policy in recent years, and considers their impact on the Korean welfare state. It notes both that welfare extensions have been comparatively limited, and that they have often formed part of wider attempts to boost labour market flexibility. It thus concludes that limited expansion of the Korean welfare state is chiefly an attempt to bolster industrial competitiveness and economic growth. For now, Korea retains the productivist social policy orientation that has long characterised it. It also concedes, however, that in the future underlying social change, notably a rapidly ageing population, may prompt policy makers to make significant changes to the Korean welfare state.
Anger/frustration, task persistence, and conduct problems in childhood: a behavioral genetic analysis
Authors: Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Petrill Stephen A. , Thompson Lee A.
Published: September 2006

Background: Individual differences in conduct problems arise in part from proneness to anger/frustration and poor self‐regulation of behavior. However, the genetic and environmental etiology of these connections is not known.

Method: Using a twin design, we examined genetic and environmental covariation underlying the well‐documented correlations between anger/frustration, poor attention regulation (i.e., task persistence), and conduct problems in childhood. Participants included 105 pairs of MZ twins and 154 pairs of same‐sex DZ twins (4–8 year olds). Independent observers rated child persistence and affect based on behavior during a challenging in‐home cognitive and literacy assessment. Teachers and parents provided reports of conduct problems.

Results: Persistence, anger/frustration, and conduct problems included moderate heritable and nonshared environmental variance; conduct problems included moderate shared environmental variance as well. Persistence and anger/frustration had independent genetic covariance with conduct problems and nonshared environmental covariance with each other.

Conclusions: The findings indicate genetically distinct though inter‐related influences linking affective and self‐regulatory aspects of temperament with behavior problems in childhood.
Attention difficulties and mood‐related ruminative response style in adolescents with unipolar depression
Authors: Wilkinson Paul O. , Goodyer Ian M.
Published: September 2006

Background:  Depressed adults may show impairment in switching attention from one task to another. Rumination on negative thoughts is associated with the onset and persistence of depressive episodes. It is unclear if such mood‐related ruminations are specifically associated with slowed ability in switching attention from one task to another.

Method:  Adolescents with current unipolar depression (n = 40) were compared with age and sex‐matched controls (n = 38) on tests of attention and general cognitive abilities and completed the mood‐related ruminative response style questionnaire.

Results:  Compared to controls, depressed participants were significantly slower at switching attention. There was no association between attentional switching and mood‐related ruminations and both processes contributed to the likelihood of being depressed. Findings were not accounted for by slowness in reading and speaking, the effects of antidepressants nor being more careful on tasks.

Conclusions:  Depressed adolescents demonstrate dual deficits in mood‐related ruminative thinking and attention. Further studies are needed to investigate whether higher ruminations are associated with attention impairments in emotionally‐valent attentional switching tasks, and whether both processes precede the emergence of clinical disorder.
Small body size at birth and behavioural symptoms of ADHD in children aged five to six years
Authors: Lahti J. , Räikkönen K. , Kajantie E. , Heinonen K. , Pesonen A‐K. , Järvenpää A‐L. , Strandberg T.
Published: September 2006

Background:  Behavioural disorders with a neurodevelopmental background, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been associated with a non‐optimal foetal environment, reflected in small body size at birth. However, the evidence stems from highly selected groups with birth outcomes biased towards the extreme low end of the distribution in birth weight. Whether a similar association exists among the normal range of term birth is unclear.

Methods:  The ADHD Rating Scale was filled in by the biological mothers and fathers of children aged five to six years who were born healthy at term. Information on weight (kg), height (cm), head circumference (cm), and gestational age at birth were obtained from hospital records, and the ponderal index (kg/m3), a commonly used measure of thinness, and head circumference‐to‐length ratio were calculated.

Results:  Behavioural symptoms of ADHD were predicted by a lower ponderal index, a smaller head circumference, and a smaller head circumference‐to‐length ratio (β’s: −.12 to −.14, p’s < .05). Adjustments for length of gestation, mother's age, tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy, pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), or parity, the monthly gross income of the family, child's BMI at the age of five to six years or gender did not change the associations.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that physiological adaptation in utero, indicated by small body size at birth, within term gestational range may increase the susceptibility to behavioural symptoms of ADHD.
Psychopathology, temperament and unintentional injury: cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships
Authors: Rowe Richard , Simonoff Emily , Silberg Judy L.
Published: September 2006

Background:  Growing evidence indicates a link between unintentional injury and both disruptive and emotional psychopathology. We present further evidence of these associations and address the underlying mechanisms. We also examine the genetic contribution to unintentional injury.

Methods:  The Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development provides genetically informative multi‐wave and multi‐informant data regarding common psychopathology using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment interview. The EASI temperament scales and child injury involvement were measured in parent‐report questionnaires.

Results:  Unintentional injury showed significant genetic effects in girls and significant shared environmental effects in boys and girls. Symptoms of over‐anxious disorder (OAD), and the EASI temperament scales were independently associated with injury. Longitudinal modeling showed impulsivity and OAD symptoms were related prospectively to injury involvement. Injuries did not increase risk for later impulsivity or OAD symptoms but were related prospectively to separation anxiety disorder symptoms.

Conclusions:  Impulsivity and OAD symptoms increased risk of later injury. We discuss the processes that may be involved in these relationships.
Electromagnetic brain activity evoked by affective stimuli in schizophrenia
Authors: Rockstroh Brigitte , Junghöfer Markus , Elbert Thomas , Buodo Giulia , Miller Gregory A.
Published: September 2006

Schizophrenia is typically associated with cognitive deficits, but symptoms also point to alterations in the processing of affective material, with potential impact on behavioral performance. This impact may unfold on multiple time scales, but initial processing of rapidly unfolding social cues may be particularly important. MEG‐assessed regional brain activity associated with the capacity to process the emotional content of rapid visual stimuli (3/s) was examined in 12 individuals with schizophrenia and 12 matched controls. Patients showed less differentiation of emotional versus neutral stimuli 90–300 ms following picture onset. Together with group differences in the lateral topography of valence effects, these results are discussed as evidence of deficient automatic processing of emotionally potent stimuli in schizophrenia.
Modified oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies: evaluation of the partial replacement of sugar and/or fat to reduce calories
Authors: Swanson Ruthann B. , Perry Jennifer M.
Published: September 2006

Oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies were prepared using a non‐sucrose sweetener blend (dextrose/acesulfame‐K) and/or prune puree to replace 50% of the sugar and/or fat, respectively, following manufacturers’ recommendations. Similar effects of modification were found for both cookie types. Specific gravity (P < 0.05) and water activity (P < 0.05) increased with modification; cookie spread (P < 0.05) decreased. Probing (P < 0.05) revealed that the increase in hardness and chewiness associated with fat reduction was moderated to some extent when coupled with sugar reduction. Sensory assessments of texture using the Consumer Profile Ballot reflected the instrumental textural assessment. There were few significant sensory differences between the full‐fat/full‐sugar control oatmeal cookie and either modified oatmeal cookie. In chocolate chip cookies, sensory results (P < 0.05) suggest an increase in off‐flavours and bitterness, and a decrease in sweet and buttery attributes with modification. Panelists indicated that all formulations of each cookie type were acceptable with ratings above mid‐point on the scale for flavour and texture acceptability. Total fat reduction was 32% and 45% in the oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies respectively. Caloric reductions were 14–15% in the modified oatmeal cookies, and 12–13% in the modified chocolate chip cookies.
Geographic Information Systems: A New Tool for Environmental Health Assessments
Authors: Choi Mona , Afzal Brenda , Sattler Barbara
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT
Objectives: (1) To develop tools for health care professionals and communities to assess environmental exposures and (2) to evaluate the utility of integrating patient‐reported environmental health information with geographic information systems (GIS) mapping of environmental data in a pilot study.

Methods: A survey was used to collect self‐reported environmental exposure and health data from a convenience sample of people at an urban community health center (N=101). Environmental exposure and census information were obtained from federal agencies. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and GIS.

Results: Frequent environmental health risk factors were reported, such as older housing (93%) and household smoking (78%). Health problems including asthma (54%) and lead poisoning (14%) were reported. Odds ratios indicated a statistically significant relationship between mold/mildew and reporting asthma. GIS was found to be a useful tool in displaying environmental risk factors and potentially associated health effects.

Conclusions: Given the important role that environmental health risks can play in public health, it is critical that community/public health nurses begin to integrate environmental health assessment skills into their professional practices. Simple community surveys can be an effective means to raise awareness about environmental health risk factors and utilizing GIS can further enhance the accessibility of the combined exposure and health information.
Rural Parents' Perceptions of Risks Associated with Their Children's Exposure to Radon
Authors: Hill Wade G. , Butterfield Patricia , Larsson Laura S.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To examine the level of awareness of radon issues, correlates of elective testing behaviors, and the accuracy of risk perception for radon exposures among rural residents receiving public health services.

Design: A cross‐sectional design was used in which questionnaire data and household analytic data for radon levels were collected from a nonprobabilistic sample of rural households.

Sample: Thirty‐one rural households with 71 adults and 60 children participated in the study. Primary household respondents were female (100%), Caucasian (97%), and primarily (94%) between 21 and 40 years of age.

Measurement: Questionnaire data consisted of knowledge and risk perception items about radon and all homes were tested for the presence of radon.

Results: The prevalence of high airborne radon (defined as≥4 pCi/l) was 32%. More than a third of the sample underestimated the seriousness of health effects of radon exposure, 39% disagreed that being around less radon would improve the long‐term health of their children, and 52% were unsure whether radon could cause health problems. After adjusting for chance, only 21% of the subjects correctly understood their risk status.

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that low‐income rural citizens do not understand their risk of radon exposure or the deleterious consequences of exposure.
Evaluation of a Multistate Faith‐based Program for Children Affected by Natural Disaster
Authors: Zotti Marianne E. , Graham Juanita , Whitt Anna Lyn , Anand Susan , Replogle William H.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To systematically evaluate Camp Noah, a faith‐based intervention for children affected by natural disaster: to assess the extent to which the camps were carried out according to the program design, to describe how the Camp Noah program was implemented, and to explore Camp Noah program effects on children.

Design: Qualitative survey.

Sample: Twenty‐eight local, state, and national stakeholders.

Measurement: Open‐ended interviews.

Results: Although camps adhered to the curriculum, many implementation weaknesses resulted from a lack of clear program structure and written procedures. Stakeholders observed that children generally were able to process their disaster experiences in the camp, and some children exhibited increased understanding of God's role in their disaster experience. Stakeholders also described parent reports of increased coping skills related to weather among some children. Lastly, stakeholders both observed positive effects of Camp Noah on children's behaviors and symptoms and described changes reported to them by parents.

Conclusions: Every year, thousands of children suffer emotionally as a result of natural disaster in the United States. With public health nursing support and improvements in infrastructure, Camp Noah may be a promising intervention to address this important public health problem.
Using a Site Visit to a Contaminated Location as a Focus for Environmental Health Education for Academic and Public Health Nurses
Authors: Backus Ann S.N. , Hewitt Jeanne Beauchamp , Chalupka Stephanie M.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT
We describe a conference initiative that is distinguished by the use of a “community case study” to increase the knowledge and skills of nursing faculty and public health nurses in environmental health and to provide networking support to facilitate infusion of environmental health into nursing curricula and public health nursing practice. The Institute of Medicine's (1995) general environmental health competencies for nurses provided the conference framework. Woburn, Massachusetts, a Superfund site, served as the community case study to illustrate a complex environmental health problem. Over an extended period of time, Woburn was contaminated with multiple chemicals that eventually contaminated the drinking water supply; a cluster of childhood leukemia cases was linked subsequently to the Superfund site contaminants. A 6‐hr interpreted walking and bus tour of the Superfund site enabled us to visit the premises of responsible parties, the vapor extraction fields, the capped Well H in the wooded wetlands, and to tour the affected neighborhood. This intensive, hands‐on approach to learning environmental health content and skills that incorporated multiple learning strategies serves as a model for developing future conferences for public health nurses and nursing faculty.