bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA interference-mediated c-MYC inhibition prevents cell growth and decreases sensitivity to radio- and chemotherapy in childhood medulloblastoma cells
Authors: von Bueren André O , Shalaby Tarek , Oehler-Jänne Christoph , Arnold Lucia , Stearns Duncan , Eberhart Charles G , Arcaro Alexandre , Pruschy Martin , Grotzer Michael A
Published: January 2009

Background

With current treatment strategies, nearly half of all medulloblastoma (MB) patients die from progressive tumors. Accordingly, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies remains a major goal. Deregulation of c-MYC is evident in numerous human cancers. In MB, over-expression of c-MYC has been shown to cause anaplasia and correlate with unfavorable prognosis.

Methods

To study the role of c-MYC in MB biology, we down-regulated c-MYC expression by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and investigated changes in cellular proliferation, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, telomere maintenance, and response to ionizing radiation (IR) and chemotherapeutics in a representative panel of human MB cell lines expressing different levels of c-MYC (DAOY wild-type, DAOY transfected with the empty vector, DAOY transfected with c-MYC, D341, and D425).

Results

siRNA-mediated c-MYC down-regulation resulted in an inhibition of cellular proliferation and clonogenic growth, inhibition of G1-S phase cell cycle progression, and a decrease in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and telomerase activity. On the other hand, down-regulation of c-MYC reduced apoptosis and decreased the sensitivity of human MB cells to IR, cisplatin, and etoposide. This effect was more pronounced in DAOY cells expressing high levels of c-MYC when compared with DAOY wild-type or DAOY cells transfected with the empty vector.

Conclusion

In human MB cells, in addition to its roles in growth and proliferation, c-MYC is also a potent inducer of apoptosis. Therefore, targeting c-MYC might be of therapeutic benefit when used sequentially with chemo- and radiotherapy rather than concomitantly.
Christ Siemens Touraine syndrome: a case report
Authors: Coelho Luiz Gutenberg TM , Caldas Arnaldo F , Soriano Evelyne P , Rodrigues Veronica MS , Costa Roseane S
Published: January 2009

Background

The ectodermal dysplasias are a large and complex group of diseases.

Case presentation

This article presents a case in a 37 years old female patient, referred to the dental clinic for impairment patients maintained by the University of Pernambuco. She presented typical characteristics of Christ Siemens Touraine syndrome such as alterations of the inferior members, a great number of diffuse pigmentations, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, oligodontia, enamel hypoplasia, including alteration in the form and size of the teeth.

Conclusion

The optimal treatment for these patients should require the multidisciplinary collaborative efforts of health professionals.
Public acceptance of carbon dioxide capture and storage in a proposed demonstration area
Authors: Ashworth P , Pisarski A , Thambimuthu K
Published: January 2009

With the rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, low-emission technologies with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) provide one option for transforming the global energy infrastructure into a more environmentally, climate sustainable system. However, like many technology innovations, there is a social risk to the acceptance of CCS. This article presents the findings of an engagement process using facilitated workshops conducted in two communities in rural Queensland, Australia, where a demonstration project for IGCC with CCS has been announced. The findings demonstrate that workshop participants were concerned about climate change and wanted leadership from government and industry to address the issue. After the workshops, participants reported increased knowledge and more positive attitudes towards CCS, expressing support for the demonstration project to continue in their local area. The process developed is one that could be utilized around the world to successfully engage communities on the low carbon emission technology options.
Hydraulic air pumps for low-head hydropower
Authors: Howey D A , Pullen K R
Published: January 2009

Hydropower is a proven renewable energy resource and future expansion potential exists in smaller-scale, low-head sites. A novel approach to low-head hydropower at run-of-river and tidal estuary sites is to include an intermediate air transmission stage. Water is made to flow through a siphon, rather than a conventional water turbine, and at the top of the siphon the pressure is sub-atmospheric and air is entrained into the water. The siphon forms a novel, hydraulically powered vacuum pump or ‘hydraulic air pump’ (HAP). Air is pumped by the HAP through a separate air turbine and generator. This arrangement offers dramatic increases in turbine-generator speed and allows better control and matching of components and lifecycle cost reductions due to reduced maintenance costs and the use of smaller rotating machines.

This study builds on previous work on such systems by showing why the pumping process can be treated as isothermal. Also, initial test results with a small siphon are presented and compared to existing models. These show a discrepancy between predicted and measured pressure ratios and therefore an overprediction of efficiency and power output using simple mathematical models.
Flexible Motorprozessregelung für neue BrennverfahrenModular Prototyping Engine Controller for Innovative Combustion Processes
Authors: Rempel Alexander , Stölting Eckhard , Predelli Oliver , Gratzke Ralf
Published: January 2009

Die gesellschaftlichen und politischen Anforderungen an ein heutiges Automobil bezüglich Emissionen, Systemkosten usw. sind allgemein bekannt. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Werkzeug im Bereich der Motorensteuerung präsentiert, das dem Entwickler die Freiheiten und Kapazitäten bietet sich diesen Herausforderungen zu stellen. Die Flexibilität und die hohe Adaptionsgeschwindigkeit ermöglichen eine schnelle Umsetzung der Ideen an einem Forschungsmotor am Prüfstand bis hin zu einem Fahrzeug. In diesem Beitrag wird auf die technischen Highlights, wie z.B. das IAV_AC3, sowie auf die erzielten Ergebnisse bei der Entwicklung neuer Brennverfahren und Regelungsstrategien eingegangen.
Avaliação da resposta imune humoral frente a antígenos de Strongyloides venezuelensis
Authors: Rigo Carla Rodrigues , Lescano Susana Zevallos , Marchi Cláudia Regina de , Amato Neto Vicente
Published: January 2009

A estrongiloidíase afeta 30 milhões de pessoas em 70 países. Usualmente, o diagnóstico dessa enteroparasitose é realizado por testes parasitológicos baseados no hidro termotropismo das larvas eliminadas nas fezes, porém esses têm se mostrado pouco sensíveis. Neste trabalho, extratos antigênicos foram testados pelas técnicas de ELISA, Immunoblotting e IFI, utilizando larvas filarióides de Strongyloides venezuelensis, parasita de roedores, que mostram reação cruzada com epítopos de Strongyloides stercoralis. Sensibilidade de 89, 85, 57% para a reação de ELISA e de 100, 100 e 96%, para o Immunoblotting com os antígenos SAL, ZWIP e ZW, e especificidade de 90, 60 e 81% para o ELISA e 96, 92 e 91% para o Immunoblotting para os mesmos antígenos, foram encontradas nestes ensaios.
Mobilidade ocupacional: expressões desse processo na enfermagem
Authors: Zanei Suely Sueko Viski , Ide Cilene Aparecida Costardi
Published: January 2009

Neste estudo descritivo de natureza exploratória, apresentamos o contexto familiar, socioeconômico e cultural pregresso, com ênfase na trajetória escolar e profissional, de um grupo de enfermeiros, cuja característica comum é a formação prévia na área de Enfermagem. No estudo original, do qual foram extraídos parte dos dados aqui apresentados, a abordagem analítica utilizada foi quantitativa e qualitativa em razão do duplo enfoque no tratamento dos dados, por entendermos que estes eram complementares. No presente artigo, objetivamos caracterizar a população em questão, enfatizando-se os aspectos socioeconômicos e culturais que foram determinantes do habitus peculiar, culminando com a classificação socioeconômica anterior e posterior à graduação a fim de detectar o fenômeno da mobilidade social decorrente da mobilidade ocupacional. Concluímos que esta última aconteceu para pouco mais da metade da população estudada, muito mais em razão do duplo vínculo empregatício do que propriamente em razão da ascensão profissional.
Reflexões sobre comunicações na assistência de enfermagem ao paciente renal crônico
Authors: Gullo Aline Beatriz Moreira , Lima Antônio Fernandes Costa , Silva Maria Júlia Paes da
Published: January 2009

Os autores deste artigo desenvolvem algumas reflexões sobre o aspecto da comunicação, na prática do profissional enfermeiro junto ao paciente renal crônico, em programa de hemodiálise, cujo tratamento propicia uma relação prolongada e, muitas vezes, mais profunda. Analisa e exemplifica a necessidade de usarmos, de f orma consciente, alguns modos de comunicação verbal e o não-verbal para que possamos estabelecer uma interação terapêutica para o cuidar desses pacientes.
Uso de grupo focal como instrumento de avaliação de programa educacional em saúde
Authors: Soares Cássia Baldini , Reale Diva , Brites Cristina Maria
Published: January 2009

Este estudo objetiva identificar potencialidades e limitações do grupo focal como instrumento de avaliação através de um estudo de caso no qual o grupo focal foi utilizado para avaliar um treinamento em saúde. Entre as conclusões destacam-se: é possível comparar os resultados dos grupos realizados antes e depois do treinamento se o mesmo grupo for mantido; o grupo focal mostrou-se adequado para desvendar a natureza das deficiências do treinamento porque permitiu analisar a complexidade inerente tanto ao tema das drogas quanto aos objetivos do treinamento que busca mudanças de ordem afetivo-cultural e não apenas de ordem cognitiva.
Percepção de risco para HIV/AIDS de mulheres faveladas segundo o modelo de crenças em saúde
Authors: Praça Neide de Souza , Gualda Dulce Maria Rosa
Published: January 2009

Este estudo, com abordagem qualitativa, teve como referenciais a Antropologia Cultural e o método etnográfico. Objetivou identificar a percepção de risco de infecção pelo HIV de mulheres moradoras em uma favela. Constou de entrevistas e observação participante do contexto. Os constructos do Modelo de Crenças em Saúde foram utilizados para análise dos dados. Nesta ótica, verificou-se que as mulheres não se vêem com suscetibilidade para infectar-se pelo HIV pelos seus parceiros, situação que se modifica diante da informação da infidelidade destes, Diante desta descoberta, motivam-se a exigir medidas de proteção para evitar infecção pelo HIV no relacionamento com o companheiro.
Estudo exploratório sobre a utilização dos recursos de informática por alunos do curso de graduação em enfermagem
Authors: Peres Heloisa Helena Ciqueto , Duarte Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira , Maeda Sayuri Tanaka , Colvero Luciana Almeida
Published: January 2009

Atualmente a influência da informatização na educação é uma realidade irreversível. Isto obriga-nos a repensar o método de ensino-aprendizagem tradicionais. Frente a isto a Comissão de Informática da EEUSP desenvolveu um estudo exploratório-descritivo dos alunos de graduação em relação ao conhecimento dos recursos de informática e habilidades em seu manuseio. Os resultados revelaram que há uma relação direta entre o tempo de utilização e a habilidade no manuseio do computador. A aquisição de conhecimentos, até o momento, ocorre independentemente da política institucional. Pode-se perceber a importância da informatização no ensino de enfermagem e a necessidade das instituições de ensino adequarem a metodologia educacional às novas tecnologias.
Nitrato no solo com a aplicação de dejetos líquidos de suínos no milho em plantio direto
Authors: Aita Celso , Giacomini Sandro José
Published: January 2009

A aplicação de dejetos de animais ao solo, com destaque para aqueles gerados na suinocultura, é uma prática cada vez mais comum na Região Sul do Brasil. Todavia, em função da dose aplicada, esta prática poderá provocar perda de nutrientes, principalmente de NO3-, por lixiviação e escoamento superficial em direção aos cursos d'água, e à atmosfera pela emissão de óxidos de N. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o acúmulo e o deslocamento de NO3- no solo após a aplicação de dejetos líquidos de suínos no milho em plantio direto. As doses de 0, 40 e 80 m³ ha-1 de dejetos líquidos de suínos foram aplicadas anualmente, durante três anos, sobre os resíduos culturais de aveia-preta e da vegetação espontânea de inverno, antecedendo a semeadura do milho. Foi avaliado o teor de N-NO3- em diferentes camadas do solo, até a profundidade de 60 cm, e em seis datas, desde a aplicação dos dejetos até o florescimento do milho. Com a aplicação dos dejetos, a quantidade de N-NO3- aumentou rapidamente na camada superficial do solo, evidenciando a elevada taxa de nitrificação do N amoniacal que eles contêm. O N-NO3- produzido nas camadas superficiais do solo percolou rapidamente no perfil. Na dose de 80 m³ ha-1 de dejetos, a quantidade de N-NO3- da camada 30-60 cm do solo aos 30 dias no primeiro ano, 29 dias no segundo e 36 dias no terceiro ano foi maior do que a média dos tratamentos sem dejetos em 9, 21 e 32 kg ha-1 de N-NO3-, respectivamente. Nos dois primeiros anos, a quantidade de N-NO3- no perfil do solo não diferiu com a aplicação dos dejetos sobre os resíduos culturais de aveia ou da vegetação espontânea, revelando o baixo potencial dos resíduos culturais da gramínea em promover a imobilização microbiana de N. A elevada taxa de nitrificação do N amoniacal dos dejetos e o rápido deslocamento do N-NO3- no perfil no momento em que a demanda em N pelo milho ainda era pequena, indicam maior susceptibilidade de perdas de N-NO3- por lixiviação com a aplicação dos dejetos, principalmente na dose de 80 m³ ha-1, em que a quantidade média de N total aplicada nos três anos foi de 244 kg ha-1 ano-1.
Crescimento micelial de Pleurotus ostreatus em resíduo de Simarouba amara
Authors: Sales-Campos Ceci , Eira Augusto Ferreira da , Jesus Maria Aparecida de , Campagnolli Francielli , Andrade Meire Cristina Nogueira de
Published: January 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento micelial do cogumelo Pleurotus ostreatus, cultivado na serragem da espécie madeireira Simarouba amara. Avaliaram-se: o efeito das temperaturas de 22, 25, 27, 30 e 35ºC sobre o crescimento micelial de P. ostreatus, nos meios malte-ágar 3% e SDA-MA (infusão da serragem de S. amara, enriquecida com farelo de soja-dextrose-ágar); e o crescimento micelial em substrato de cultivo de serragem de S. amara, com e sem suplementação de farelo de soja, a 25 e 30ºC. O melhor desenvolvimento de P. ostreatus ocorreu em meio malte-ágar 3% a 25ºC. A suplementação de farelo de soja na serragem de S. amara favorece o crescimento micelial.
Fechamento primário das mordeduras na face
Authors: Macedo Jefferson Lessa Soares de , Silva Adilson Alves da
Published: January 2009

As mordeduras representam uma lesão comum geralmente vista nas emergências dos hospitais, correspondendo a cerca de 1% dos atendimentos. Os autores conduziram um estudo para avaliar a conduta de fechamento primário das mordeduras na face dos pacientes atendidos na emergência do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital Regional da Asa Norte (HRAN, Brasília-DF) de janeiro a dezembro de 1999. O estudo compreendeu 42 pacientes, com média de idade de 17 anos (variação de um a 50 anos) e 29 (69,0%) dos pacientes eram homens. As mordeduras caninas foram as mais freqüentes (71,4%), seguidas pelas mordeduras humanas (26,2%). O tempo médio entre a agressão e o atendimento no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do HRAN foi de 16 horas. A orelha foi o sítio principal (40,0%), seguido pelo lábio. O tratamento utilizado foi a sutura direta em 28 (66,7%) pacientes, retalhos locais em 12 (28,6%) pacientes e enxerto em dois casos. Não houve infecção nos casos estudados. Os achados sugerem que o fechamento imediato das lesões na face é seguro, até em casos após várias horas da lesão.
Os excessos da identidade: Bento XVI e a questão da tolerância
Authors: Santiago Homero
Published: January 2009

Partindo de algumas das polêmicas opiniões de Bento XVI, o artigo busca compreender a base doutrinária delas e discutir os seus efeitos para a questão da tolerância religiosa. Depois de uma apresentação do que entende por tolerância, propõe um percurso através da encíclica Deus caritas est, que embasa a nova doutrina papal numa interpretação particular da noção de "amor de Deus". Por fim, tenta-se mostrar como esse "amor", mediante uma ênfase exagerada da idéia de identidade, torna-se nos documentos papais um instrumento de combate a todas as diferenças, pondo a perder a possibilidade de convivência entre as religiões e, por conseqüência, semeando o fundamentalismo.
Avaliação de contratos: uma abordagem utilizando a Análise Fatorial de Correspondência
Authors: Rocha Junior Weimar Freire da , Carvalheiro Elizângela Mara , Staduto Jefferson Andronio , Opazo Miguel Angel Uribe
Published: January 2009

Este trabalho, à luz da Nova Economia Institucional (NEI), avaliou nove contratos, destacando alguns usados no agronegócio brasileiro. Para isso, usaram-se os atributos da transação nos três principais vetores que os caracterizam, os quais possibilitam arquitetar formas contratuais que tenham o menor custo de transação. O fato de os contratos serem uma modalidade de estrutura de governança, quando considerados de forma ampla, representam os mais variados acordos entre os agentes econômicos. Neste sentido, a análise a ser desenvolvida utilizará um método estatístico multivariado que avaliará nove contratos, em sua maioria em consonância com o agronegócio: cinco contratos de venda, três contratos de franquia, um contrato de parceria agrícola. Essas relações possibilitaram enfatizar quais são as principais preocupações dos agentes quando firmam relações contratuais entre si, ou seja, qual ou quais atributos da transação está(ão) implícito(s) na elaboração dos contratos. Como resultado, observou-se que os contratos de compra e venda de cana-de-açúcar 2 e 3, compra e venda de mandioca, franquia de bebida/cachaça, franquia de produtos de concreto, franquia de escola de idiomas e parceria agrícola visam resguardar o atributo especificidade do ativo; e contratos de compra e venda de cana-de-açúcar 1, direciona para a freqüência. Já contratos de compra e venda de soja estão mais propensos à incerteza.
O polietilenoglicol aumenta a penetração do vírus da diarréia viral bovina, do vírus da estomatite vesicular e do vírus sincicial respiratório bovino em células de cultivo
Authors: Dezengrini Renata , Cargnelutti Juliana Felipetto , Weiblen Rudi , Flores Eduardo Furtado
Published: January 2009

A baixa eficiência de penetração de alguns vírus em células de cultivo pode representar uma dificuldade para o isolamento e a multiplicação viral in vitro. No presente estudo investigou-se o efeito do polietilenoglicol (PEG) na replicação de sete vírus bovinos em células de linhagem de rim bovino (MDBK). A eficiência de penetração e replicação foi mensurada pela contagem do número de placas virais produzidas em tapetes celulares, após adsorção do inóculo viral (100 DICC50 mL-1) com ou sem a adição de PEG a 5% (peso molecular 6.000). A adição de PEG ao inóculo resultou em aumentos significativos do número de placas para o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) (aumento de 3,4 vezes), vírus da estomatite vesicular (VSV) (2,2 vezes) e vírus respiratório sincicial bovino (BRSV) (1,5 vezes). A adição de PEG não produziu aumento significativo no número de placas dos herpesvírus bovinos 1, 2 e 5 (BoHV-1, BoHV-2 e BoHV-5). Por outro lado, o PEG produziu uma redução do número de placas (1,4 vezes) produzidas pelo vírus da parainfluenza bovina (bPI-3V). A adição de PEG a 5% também aumentou a sensibilidade de detecção (entre 10 e 100 vezes) do BVDV no soro de três bezerros persistentemente infectados. Para o BRSV, a adição de PEG aumentou em duas vezes a sensibilidade do isolamento viral de secreções nasais de duas ovelhas infectadas experimentalmente. Esses resultados demonstram que o PEG aumenta a eficiência de infecção do BVDV, VSV e BRSV em células de cultivo, podendo ser utilizado para aumentar a sensibilidade de detecção desses vírus em amostras clínicas (isolamento viral) e/ou, para aumentar os títulos de vírus produzidos em cultivo celular.
Dermatologia comparativa: dermatoscopia em melanoma cutâneo
Authors: Lopes Otávio Sérgio , Egito Edílson Pinheiro
Published: January 2009

Os autores apresentam imagens de dermatoscopia em uma fruta (manga-rosa), contaminada pela antracnose, mostrando sua semelhança com o melanoma extensivo superficial.
Código dos direitos e deveres da pessoa hospitalizada no SUS: o cotidiano hospitalar na roda de conversa
Authors: Gomes Annatália Meneses de Amorim , Sampaio José Jackson Coelho , Carvalho Maria das Graças Barreto de , Nations Marilyn Kay , Alves Maria Socorro Costa Feitosa
Published: January 2009

Os direitos dos pacientes consistem em dispositivo para mudar a atenção e a gestão no Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar as rodas de conversa sobre os direitos e deveres dos usuários do SUS no âmbito das unidades hospitalares. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, realizado em dois hospitais de Fortaleza, Ceará. Foram promovidas, em cada serviço, três rodas de conversa com 40 trabalhadores de várias profissões e setores. Utilizou-se para o debate o texto do Código de Direitos e Deveres do Paciente no SUS/CE. Os discursos foram analisados segundo a Análise de Conteúdo, consoante Lawrence Bardin. Percebeu-se que normas consolidadas dificultam a efetivação dos direitos, e a roda de conversa ampliou a visão crítica, promovendo discernimento. Esta se revelou importante instrumento de educação para a cidadania e humanização do processo de cuidado.
Lista de discussão como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem na pós-graduação em Saúde
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno Lidia , Pittamiglio Silvia Elsa Lizarralde , Furusato Meiry Akiko
Published: January 2009

As novas tecnologias de mediação eletrônica desafiam os atores do processo educativo e requerem a definição do modelo pedagógico adotado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a lista de discussão como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem numa proposta educativa semipresencial. A lista de discussão foi criada na disciplina Práticas Educativas do curso de especialização em Educação em Saúde. Os núcleos que orientaram a análise dos dados foram: expectativas, possibilidades, dificuldades e papel da lista de discussão no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, na ótica dos discentes. As dificuldades se centraram na disponibilidade de acesso a internet, inexperiência, administração do tempo e ausência de contato pessoal. Quanto às possibilidades, destacaram-se as facilidades espaço-temporais, a ampliação dos canais de comunicação assíncrona e a criação de uma comunidade colaborativa de aprendizagem.
Activins regulate 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I transcription in murine gonadotrope cells
Authors: Bak Beata , Carpio Laura , Kipp Jinjing L , Lamba Pankaj , Wang Ying , Ge Ren-Shan , Hardy Matthew P , Mayo Kelly E , Bernard Daniel J
Published: January 2009

Activins are pleiotropic members of the TGFβ superfamily and were initially characterized based on their abilities to stimulate FSH synthesis and secretion by gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Here, we identified the gene encoding the steroidogenic enzyme, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (17β-HSD1; Hsd17b1), as an activin-responsive gene in immortalized gonadotrope cells, LβT2. 17β-HSD1 catalyzes the conversion of estrone to the more active 17β-estradiol, and activin A stimulated an increase in this enzymatic activity in these cells. We demonstrated that activins signaled via the type I receptor, activin receptor-like kinase (ALK4), and the intracellular signaling protein, SMAD2, to regulate Hsd17b1 transcription in immediate-early fashion. Critical cis-elements, including a minimal SMAD-binding element, were mapped to within 100 bp of the start of transcription. Activin/ALK4 signaling also regulated Hsd17b1 transcription in both immortalized and primary cultured murine granulosa cells. The promoter regions mediating basal and activin/ALK4-regulated promoter activity were generally conserved across the different cell types. The data show that activin A rapidly regulates Hsd17b1 transcription in gonadotrope and granulosa cells and may thereby regulate local 17β-estradiol synthesis.
Identification, localization, and regulation of passerine GnRH-I messenger RNA
Authors: Ubuka Takayoshi , Bentley George E
Published: January 2009

The neuropeptide GnRH-I is critical for the regulation of reproduction in all vertebrates. Study of the regulation of GnRH-I in passerine songbirds has been the focus of studies on subjects as diverse as photoperiodism, puberty, stress, nutrition, processing of auditory information, migration, global climate change, and evolutionary biology. Until now, analysis of GnRH-I in songbirds has been limited to measurement of immunoreactive peptide. Measurement of mRNA regulation has been impossible because of lack of knowledge of the GnRH gene sequence, despite many attempts in the last 20 years to identify it. Thus, the relative roles of environmental, social, physiological, and evolutionary influences upon passerine GnRH regulation have remained enigmatic. Here, we report the first cloning of GnRH-I cDNA from a songbird, Taeniopygia guttata, its localization and regulation. Although the homology of its translated precursor polypeptide between chicken GnRH-I precursor polypeptide was only 54%, zebra finch GnRH-I precursor contained an amino acid sequence that can be processed into chicken GnRH-I peptide (pEHWSYGLQPG-amide). In situ hybridization combined with immunocytochemistry showed co-localization of GnRH-I mRNA and immunoreactive peptide in the preoptic area of sexually mature birds. GnRH-I mRNA signal was greatly reduced in sexually immature birds. Ovary mass of female birds was positively correlated with GnRH-I mRNA level in the brain. These data will now permit molecular analysis of the regulation of songbird reproduction by physical, social, and physiological cues, along with fine scale analysis of selection pressures acting upon the reproductive system of songbirds. (244/250).
LBJ's Revenge: The 2008 Election and the Rise of the Great Society Coalition
Authors: Klinkner Philip A , Schaller Thomas
Published: January 2009

Four decades ago, at the height of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society, Congress passed and the president signed landmark legislation to ensure voting rights, liberalize and expand immigration, and make higher education more accessible. In 2008, a coalition of minorities and upscale whites formed a coalition to elect Barack Obama to the White House. Although many of the Great Society goals remain elusive, the new Democratic majority assembled by Obama represents the emergence of a Great Society electoral coalition.
Whither the Roberts Court?
Authors: Clayton Cornell W. , Christensen Ericka
Published: January 2009

This essay examines the first three terms of the Roberts Court and assesses John Roberts' leadership as Chief Justice. It begins by examining Roberts' appointment to the Court, his constitutional views, and his leadership style. It then turns to examine the Court's major decisions and decision-making trends during its first three terms. It concludes by considering the impact of the recent presidential election on the Court and Roberts' leadership going forward. It contends that although John Roberts has impressive skills as a jurist and a leader of the Court, he is likely to find himself (and thus his ability to lead the Court) increasingly at odds with broader developments in the American politics.
Race and the Moral Character of the Modern American Experience
Authors: Sniderman Paul M. , Stiglitz Edward H.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of this study is two-fold. A central divide in the race-in-politics literature concerns whether people openly profess racially prejudiced statements or confine themselves to subtle racism. Our first objective is to examine this debate using new data from the 2008 election. Our second  and central  objective is to bring out the opposing forces in the politics of race. To this point, all the emphasis has been on the force of prejudice. We show that an opposing force of good will also exists, and that many Americans hold blacks in esteem. Using data collected after the 2008 election, we find that esteem dramatically increases the likelihood of supporting Obama for partisans who disagree with their party on ideological terms (e.g., conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans), but not for partisans who agree with their party ideologically (e.g., liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans).
Presidential Election Forecasts
Authors: Walker David A
Published: January 2009

This paper contrasts election forecasting models that include macro-economic and financial market variables with forecasts by Fair and the Iowa Electronic Market (IEM), as well estimates made by widely recognized pollsters. The Financial Market Model proposed here incorporates the impact of election year stock market changes, including information about the recent financial crisis. However, the Financial Market Model grossly overestimates the challenger's vote share. The IEM forecast of 53.0 percent, the Fair forecast of 51.9 percent, and the Macro-Economic Market model forecast of 51.5 percent were close to the actual vote share of 53.2 percent for the Democratic nominee, but the Financial Market forecast of 59.4 in this paper would have made the president-elect extremely happy.
Survey of the Human Pancreatic β-Cell G1/S Proteome Reveals a Potential Therapeutic Role for Cdk-6 and Cyclin D1 in Enhancing Human β-Cell Replication and Function In Vivo
Authors: Fiaschi-Taesch Nathalie , Bigatel Todd A. , Sicari Brian , Takane Karen K. , Salim Fatima , Velazquez-Garcia Silvia , Harb George , Selk Karen , Cozar-Castellano Irene , Stewart Andrew F.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively inventory the proteins that control the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint in the human islet and compare them with those in the murine islet, to determine whether these might therapeutically enhance human β-cell replication, to determine whether human β-cell replication can be demonstrated in an in vivo model, and to enhance human β-cell function in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-four G1/S regulatory proteins were examined in human islets. Effects of adenoviruses expressing cdk-6, cdk-4, and cyclin D1 on proliferation in human β-cells were studied in both invitro and in vivo models.

RESULTS

Multiple differences between murine and human islets occur, most strikingly the presence of cdk-6 in human β-cells versus its low abundance in the murine islet. Cdk-6 and cyclin D1 in vitro led to marked activation of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation and cell cycle progression with no induction of cell death. Human islets transduced with cdk-6 and cyclin D1 were transplanted into diabetic NOD-SCID mice and markedly outperformed native human islets in vivo, maintaining glucose control for the entire 6 weeks of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The human G1/S proteome is described for the first time. Human islets are unlike their rodent counterparts in that they contain easily measurable cdk-6. Cdk-6 overexpression, alone or in combination with cyclin D1, strikingly stimulates human β-cell replication, both in vitro as well as in vivo, without inducing cell death or loss of function. Using this model, human β-cell replication can be induced and studied in vivo.
Intranasal Insulin Ameliorates Experimental Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Francis George , Martinez Jose , Liu Wei , Nguyen Thuhien , Ayer Amit , Fine Jared , Zochodne Douglas , Hanson Leah R. , Frey William H. , Toth Cory
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that intranasal insulin (I-I) delivery targets the nervous system while avoiding potential adverse systemic effects when compared with subcutaneous insulin (S-I) for experimental streptozotocin-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

I-I or S-I at 0.87 IU daily or placebo were delivered in separate cohorts of diabetic and nondiabetic CD1 mice during 8 months of diabetes. Radiolabeled insulin detection was used to compare delivery and biodistribution for I-I and S-I. Biweekly behavioral testing and monthly electrophysiological and quantitative studies assessed progression of DPN. At and before end point, morphometric analysis of DRG, peripheral nerve, distal epidermal innervation, and specific molecular markers were evaluated.

RESULTS

Radiolabeled I-I resulted in more rapid and concentrated delivery to the spinal cord and DRG with less systemic insulin exposure. When compared with S-I or intranasal placebo, I-I reduced overall mouse mortality and sensory loss while improving neuropathic pain and electrophysiological/morphological abnormalities in diabetic mice. I-I restored mRNA and protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, cyclic AMP response element–binding protein, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β to near normal levels within diabetic DRGs.

CONCLUSIONS

I-I slows the progression of experimental DPN in streptozotocin mice, avoids adverse effects associated with S-I treatment, and prolongs lifespan when compared with S-I. I-I may be a promising approach for the treatment of DPN.
Adipose Overexpression of Desnutrin Promotes Fatty Acid Use and Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Ahmadian Maryam , Duncan Robin E. , Varady Krista A. , Frasson Danubia , Hellerstein Marc K. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Samuel Varman T. , Shulman Gerald I. , Wang Yuhui , Kang Chulho , Sul Hei Sook
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of desnutrin in adipose tissue triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We generated transgenic mice overexpressing desnutrin (also called adipose triglyceride lipase [ATGL]) in adipocytes (aP2-desnutrin) and also performed adenoviral-mediated overexpression of desnutrin in 3T3-L1CARΔ1 adipocytes.

RESULTS

aP2-desnutrin mice were leaner with decreased adipose tissue TAG content and smaller adipocyte size. Overexpression of desnutrin increased lipolysis but did not result in increased serum nonesterified fatty acid levels or ectopic TAG storage. We found increased cycling between diacylglycerol (DAG) and TAG and increased fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes from these mice, as well as improved insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that by increasing lipolysis, desnutrin overexpression causes reduced adipocyte TAG content and attenuation of diet-induced obesity. Desnutrin-mediated lipolysis promotes fatty acid oxidation and re-esterification within adipocytes.
A case of complicated cerebral toxocariasis in a 4-year old child
Authors: Kinčeková J. , Bánovčin P. , Fedor M. , Dubinský P. , Poláček H. , Pavlinová J. , Šimeková K.
Published: January 2009

We report the case of a 4-year-old boy suffering from a cerebral form of toxocariasis. High serum titres of anti-Toxocara antibodies indicated that the primary infection was induced by a high number of Toxocara eggs and that the larvae did not penetrate to cerebrospinal fluid due to the hematoencephalic barrier. MRI of the patient’s brain showed multiple focal lesions spread diffusely in almost all parts of the brain, predominantly paraventricularly. These might be eosinophil-rich granulomatous infiltrates enclosing larvae. Extensive morphological changes were the cause of serious neurological symptoms, most of them being reversible after follow-up therapy. Radiology proved to be useful diagnostic method, but the specific serological assessment had a key role for the final diagnosis. In conclusion, diagnosis of this patient was intracranial primary Toxocara infection with central quadruparesis and parainfective myocarditis.
Fuhrmanolepis beskydensis n.sp. (Cestoda: Dilepididae) from woodcock Scolopax rusticola L.(Aves, Charadriformes) in Slovakia with comments on sytematics and nomenclature of the genus Fuhrmanolepis Spassky et Spasskaya, 1965
Authors: Macko J. , Macková A. , Sabolová-Barl’áková S.
Published: January 2009

Fuhrmanolepis beskydensis n.sp. from woodcock, Scolopax rusticola L. in Slovakia is described based upon light microscope observation. The medium sized species possess a single crown of 21‘diorchid’ (wrench-shaped) hooks, 28–30 μm long. Irregularly alternating genital pores were combined with abnormal multiple shifting of pores within the lateral margins of strobila. Number of testes 18–25. Cirrus-sac and evaginated cirrus are 115–135 × 7–12 and 26 × 6–11 μm, respectively. The species is differentiated from closely related congeneric taxons and some other morphologically similar dilepidids. An attention is being paid to taxonomy and nomenclature of Fuhrma
n
olepis Spassky et Spaskaja, 1965 regarding an emendation of mentioned genus to Fuhrma
nn
olepis by Bona (1994a) and modification of its diagnosis.
Seasonal variation in parasite occurrence and microhabitat distribution of monogenean parasites of gudgeon Gobio gobio (L.)
Authors: Blažek R. , Jarkovský J. , Koubková B. , Gelnar M.
Published: January 2009

Seasonal changes in occurrence, infracommunity composition and microhabitat distribution of the monogenean parasites of gudgeon Gobio gobio (L.) were studied during two years in the River Haná (Czech Republic). Altogether 212 specimens of gudgeon were examined and a total of 6456 specimens of eight monogenean species were recorded: Dactylogyrus cryptomeres, Gyrodactylus gobiensis, Gyrodactylus gobii, Gyrodactylus gasterostei, Gyrodactylus vimbi, Gyrodactylus markakulensis, Gyrodactylus sedelnikowi and Paradiplozoon homoion. The occurrence of monogeneans correlated with seasonal changes of water temperature. In 2001, gyrodactylids peaked in March and D. cryptomeres in May, whereas in 2002, gyrodactylids peaked in May and D. cryptomeres in July. The majority of specimens of all Gyrodactylus species were found on the fins; the remaining specimens of Gyrodactylus were located on the body surface and gills, and all Dactylogyrus and Paradiplozoon specimens were located on the gills. The microhabitat distribution of the monogeneans changed in relation to changing water temperature and intensity of infection.
Effects of land use history and inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumberinum Owen on soil nematodes communities
Authors: Hua J. , Lin X. , Shen W. , Yin R. , Feng Y.
Published: January 2009

A pot culture experiment was carried out to study the effects of land use history and inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumberinum Owen (Foc) on soil nematodes communities during the cucumber growing season in 2007. The results showed that land use history and inoculation had significant effects on the abundance and diversity of soil nematodes. Bacterivores were found to be the most dominant group in this study. Irrespective of inoculation, numbers of fungivores, plant-parasites and values of trophic diversity index (TD) and plant-parasites index (PPI) were greater in greenhouse soils (GH) than in open field vegetable soils (OF) during the growth period of cucumber. While, the number of omnivores-predators and values of richness (SR) and maturity index (MI) presented an opposite trend. Foc inoculation had noticeable effects on numbers of plant-parasites and some taxa, such as Helicotylenchus, Epidorlaimus at flowering stage and Aphelenchus, Tobrilus at fruiting stage. Besides, inoculation significantly affected values of PPI at flowering stage and TD at fruiting stage, respectively. The faunal analysis showed that soil food web in GH was highly disturbed and in OF was degraded.
A coarse-to-fine kernel matching approach for mean-shift based visual tracking
Authors: Liangfu L. , Zuren F. , Weidong C. , Ming J.
Published: January 2009

Mean shift is an efficient pattern match algorithm. It is widely used in visual tracking fields since it need not perform whole search in the image space. It employs gradient optimization method to reduce the time of feature matching and realize rapid object localization, and uses Bhattacharyya coefficient as the similarity measure between object template and candidate template. This thesis presents a mean shift algorithm based on coarse-to-fine search for the best kernel matching. This paper researches for object tracking with large motion area based on mean shift. To realize efficient tracking of such an object, we present a kernel matching method from coarseness to fine. If the motion areas of the object between two frames are very large and they are not overlapped in image space, then the traditional mean shift method can only obtain local optimal value by iterative computing in the old object window area, so the real tracking position cannot be obtained and the object tracking will be disabled. Our proposed algorithm can efficiently use a similarity measure function to realize the rough location of motion object, then use mean shift method to obtain the accurate local optimal value by iterative computing, which successfully realizes object tracking with large motion. Experimental results show its good performance in accuracy and speed when compared with background-weighted histogram algorithm in the literature.
Growth and survival across a gap–understory gradient: Contrast in performance of sexually vs. clonally produced offspring
Authors: Matlaga David P. , Horvitz Carol C.
Published: January 2009

Sexually and clonally produced offspring may respond to environmental heterogeneity by growing and surviving at different rates. In forest understories, the availability of light ranges from low in shaded, closed canopy to high in tree‐fall gaps. We experimentally investigated the growth and survival of both types of offspring in three treatments (gap centers, gap edges, and shaded understory) over 16 months. We expected the demographic performance of both types of offspring to be highest in the centers of gaps and lowest in the shaded understory. However, we expected seedlings to be more sensitive to the gradient in light (larger difference in growth and survival between light levels) than vegetative offspring because of their small size and lack of connection to maternal resources. Both offspring types grew fastest and obtained their largest sizes in gap centers. Contrary to our expectations, offspring types differed in which light conditions favored highest survival. Seedlings survived best in gap centers, while vegetative offspring had their highest survival in the shaded understory. In agreement with our hypothesis, survival and growth of seedlings were more sensitive to light availability, showing a large difference in growth and survival between light levels, compared to vegetative offspring.
Investigation of Variation in Fatigue Life Calculated Using Damage Fraction
Authors: Gunsallus Clifford T. , Nagy Edward , Stennett Patrick G. , Flannelly William G.
Published: January 2009

This paper identifies the leading causes for large variations in the calculated fatigue lives of the hypothetical pitch link experiment of the American Helicopter Society, conducted in cooperation with all U.S. manufacturers of military helicopters. Multivariate Analysis of Variance
(MANOVA) is used to show that approximately 85 percent of the variations can be attributed to only two of the five analytical steps involved and the interactions between them. These steps are the method of cycle counting and the amount of S/N curve reduction.
Intensive Interstitial Strengthening of Stainless Steels
Authors: Berns H. , Gavriljuk V. , Shanina B.
Published: January 2009

The high chromium content of stainless steel impairs the interstitial solubility of carbon in austenite at solution annealing or hardening temperature. Replacing carbon by nitrogen improves the interstitial solubility which is raised most, if carbon and nitrogen are added jointly. Respective thermodynamic equilibrium calculations have led to a new group of austenitic and martensitic steels as well as to a thermochemical surface treatment, that make use of the C + N concept to intensively strengthen stainless steels with about 0.5 to 1 mass% of these interstitials. Pressurized electro slag remelting (PESR) is required to raise the N content in the melt and to avoid degassing during solidification of martensitic stainless steels with C + N known as CRONIDUR®. For austenitic CrMn steels the C + N concept affords to dissolve about 1 mass% of these elements in the melt at atmospheric pressure and keep them in solid solution during solidification of the new CARNIT® steels. Case hardening of stainless martensitic steels with nitrogen instead of carbon, called SolNit®, combines the effect of C in the steel and N dissolved in a surface zone via heat treatment in N2 gas of controlled pressure. The key properties and respective microstructures of these three versions of the C + N concept are discussed along with some applications.
Factors influencing olive oil brand choice in Spain: an empirical analysis using scanner data
Authors: Gázquez‐Abad Juan C. , Sánchez‐Pérez Manuel
Published: January 2009

Olive oil consumption is growing all around the world as a consequence of the extension of the Mediterranean diet. Because of limited production, pricing, promotions, and consumer‐related variables are essential to explain olive oil consumer behavior. As a consequence of this increasing consumption, it is fundamental to analyze the main factors influencing consumers' olive oil choices for both brands and retailers to be able to compete more efficiently and satisfy consumer needs more closely. But, few such studies are concerned with olive oil (although a great many works in the literature analyze the influence of these factors in other product categories). In a sociocultural context like the Spanish market, in which brand awareness is strong and the use of the product is very high, these factors are even more important. Thus, the main objective of this article is to determine and assess how different marketing variables, such as price, price discounts, use of store flyers and loyalty, explain olive oil brand choice. [Econlit citations: M310, Q130]. © 2009 wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Consumer preferences for quality characteristics along the cowpea value chain in Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali
Authors: Mishili Fulgence Joseph , Fulton Joan , Shehu Musa , Kushwaha Saket , Marfo Kofi , Jamal Mustafa , Kergna Alpha , Lowenberg‐DeBoer J.
Published: January 2009

The production and trade of cowpea is a growing business in West Africa. But a better understanding of consumer preferences is essential to market development. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of cowpea grain quality characteristics on market price. The data for the study were collected from markets in Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. Hedonic pricing methods provide a statistical estimate of premiums and discounts. The results indicated that cowpea consumers in Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria are willing to pay a premium for large cowpea grains. Bruchid damage is not statistically significant in any market. The impact of price on other cowpea quality characteristics such as skin color and texture and eye color vary locally. Implications for development of the cowpea value chain are as follows: (a) researchers should identify cost‐effective ways to increase cowpea grain size because larger grain are preferred and (b) serving local markets requires a portfolio of grain skin and eye color and skin texture combinations. [EconLit citations: Q130]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.