bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Galway Consensus Conference: international collaboration on the development of core competencies for health promotion and health education
Authors: Barry Margaret M. , Allegrante John P. , Lamarre Marie-Claude , Auld M. Elaine , Taub Alyson
Published: May 2009

Developing a competent health promotion workforce is a key component of capacity building for the future and is critical to delivering on the vision, values and commitments of global health promotion. This paper reports on an international consensus meeting to identify core competencies, jointly organized by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with participation from international leaders in the field, that took place at the National University of Ireland, Galway, in June 2008. The purpose of the meeting is outlined and the outcomes in terms of strengthening global exchange, collaboration and common approaches to capacity building and workforce development are discussed. The Consensus Statement, based on the proceedings of the meeting, outlines core values and principles, a common definition and eight domains of core competency that are required to engage in effective health promotion practice. The core domains of competency agreed to at the meeting are: catalysing change, leadership, assessment, planning, impementation, evaluation, advocacy and partnerships. A summary of the Consensus Statement is presented and further dialogue and discussion are invited in order to continue the process of building international consensus with regard to health promotion core competencies. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16 (2): pp. 5—11)
A review of the international literature on health promotion competencies: identifying frameworks and core competencies
Authors: Battel-Kirk Barbara , Barry Margaret M. , Taub Alyson , Lysoby Linda
Published: May 2009

Building a competent health promotion workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, implement and evaluate health promotion policies and practice is fundamental to mainstreaming and sustaining health promotion action. This paper reviews the international literature on competencies in health promotion, examines the competencies developed to date, identifies the methods used in their development and considers what can be learned from the experience of others when establishing international core competencies. The paper considers the advantages and disadvantages of employing a competency approach and the extent to which the competencies identified to date can enhance the quality of practice and update the skill set required to work within changing social, cultural and political contexts.
Perspectives on health promotion competencies and accreditation in Europe
Authors: Santa-María Morales Arantxa , Battel-Kirk Barbara , Barry Margaret M. , Bosker Louisa , Kasmel Anu , Griffiths Jenny
Published: May 2009

There is a growing and diverse health promotion workforce in Europe; however, no overall body has responsibility for quality assuring standards of training and professional practice at the European level. This paper provides an overview of recent developments in Europe, including initiatives led by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, in the context of developing a pan-European accreditation system. Specific developments on establishing national-level accreditation processes in the UK, Estonia and The Netherlands are examined. While there is limited experience in this field across Europe, lessons can be learned from those countries with established systems. This paper focuses on those countries which have developed competencies, standards and accreditation systems, and the implications for developing a pan-European accreditation system are discussed. Differences between countries in the formats, content and processes of developing accreditation, coupled with the different educational, practice, political and resource situations, reflect the complexity of developing a pan-European system that is flexible, relevant and comprehensive. The development of competencies, standards and accreditation is not intended to be directed at health promotion specialists alone but aims to assure quality in performance of all those who contribute to health promotion, from whatever background or area of professional practice. It is likely that there will be a need to develop a robust system that will accommodate different levels of accreditation for different levels and fields of practice. Developing a pan-European accreditation system poses a significant challenge but also presents a unique opportunity to form a solid basis for building capacity and assuring quality for health promotion practice, research and training across the European region.
Development and utilization of professional standards in health education and promotion: US and UK experiences
Authors: Speller Viv , Smith Becky J. , Lysoby Linda
Published: May 2009

This article defines standards, discusses the components of standards development, and provides an overview of the use of standards in the credentialing processes of health promotion and education specialists. Credentialing or registering agencies related to health promotion and education in the US and UK are identified and their role in credentialing processes is discussed. Examples outlining the development and application of professional standards in both the UK and US are presented. In order to advance the development of international competencies in health promotion, and move towards agreement between different country accrediting systems, there needs to be additional clarification and/or standardization of health promotion terminology at the global level, and further in-depth work to review the implementation of different systems on the ground to enhance our common understanding of the standards employed and competencies required in order to assist the development and utilization of standards for health promotion and education specialists in various countries/regions. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16 (2): pp. 32—41)
Health promotion competencies: providing a road map for health promotion to assume a prominent role in global health
Authors: Shilton Trevor
Published: May 2009

Understanding of health and its determinants is rapidly expanding and changing. The emergence of chronic diseases as the leading cause of global disease burden and improved understanding of social determinants of health has brought greater focus to the role of prevention in health. The IUHPE has shown outstanding leadership through the Galway Consensus Statement. Its three recommendations appropriately focus on stimulating dialogue, developing global consensus and communicating the results to key stakeholders. The IUHPE can further enhance progress of the statement by developing participative processes to ensure engagement and ownership by its members. The Galway Consensus Statement can be used to advance professional standards in global health promotion by: (1) providing a common language by which health promotion and its meaning can be communicated to others; (2) providing a framework for building capacity in the health promotion workforce and in the health workforce in general; (3) providing international consensus for consistency in university health promotion courses; (4) providing a framework for credentialing in health promotion; (5) better informing health promotion engagement with other significant workforce sectors and advancing partnership as a key way of working. A vital further application of the Galway Consensus Statement is to inform advocacy. Advocacy is vital to ensure health promotion is better resourced and prioritized by policy makers. Advocacy and communication are vital tools to highlight the evidence, establish the policy fit and infrastructure requirements of health promotion, and present health promotion solutions based on evidence of effectiveness.
Health promotion competency building in Africa: a call for action
Authors: Onya Hans E.
Published: May 2009

The 26 leading authorities in competency-based and accreditation movements in global health promotion, health education, and public health identified eight domains of core competency that are required to engage in effective health promotion practice. The conference held in Galway, Ireland, issued a statement on building competency of health education and health promotion practitioners. Almost all the countries in the African region have structures for health education and/or health promotion that will benefit from the outcome of this conference, a first of its kind. Countries such as South Africa, Botswana and Nigeria have policies that support health education and health promotion development, and capacity building will be encouraged by the Consensus Statement to concentrate on identifying and building capacity within existing infrastructures across government and community sectors. South Africa attempted to establish a Standard Generating Board (SGB) for Health Promotion that envisaged the development of standards and qualifications for part of the second learner category, who hold the National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 5 certificate in health promotion. The author of this commentary joins other colleagues in congratulating the Galway conference participants for identifying the eight domains of core competency that are necessary if health promotion and health education are to develop into a distinct discipline, particularly in the African region.
Towards the development of skills-based health promotion competencies: the Canadian experience
Authors: Hyndman Brian
Published: May 2009

The health promotion competencies presented in the Galway Consensus Conference Statement build on an emerging international literature that includes a proposed set of Canadian competencies developed for health promotion practitioners. In Canada, the creation of draft health promotion competencies by Health Promotion Ontario (HPO) was fueled by increased concerns about the potential marginalization of health promotion as well as a national public health renewal process that placed increased emphasis on competency development as a means of strengthening the public health workforce. This commentary presents the proposed Canadian competencies and provides an overview of the process utilized to develop them. Key similarities and differences between the proposed Canadian competencies and the competencies outlined in the Consensus Statement are also explored. The Canadian experience illustrates the way in which national health promotion competencies can be shaped by cultural and political factors unique to a specific jurisdiction.
La formación de recursos humanos y el desarrollo de competencias para la capacitación en promoción de la salud en América Latina
Authors: Arroyo Hiram V.
Published: May 2009

El tema de la formación de recursos humanos en promoción de la salud ha generado gran interés en los ámbitos universitarios, en las organizaciones profesionales y en el sector de servicios de salud a nivel global y regional. Algunos de los asuntos que han motivado discusiones y acciones a nivel regional han sido los siguientes: interés en el desarrollo de guías curriculares y propuestas de competencias profesionales para los programas académicos de especialización en promoción de la salud; definición de competencias y saberes para orientar otras iniciativas de capacitación en promoción de la salud principalmente para el personal de salud pública en servicio directo; fortalecimiento y expansión de las redes académicas y profesionales en promoción de la salud a nivel Iberoamericano; desarrollo de reuniones, eventos académicos y publicaciones sobre el tema. Durante los años académicos 2006 al 2008 el Consorcio Interamericano de Universidades y Centros de Formación de Personal en Educación para la Salud y Promoción de la Salud (CIUEPS) ha estado analizando información acerca de los enfoques, las competencias y las características de los programas de formación de recursos humanos en promoción de la salud y educación para la salud en Iberoamérica. Como parte del análisis se observan diferencias de enfoques curriculares en las modalidades de pregrado, postgrado y otras ofertas académicas con diferentes tipos de certificación académica-profesional. Tanto el CIUEPS como otras entidades de América Latina han reiterado los desafíos en el ámbito de la formación de recursos humanos en promoción de la salud en la región. Entre ellos se destacan los siguientes: mantener un foro activo para la afinación de las competencias profesionales; ampliar las ofertas curriculares en diversas modalidades en el ámbito de la promoción de la salud; desarrollar cursos de promoción de la salud en otras disciplinas relacionadas; incrementar las redes y las acciones de intercambio académico entre las instituciones formadoras en la región Latinoamericana e Iberoamericana; fomentar el desarrollo de cursos internacionales sobre promoción de la salud; aumentar la producción teórica-conceptual sobre promoción de la salud y sus aplicaciones y variantes en el contexto de América Latina; mejorar las acciones de difusión de experiencias a través de publicaciones, conferencias y redes electrónicas de intercambio de información.
Transatlantic Foreign Reporting and Foreign Correspondents After 9/11
Authors: Hahn Oliver , Lönnendonker Julia
Published: May 2009

Since the attacks of 9/11, U.S. media coverage of foreign news has changed significantly. As part of a wider study, this research identifies trends in reporting Europe in the United States after 9/11. Following a summary of the current state of research, the study’s methodological design is discussed. It is based on a sample of 27 qualitative semistructured in-depth interviews with foreign correspondents working for different U.S. media outlets in Europe. The interviewed correspondents describe that since 9/11, U.S. public interest in 9/11-related foreign affairs has increased while general U.S. foreign news coverage has decreased further. With the geographic news focus shifted toward the Middle East, Europe-based U.S. foreign correspondents increasingly report about Muslim communities in Europe. The article also discusses perspectives pertaining to the future development of transatlantic foreign reporting and foreign correspondents in the post-9/11 era.
Videomalaise or Virtuous Circle?
Authors: Avery James M.
Published: May 2009

Some scholars argue that exposure to news media has a negative effect on public trust in government, while others maintain that the relationship between media exposure and political trust is positive and reciprocal. The current study departs from most research in this area by focusing on how both news source and individual characteristics of news consumers moderate the influence of news exposure on political trust. Employing several panel studies from a survey specifically designed to investigate media use and campaign dynamics during the 2000 presidential election, the current study makes several novel contributions to the literature. Specifically, the author finds that the influence of news media on political trust—positive or negative—is dependent on both the news source (i.e., newspaper or television) and individuals’ existing level of political trust. Those with low levels of political trust do not become more or less trusting following news exposure regardless of the news source. However, those with higher levels of political trust become more trusting following exposure to newspapers and less trusting following exposure to television news.
Local Media, Public Opinion, and State Legislative Policies
Authors: Tan Yue , Weaver David H.
Published: May 2009

This study aims to explore first-level agenda setting at the state level. In particular, it examines the relationships among media coverage of local newspapers, state-level public opinion, and state legislative policies. In addition, it tests two state-level intervening factors: state legislative professionalism and state political culture. This study includes a geographic scope of eighteen U.S. states and a time period of twenty-two years from 1984 to 2006. The media agenda is represented by the news coverage of a state’s most popular newspaper. The public agenda employs a survey question asking, “What is the most important issue facing the state?” The policy agenda is defined by the number of bills that are introduced in the state house. This study finds a moderate and positive relationship between the newspaper agenda and the public agenda in five U.S. states from 1984 to 1997, a strong positive relationship between the newspaper agenda and the policy agenda in fifteen U.S. states from 1989 to 2006, and a weak positive relationship between the public agenda and the policy agenda in South Carolina in 1989 and 1990. State political culture moderates the degree of agenda-setting effects between the newspaper coverage and the legislative policies.
Effect of nanoclay content on properties of glass–waterborne epoxy laminates at low clay loading
Authors: Aktas L. , Altan M. C.
Published: May 2009

The effect of nanoclay content on the properties of glass fibre reinforced, waterborne epoxy laminates is investigated. Fourteen ply nanocomposite laminates containing 0, 0·1, 0·2, 0·5, 1 and 2 wt-% cloisite Na+ nanoclay are fabricated by a hot press. The interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength and flexural stiffness of the fabricated nanocomposites are characterised. In addition, the thermal stability of the laminates is investigated using thermogravimetric analysis; the state of dispersion is studied by X-ray diffraction, and the fibre–matrix adhesion is assessed using scanning electron microscopy on fracture surfaces. Mechanical properties peaked at a nanoclay loading of 0·5 wt-%. At this low nanoclay loading, the improvements in interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength and flexural stiffness were 5, 8 and 12% respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated moderate improvements in thermal stability. X-ray diffraction, on the other hand, indicated complete exfoliation of nanoclay platelets for 0·1, 0·2 and 0·5 wt-% loadings. A subtle peak appeared for nanoclay loadings of 1 and 2 wt-% at a gallery spacing of 17 Å. Scanning electron micrographs indicated improved fibre–matrix adhesion with increasing nanoclay content as evidenced by increased amount of matrix residues on the fibre bundles after fracture.
Microstructural evolution of equal channel angular pressed AZ91D magnesium alloy during partial remelting
Authors: Chen T. J. , Ma Y. , Li Y. D. , Lu G. X. , Hao Y.
Published: May 2009

In the present work, the authors investigated the microstructural evolution process of equal channel angular pressed (ECAPed) AZ91D magnesium alloy during partial remelting, and the effects of pressing pass, pressing route and heating temperature on the semisolid microstructures. The results indicated that the microstructure evolution could be divided into four steps: the initial coarsening due to the dissolution of interdendritic eutectics, structure separation resulting from the melting of the residual eutectic and the penetration of the firstly formed liquid into the recrystallised boundaries, spheroidisation due to the partial melting of primary particles and final coarsening attributed to Ostwald ripening. Correspondingly, a series of phase transformations occurred in turn: β→ a, a→ β→ L and α→ L. The variation of the primary particles with heating time obeyed the Lifshitz, Slyozov and Wagner law, D3(t)– D3(0)= Kt, after the semisolid system was up to liquid–solid equilibrium state. Increasing the heating temperature was beneficial for obtaining an ideal semisolid microstructure because of the decreased tendency of the primary particles to merge. With the increase in pressing pass, the size of the primary particles decreased and their morphology tended to be more spheroidal. Simultaneously, the amount of liquid phase slightly increased because an increased amount of structure melted due to the increased energy stored in the alloy. At a given pressing pass, the semisolid microstructure of the alloy processed by route BC was quite ideal for thixoforming while that of the alloy processed by route A was not completely suitable. In addition, because of the difference in the stored energy, the liquid amount of the former alloy was obviously larger than that of the latter alloy.
Microstructural investigation of Cu2+ doped nanohydroxyapatites
Authors: Evis Z.
Published: May 2009

Pure and Cu2+ doped nanohydroxyapatites were synthesised by a precipitation method to investigate the effect of Cu2+ ions on the structure of hydroxyapatite (HA) and its thermal stability after the air sintering at 1100°C. A small amount of CaO was observed in the Cu2+ doped HAs after the X-ray diffraction results. The addition of Cu2+ changed the hexagonal lattice parameters of the HA and resulted in smaller grain size after sintering at 1100°C. The addition of Cu2+ ions into HA resulted in smaller grain sizes (between 282 and 248 nm).
Effect of temperature and reactivity of molten 55Al–Zn alloy on Co based alloy coatings
Authors: Scheid A. , d'Oliveira A. S. C. M.
Published: May 2009

The short service life of bearings in galvanising industry is a result of a complex set of deterioration mechanisms. This work addressed the effect of temperature and molten bath reactivity on the material of the bearings respectively. Three commercial alloys, the Co–Cr–W Stellite 6 and Co–Cr–Mo–Si Tribaloy (T400 and T800) alloy systems, were deposited by plasma transferred arc on AISI 316L plates. Coatings were evaluated for the effect of temperature exposure on hardness, microstructure and sliding abrasive wear. The reactivity with the molten 55Al–Zn alloy was assessed by immersion tests in an industrial bath. Results showed that exposure at 600°C for 168 h resulted in an increase in hardness, microstructure changes and loss of wear resistance for the Stellite 6 coatings. A superior performance to temperature was shown by Tribaloy T800 with a stable abrasive wear resistance. The three alloys exhibited a strong reactivity with the 55Al–Zn molten bath. An intermetallic layer formed on the coatings as the Al from the bath reacted with elements from the Co based alloys. This reactivity consumed the coatings, causing a reduction on thickness particularly on those processed with the T800 alloy.
Synthesis optimisation and characterisation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes produced by spray pyrolysis of hexane
Authors: Sadeghian Z. , Rashidi A. M.
Published: May 2009

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been prepared by spray pyrolysing of hexane as the carbon source in the presence of ferrocene as catalyst precursor using H2 as the carrier gas. The process has been studied as a function of various experimental parameters in order to obtain optimal preparation conditions. The morphology and structure of the samples were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectra and Raman spectroscopy analyses. The optimum synthesis parameters have obtained including the sublimation temperature of 140°C, the growth temperature of 900°C, the growth time of 45 min, the ferrocene concentration in hexane of 2·5 g/100 mL, the flow rate of hexane and H2 of 2 cm3 min–1 and 300 sccm respectively.
Joining of SiC particle reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites by electromagnetic field aided brazing method
Authors: Yu Z. S. , Li R. F. , Qi K.
Published: May 2009

In order to control the behaviour of the SiC reinforced particles during the brazing process, a new method of electromagnetic field aided brazing (EMFAB) has been developed to join SiCp/A356 Al metal matrix composites with Zn–Al filler. The microstructural characteristics of the joint interface have been analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the behaviour of the reinforced particles in the solidifying brazing seam is controlled effectively by applying the electromagnetic field when the magnetic intensity is 0·5 T, ac square current frequency is 100 Hz and peak current value is 70 A. The SiC particles distribute homogeneously throughout the brazing seam without segregation behaviour at the joint interface. Moreover, the joining mechanisms of the EMFAB method have been given in detail.
Effect of current density on distribution and roughness of nanocrystallites for duplex treatment
Authors: Aliofkhazraei M. , Rouhaghdam A. S.
Published: May 2009

Up to fourth moment distribution of carbide nanocrystallites produced by duplex treatments of surface nanocrystallisation and pulsed plasma electrolytic carburising on AISI 316 stainless steel was investigated by means of figure analysis with high precision. Skewness and kurtosis study of Gaussian distribution have been studied, and the effect of current density has been determined. The usage of higher current densities is more suitable for achieving lower sizes of carbide nanocrystallites. Surface roughness of treated samples was measured, and it has been observed that there is an optimum level of current density for surface roughness increasing (difference between two measured data).
Investigation of thermal properties of Al–Si matrix reinforced fine SiCp composites
Authors: Abdullah Y. , Daud A. R. , Harun M. , Shamsudin R.
Published: May 2009

The characterisation of thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity of Al–Si matrix alloy and Al–Si alloy reinforced with fine SiCp (5 and 20 wt-%) composites fabricated by stir casting process are investigated. The results show that with increasing temperature up to 350°C, thermal expansion of composites increases and slowly reduces when the temperature reaches to 500°C. The values of both thermal expansion and conductivity of composites are less than those for Al–Si matrix. Microstructure and particles/matrix interface properties play an important role in the thermal properties of composites. Thermal properties of composites are strongly dependent on the weight percentage of SiCp.
Fatigue propagation of long cracks in ferritic thin wall ductile iron castings
Authors: Caldera M. , Chapetti M. , Massone J. M. , Sikora J. A.
Published: May 2009

The present work focuses on the fatigue propagation of long cracks in ferritic ductile iron parts of varied thickness. Samples were taken from thin wall ductile iron plates and standard ‘Y’ blocks with nodule counts ranging from 250 to 2200 nod/mm2 and ferrite grain sizes from 70 to 150 μm. Fatigue crack propagation threshold Δ Kth and Paris law constants C and m were measured, and the influence of the microstructure refinement (established through nodule count and grain size) on the characteristics of the fatigue fracture surface was analysed. The results show that, once the crack is initiated, the fatigue crack growth threshold diminishes as the microstructure is refined, while the rate of growth remains practically unaltered. The crack path preferentially intersects graphite nodules and is mostly transgranular through the ferrite grains. Nevertheless, at low levels of Δ K, a low percentage of intergranular fracture was also observed.
Power, Politeness, and the Pragmatics of Nicknames
Authors: Adams Michael
Published: May 2009

AbstractNicknames distribute power within a social group: they can be imposed, or they can be used by agreement between namer and named. This is not the difference between political and apolitical uses of nicknames: agreement is a political act, the result of social negotiation, in which the nickname is a token. Agreement is a matter of pragmatics and politeness, so a theory of nicknames and nicknaming depends on the pragmatics of nicknames and the politeness structures implicated in them, rather than conventional logico-semantic accounts of names. Negotiation of social power within the constraints of speech acts and maxims of politeness leads to iterations of “naming contracts” between named and namer, such that nicknames are politically focusing social objects.
Residential Toponyms and Urban Change (1890–2000) in a Seaside Resort Town, Benicàssim, Spain
Authors: Chabrera Vicent Ortells , Kent Robert B.
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the naming patterns of residential dwellings in a seaside resort town, Benicàssim (Valencia), on Spain's Mediterranean coast. The fieldwork encompassed a survey of over 500 dwelling units along the town's coastal margin which has been developed over the last 100 years. Names, specifically personal names and surnames, are most commonly used, with women's name's being most frequent. Almost invariably these are associated with single-family dwellings. Geographical referents, usually of invoking exotic destinations and references to the sun and sea represent other significant categories. These names are used as toponyms for apartment buildings and other multi-unit residences. Recent naming patterns, usually for apartments, include a number of made-up names using prefixes or suffixes referring to the local area.
Compensatory evolution for a gene deletion is not limited to its immediate functional network
Authors: Harcombe WR , Springman R , Bull JJ
Published: May 2009

Background

Genetic disruption of an important phenotype should favor compensatory mutations that restore the phenotype. If the genetic basis of the phenotype is modular, with a network of interacting genes whose functions are specific to that phenotype, compensatory mutations are expected among the genes of the affected network. This perspective was tested in the bacteriophage T3 using a genome deleted of its DNA ligase gene, disrupting DNA metabolism.

Results

In two replicate, long-term adaptations, phage compensatory evolution accommodated the low ligase level provided by the host without reinventing its own ligase. In both lines, fitness increased substantially but remained well below that of the intact genome. Each line accumulated over a dozen compensating mutations during long-term adaptation, and as expected, many of the compensatory changes were within the DNA metabolism network. However, several compensatory changes were outside the network and defy any role in DNA metabolism or biochemical connection to the disruption. In one line, these extra-network changes were essential to the recovery. The genes experiencing compensatory changes were moderately conserved between T3 and its relative T7 (25% diverged), but the involvement of extra-network changes was greater in T3.

Conclusion

Compensatory evolution was only partly limited to the known functionally interacting partners of the deleted gene. Thus gene interactions contributing to fitness were more extensive than suggested by the functional properties currently ascribed to the genes. Compensatory evolution offers an easy method of discovering genome interactions among specific elements that does not rest on an a priori knowledge of those elements or their interactions.
plantsUPS: a database of plants' Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Authors: Du Zhou , Zhou Xin , Li Li , Su Zhen
Published: May 2009

Background

The ubiquitin 26S/proteasome system (UPS), a serial cascade process of protein ubiquitination and degradation, is the last step for most cellular proteins. There are many genes involved in this system, but are not identified in many species. The accumulating availability of genomic sequence data is generating more demands in data management and analysis. Genomics data of plants such as Populus trichocarpa, Medicago truncatula, Glycine max and others are now publicly accessible. It is time to integrate information on classes of genes for complex protein systems such as UPS.

Results

We developed a database of higher plants' UPS, named 'plantsUPS'. Both automated search and manual curation were performed in identifying candidate genes. Extensive annotations referring to each gene were generated, including basic gene characterization, protein features, GO (gene ontology) assignment, microarray probe set annotation and expression data, as well as cross-links among different organisms. A chromosome distribution map, multi-sequence alignment, and phylogenetic trees for each species or gene family were also created. A user-friendly web interface and regular updates make plantsUPS valuable to researchers in related fields.

Conclusion

The plantsUPS enables the exploration and comparative analysis of UPS in higher plants. It now archives > 8000 genes from seven plant species distributed in 11 UPS-involved gene families. The plantsUPS is freely available now to all users at http://bioinformatics.cau.edu.cn/plantsUPS.
Identification of ColR binding consensus and prediction of regulon of ColRS two-component system
Authors: Kivistik Paula A , Kivi Rait , Kivisaar Maia , Hõrak Rita
Published: May 2009

Background

Conserved two-component system ColRS ofPseudomonasgenus has been implicated in several unrelated phenotypes. For instance, deficiency ofP. putidaColRS system results in lowered phenol tolerance, hindrance of transposition of Tn4652and lysis of a subpopulation of glucose-grown bacteria. In order to discover molecular mechanisms behind these phenotypes, we focused here on identification of downstream components of ColRS signal transduction pathway.

Results

First, highly similar ColR binding sites were mapped upstream of outer membrane protein-encodingoprQand a putative methyltransferase-encoding PP0903. These two ColR binding sequences were used as an input in computational genome-wide screening for new potential ColR recognition boxes upstream of different genes inP. putida. Biological relevance of a set ofin silicopredicted ColR-binding sites was analysedin vivoby studying the effect of ColR on transcription from promoters carrying these sites. This analysis disclosed seven novel genes of which six were positively and one negatively regulated by ColR. Interestingly, all promoters tested responded more significantly to the over-expression than to the absence of ColR suggesting that either ColR is limiting or ColS-activating signal is low under the conditions applied. The binding sites of ColR in the promoters analysed were validated by gel mobility shift and/or DNase I footprinting assays. ColR binding consensus was defined according to seven ColR binding motifs mapped by DNase I protection assay and this consensus was used to predict minimal regulon of ColRS system.

Conclusion

Combined usage of experimental and computational approach enabled us to define the binding consensus for response regulator ColR and to discover several new ColR-regulated genes. For instance, genes of outer membrane lipid A 3-O-deacylase PagL and cytoplasmic membrane diacylglycerol kinase DgkA are the members of ColR regulon. Furthermore, over 40 genes were predicted to be putatively controlled by ColRS two-component system inP. putida. It is notable that many of ColR-regulated genes encode membrane-related products thus confirming the previously proposed role of ColRS system in regulation of membrane functionality.
Alterations in transcriptional responses associated with vascular aging
Authors: Zhan Yumei , Yuan Lei , Oettgen Peter
Published: May 2009

Vascular aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease that can occur in the absence of other traditional risk factors. Inflammation is a hallmark of vascular aging that ultimately leads to structural changes in the vessel wall including an increase in medial thickness and perivascular fibrosis. Several classes of transcription factors have been identified that participate in the regulation of cellular responses associated with vascular aging. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is the prototypic example of a transcriptional activator in the setting of inflammation, being activated in response to multiple inflammatory mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial endotoxin. In contrast, the activation of the nuclear hormone receptor and transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) results in its translocation from the cell surface to the nucleus where it exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Vascular aging is also associated with endothelial dysfunction. One important repair mechanism for improving endothelial function is the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In the setting of aging the number of EPCs diminishes which has been linked to a decrease in the activity and/or expression of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 alpha. A change in the balance of the activity of pro-inflammatory transcription factors versus those that inhibit inflammation likely contributes to the process of vascular aging. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of these age-related changes in transcriptional responses, and to discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting some of these factors.
Proteomic and network analysis characterize stage-specific metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Roberts Seth B , Robichaux Jennifer L , Chavali Arvind K , Manque Patricio A , Lee Vladimir , Lara Ana M , Papin Jason A , Buck Gregory A
Published: May 2009

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi is a Kinetoplastid parasite of humans and is the cause of Chagas disease, a potentially lethal condition affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of the human host. Constraint-based modeling has emerged in the last decade as a useful approach to integrating genomic and other high-throughput data sets with more traditional, experimental data acquired through decades of research and published in the literature.

Results

We present a validated, constraint-based model of the core metabolism of Trypanosoma cruzi strain CL Brener. The model includes four compartments (extracellular space, cytosol, mitochondrion, glycosome), 51 transport reactions, and 93 metabolic reactions covering carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism. In addition, we make use of several replicate high-throughput proteomic data sets to specifically examine metabolism of the morphological form of T. cruzi in the insect gut (epimastigote stage).

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the utility of constraint-based models for integrating various sources of data (e.g., genomics, primary biochemical literature, proteomics) to generate testable hypotheses. This model represents an approach for the systematic study of T. cruzi metabolism under a wide range of conditions and perturbations, and should eventually aid in the identification of urgently needed novel chemotherapeutic targets.
Enhanced synaptic long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult wild mice as compared with that in laboratory mice
Authors: Zhao Ming-Gao , Toyoda Hiroki , Wang Yu-Kun , Zhuo Min
Published: May 2009

Activation of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is important for learning, memory and persistent pain. Genetic enhancement of NMDA receptor function by overexpressing NR2B subunit significantly enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), behavioral learning as well as persistent pain. Recent studies found that NMDA NR2B subunits can undergo long-term upregulation in the brain under certain conditions including peripheral injury and environmental enrichment. Considering the fact that laboratory grown animals live in an artificial comfort environment, we wondered if NMDA receptor functions and its related LTP would differ in animals living in a natural wild environment. In this report we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from both laboratory wild-type mice and wild mice from a natural environment. We found that LTP was significantly enhanced in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the wild mice as compared with that of laboratory mice. In parallel, NMDA receptor NR2B/total NMDA receptor mediated EPSC ratio was significantly increased in slices of wild mice. Our findings provide the first evidence that NMDA NR2B receptors play an important role in experience-dependent synaptic potentiation within the ACC in wild mice as previously reported in laboratory mice.
Different properties of ACPA and IgM-RF derived from a large dataset: further evidence of two distinct autoantibody systems
Authors: Ursum Jennie , Bos Wouter H , van de Stadt Rob J , Dijkmans Ben AC , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan
Published: May 2009

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine seroconversion and the relationship with age and inflammation of autoantibodies in a large group of patients attending an outpatient rheumatology clinic.

Methods

Levels of antibodies to citrullinated proteins/peptides (ACPAs) and IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) were determined in 22,427 samples collected from 18,658 patients. The diagnosis was derived from a diagnosis registration system. The degree of seroconversion in repeated samples and the correlation of levels with age and inflammatory markers were determined for ACPA and IgM-RF in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-RA patients.

Results

Seventy-one percent of RA patients (n = 1,524) were ACPA-positive and 53% were IgM-RF-positive; in non-RA patients (n = 2,245), the corresponding values were 2% and 4%, respectively. In patients with at least two samples (n = 3,769), ACPA status was more stable than IgM-RF status in RA patients. ACPA- or IgM-RF-negative non-RA patients seldom became positive. ACPA positivity was unrelated to age in both RA and non-RA patients. IgM-RF positivity was unrelated to age in RA patients; however, it increased with age in non-RA patients. The correlation between autoantibody levels and inflammatory markers was low in general and was somewhat higher for IgM-RF than for ACPA.

Conclusions

ACPA status is more stable in time and with increasing age than IgM-RF status, further establishing its role as a disease-specific marker. ACPA and IgM-RF levels are only moderately correlated with markers of inflammation.
Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) stimulates neutrophil effector functions
Authors: Osterloh Anke , Geisinger Frank , Piédavent Melanie , Fleischer Bernhard , Brattig Norbert , Breloer Minka
Published: May 2009

HSP60 functions as a chemoattractant and activator of neutrophil granulocytes.

Neutrophil granulocytes belong to the first cells that enter sites of infection, where they eliminate infiltrating pathogens via phagocytosis and the release of antimicrobial mediators. Hence, recruitment of neutrophils and activation of neutrophil microbicidal functions are crucial steps in the early containment of infection. In this study, we show that hHSP60 binds to murine and human PMN strongly and specifically. We demonstrate that HSP60 serves as a chemoattractant and modulates neutrophil functions. Human PMN were incubated with HSP60 alone or prior to stimulation with fMLP or PMA acetate. We observed that HSP60, although not inducing neutrophil release of ROS and degranulation itself, strongly enhanced the production of reactive oxygen induced by PMA and the release of primary granule enzymes induced by both secondary stimuli. This sensitization of PMN was HSP60-specific. Moreover, PMN that had been preincubated with HSP60 exhibited a marked increase in the uptake of opsonized Escherichia coli in the absence of additional stimuli. Taken together, our results show for the first time that HSP60 modulates antimicrobial effector functions of neutrophil granulocytes. In this way and in agreement with its function as an endogenous danger signal, HSP60, which is released by damaged tissue, may promote early innate defense mechanisms against invading pathogens.
High-temperature strain field measurement using digital image correlation
Authors: Grant B M B , Stone H J , Withers P J , Preuss M
Published: May 2009

A method is presented for obtaining good images of sample surfaces at high temperatures, suitable for strain measurement, by digital image correlation (DIC) without the use of surface markers or speckles. This is accomplished by suppressing black-body radiation through the use of filters and blue illumination. Using only relatively low levels of illumination the method is demonstrated to be capable of providing accurate DIC measurements up to 1100 °C, and the potential to monitor strains to 1400 °C is identified. The capability of the method is demonstrated by measuring the Young's modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion of a nickel-base superalloy at temperatures from ambient to 1000 °C; two parameters that are well established in the literature and that require high strain sensitivity for their reliable determination.
A comparison of numerical methods used for finite element modelling of soft tissue deformation
Authors: Pathmanathan P , Gavaghan D , Whiteley J
Published: May 2009

Soft tissue deformation is often modelled using incompressible non-linear elasticity, with solutions computed using the finite element method. There are a range of options available when using the finite element method, in particular the polynomial degree of the basis functions used for interpolating position and pressure, and the type of element making up the mesh. The effect of these choices on the accuracy of the computed solution is investigated, using a selection of model problems motivated by typical deformations seen in soft tissue modelling. Model problems are set up with discontinuous material properties (as is the case for the breast), steeply changing gradients in the body force (as found in contracting cardiac tissue), and discontinuous first derivatives in the solution at the boundary, caused by a discontinuous applied force (as in the breast during mammography). It was found that the choice of pressure basis functions is vital in the presence of a material interface, higher-order schemes do not perform as well as may be expected when there are sharp gradients, and in general it is important to take the expected regularity of the solution into account when choosing a numerical scheme.
Analysis of crack evolution in fretting fatigue with spherical contact
Authors: Navarro C , Muñoz S , Domínguez J
Published: May 2009

This paper analyses various procedures for predicting crack growth as a function of the number of cycles in fretting fatigue tests with spherical contact. The evolution of the crack is calculated using fracture mechanics starting from an initial defect. Different growth laws are considered, including the behaviour of small cracks, by modifying either the threshold or the effective stress intensity factor value. Theoretical results are compared with those obtained in tests on Al 7075 T651. Results show that, although the final lives predicted by the different laws are similar, the predicted crack evolution does vary, and the most precise law is the one that modifies the growth threshold.
Measuring the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo using digital image correlation and finite element modelling
Authors: Evans S L , Holt C A
Published: May 2009

The mechanical properties of the skin are important in many applications, but are not well understood. This paper presents a method for measuring the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo using digital image correlation, with a finite element model that was used to optimize the material properties to obtain the best match with the model data. The skin was modelled as an Ogden hyperelastic membrane, with a tension field wrinkling model and an initial stretch identified as an additional material parameter, and the boundary conditions were the measured load and the displacements around the edge of the region of interest. Fast, reliable convergence was obtained using a Hager–Zhang non-linear conjugate gradient solver. A stochastic optimization procedure was used to identify the material parameters.

Good estimates of the material parameters could be obtained from the displacement field at a single time point. Typical material parameters were μ = 10 Pa, α = 26, and an initial strain of 0.2. These parameters were not unique; the stochastic optimization procedure gave good global convergence and an indication of the overall uncertainty in the identification of the results. It is argued that the use of the DIC technique, which generates very large amounts of data, also gave a clearer picture of the overall uncertainty.