bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception
Authors: Dhingra Manish , Dhingra Vaishali
Published: April 2011

Perception is a very complex cognitive process that yields a unique picture of the world, a picture that may be quite different from reality. A number of factors operate to shape and sometimes distort perception. These factors can reside in the perceiver, in the object or target being perceived, or in the context of the situation in which perception is made. Understanding the complex process of perception is very important in the study of Organizational Behaviour as human behaviour is based on their perception of what reality is and not on reality itself. Recognition of the difference between perceptual world and the real world is not only vital to the understanding of Organizational Behaviour but also essential for any individual to achieve the ultimate goal (that is, Moksha). This article explores the understanding of perception process in the spiritual perspective. The objective of the article is to synchronize the psychological perspective with the scriptures’ perspective of the perceptual process. Incorrect perceptions known as illusions (caused by Maya) and reasons underlying the perception distortions can be better examined, understood and controlled by the underlying philosophies in the Vedic literature, Bhagwad Gita and various Indian scriptures. The concept of Samskara, Sthitaprajna and Anaasakti mentioned in scriptures provide an insight for improving perception.
Ethical-based Curriculum for Emerging Education towards an Ideal Society
Authors: Teja B. Bhargava
Published: April 2011

An ethical curriculum depends on the ability to impart skill with knowledge for making the best use of the learning processes. It can further advance only when one explores different value dimensions with additional goals in education than mere technical goal with an appropriate curriculum. An ethical curriculum provides character formation for the well-being of an individual which is even more important than cultivation of intellect. However, the present education system offers no provision to gain experience in social virtues while studying, as a result of which even the well-qualified are not being readily accepted as serious social citizens. A curriculum with ethics will be able to address and advise various social diversities in a holistic manner and also elevate a society with values to greater heights. So, the main aim of ethical education is to provide statesmanship and academic heroism to create a good society for holistic thinkers. Various methods and techniques have been designed for ethical curriculum and faculty development with clear oracle and action to act as a nursery towards total personality development of an individual for emerging education.
Inclusion for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Stahmer Aubyn C. , Akshoomoff Natacha , Cunningham Allison B.
Published: April 2011

The present quasi-experimental study examines the outcomes for a group of 102 children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at age 2 who attended an inclusive toddler program (described by Stahmer and Ingersoll, 2004) until age 3. Outcomes on standardized developmental assessments indicate significant improvement, with large effect sizes, in developmental level, adaptive behavior and communication. Thirty-one of the children (31%) were functioning in the typically developing range when they exited the program at age 3, after an average of 8 months of intervention. Predictors of positive outcomes included length of time in the program, level of words and gestures use at entry and higher externalizing and lower internalizing behavior CBCL scores at entry. Implications for serving toddlers with autism in inclusive settings and suggestions for future research directions are discussed.
Implicit and explicit understanding of ambiguous figures by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Allen Melissa L. , Chambers Alison
Published: April 2011

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can process both interpretations of an ambiguous figure (e.g. rabbit/duck) when told about the ambiguity, however they tend not to do so spontaneously. Here we show that although adolescents with ASD can explicitly experience such ‘reversals’, implicit measures suggest they are conceptually processing the images differently from learning disabled peers. Participants copied the same ambiguous figures under different contextual conditions, both before and after reversal experience. Results suggest that adolescents with ASD are not influenced by contextual information when copying ambiguous drawings, since they produce similar pictures before and after reversal, compared with controls. This research has implications for how individuals with ASD understand multiple representations and supports the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning theory.
Unpacking neo-liberal technologies of government in Australian higher education social work departments
Authors: Bay Uschi
Published: April 2011

• Summary: This article analyses how neo-liberal and managerialist policies, over the last two decades in Australia, have positioned university staff as self-managing individuals. Social work academics are positioned as ‘free agents . . .empowered to act on their own behalf while ‘‘steered from a distance’’ by ‘‘policy norms and rules of the game’’ (Marginson, 1997, p. 63, italics added). Using governmentality theories as developed by Bacchi (2009), Burchell, Gordon, and Miller (1991), Dean (1996, 1999a, 1999b), Foucault (1983, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991), Hindess (1997, 2003), Miller (1992), Barry, Osborne, and Rose (1996) and Rose (1999) and an analysis of how staff are positioned in higher education settings is explored.

• Findings: This article identifies the ways neo-liberal policy and managerialism operates to enable power relations that both individualize and totalize academic staff, including social work academics. Efforts to transform power relations require an understanding of how particular situations are problematized and the identification of the governmental technologies employed to constitute the political identities of social work academics.

• Applications: Identifying how neo-liberal technologies of government affect social work academics could stimulate a renewed struggle for change and reinvigorate political action in social work university departments and social work settings more broadly.
Still doing what we do: Defining social work in the 21st century
Authors: Staniforth Barbara , Fouché Christa , O'Brien Michael
Published: April 2011

• Summary: Members of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) were asked to provide their definition of social work. Over 300 responses were analysed thematically in order to determine if practitioner views corresponded to recent shifts in social work education and theory which emphasized the importance of social change, strengths based perspectives and the importance of local and indigenous contexts.

• Findings: The findings demonstrate that while there was some recognition of social change and strengths-based perspectives in the definitions of social work provided, that those working in the field remain focused on ‘helping individuals, families and groups’ engage in change. Respondents did not, for the most part, acknowledge local or indigenous perspectives in their definitions.

• Applications: Results from this study may be useful for social work professional organizations, and social work educators, students and future researchers who are interested in the definition of social work and its scopes of practice.
Neoliberalism and Australian social work: Accommodation or resistance?
Authors: Wallace John , Pease Bob
Published: April 2011

• Summary: Since the mid-1970s the Australian welfare state has faced a continuing crisis of resourcing and legitimation. Social work as a central entity within the welfare state has been challenged in terms of to its value base and relevance. As with much of the Western world, this challenge has been heightened with the rise of neoliberalism, which has pervaded most aspects of Australian society. Neoliberalism has consequently had a profound effect upon Australian social workers. The challenges to the Australian welfare state and social work are from without and within, by neoliberal ideas and its practices.

• Findings: While neoliberalism’s relationship to social work as a broad theme is explored in the literature, the complexity of marketization and inclusive aspects have not been considered in any detail in relation to social work. The evidence in the Australian context is even slimmer, and as a consequence the particularity of the Australian welfare state and its relationship to neoliberalism, and the consequences for Australian social work, remains largely untested. Furthermore, while there are some indications of the day to day impact on social work in the context of a post-welfare state regime, little work has been conducted on the capacity of neoliberalism to infiltrate social work through its new institutions of the social and thus become embedded in social work.

• Application: This article lays the foundations for a research project to examine the extent to which neoliberalism has become embedded in Australian social work and how social workers and social work educators are responding to these hegemonic influences. What are the ways in which social workers have become complicit in neoliberalism? Is Australian social work part of the neoliberal project to the point where neoliberalism has become part of its understandings and everyday activity? It is hoped that through this research, a more sophisticated understanding of the impact of neoliberalism on social work will contribute to the revitalization of critical social work in Australia and forms of resistance to the neoliberal project.
A Nash Bargaining Model of the Salaries of Elite Free Agents
Authors: Solow John L. , Krautmann Anthony C.
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we focus on how rents are divided between an elite free agent and a team in a Nash bargaining framework. In order to find the Nash bargaining solution, we identify the threat points of the player and the team as the best alternative bargains that the player and the team could reach with another team and another player, respectively. We then extend the analysis to include a consideration of multiple teams potentially bidding for the free agent’s services. In this section of the paper, we show that the player’s ultimate location and salary are determined by his marginal value over his replacement.
Employee Creativity and Motivation in the Chinese Context: The Moderating Role of Organizational Culture
Authors: Hon Alice H. Y. , Leung Alicia S. M.
Published: April 2011

Based on hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) results, specific facets of culture influence service employees’ motivation and creativity. The theory of person—culture fit suggests that organizational culture moderates the relationship between employees’ intrinsic motivation and their creativity. The following three culture types are assessed in this study: innovative culture, traditional culture, and cooperative culture. The effect of these culture types on employees’ creativity is assessed using data obtained from fifty service and hospitality firms in the People’s Republic of China. The data reveal that innovative culture moderates the relationship between the need for achievement and creativity, traditional culture moderates the relationship between the need for power and creativity, and cooperative culture moderates the relationship between the need for affiliation and creativity. This article shows that a good person—culture fit plays a significant role in predicting employee creativity. For managers, the implication is to be aware of corporate culture and match employees’ motivations accordingly. In addition, managers need to identify and assist employees who feel stifled by the corporate culture.
Participation of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Group in a Medical—Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Yarema Tania C. , Judy Jonathan A.
Published: April 2011

In this article, the authors describe their experience as acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) providing immediate, acute clinical care in a medical—surgical intensive care unit of a large private practice tertiary care hospital. ACNPs represent a subset of the growing group of advance practice registered nurses (ACRNs). The role of ACRNs has evolved over time and this article describes the national education and certification requirements for this important group of health professionals. This article describes the details of the efforts to integrate ACNPs into an intensivist-led medical—surgical intensive care unit.
Delayed Arterial Switch Operation for D-Transposition of the Great Arteries and Glucocorticoid Remediable Aldosteronism
Authors: Arain Nofil , Braunlin Elizabeth , Louis James St. , Bryant Roosevelt
Published: April 2011

The Jatene arterial switch operation (ASO) for dextro-transposition of the great arteries is ideally performed within the first 2 weeks of life. Clinical circumstances, however, may dictate a delayed ASO and left ventricle “retraining” prior to the procedure. Glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism (GRA) accounts for 0.5% to 1% of primary aldosteronism. It presents as severe hypertension in infants and children, with poor response to standard antihypertensive medications. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of GRA in the context of transposition physiology. The management of GRA and a rationale for delayed ASO are discussed.
Late Primary Arterial Switch for Transposition of the Great Arteries With Intact Ventricular Septum in an African Population
Authors: Edwin Frank , Kinsley Robin H. , Brink Johann , Martin Greg , Mamorare Hendrick , Colsen Peter
Published: April 2011

The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the optimal management of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS) within the first 3 weeks of life; beyond this age optimal treatment is debatable. The authors adopted a strategy of primary ASO for TGA-IVS in the first 10 weeks of life regardless of left ventricular (LV) status. This report reviews the early outcomes with this management approach. Between August 2006 and December 2009, 22 patients with TGA-IVS underwent the primary ASO. Sixteen of them were less than 21 days old (early switch group) and 6 were between 31 and 66 days old (late switch group). A review of their hospital records was performed to determine outcomes in the 2 groups. Operative variables and postoperative outcomes were recorded. There was 1 hospital death in the early switch group (6.3%) but none in the late group (0%). Temporary mechanical circulatory support was required in 1 patient (6.3%) in the early switch group and in 2 of the 6 (33.3%) in the late switch group. One late death of undetermined cause occurred in the late switch group 8 weeks after discharge. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the 2 groups in terms of operative variables and the measured postoperative outcomes. It is concluded that the age limit for the primary ASO can be extended to at least 10 weeks; temporary mechanical circulatory support may be required as a rescue.
Heterotaxy
Authors: Jacobs Jeffrey Phillip , Pasquali Sara K. , Morales David L. S. , Jacobs Marshall Lewis , Mavroudis Constantine , Chai Paul Jubeong , Tchervenkov Christo I. , Lacour-Gayet Francois G. , Walters Hal , Quintessenza James Anthony
Published: April 2011

According to The International Society for Nomenclature of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease (ISNPCHD), “Heterotaxy is synonymous with ‘visceral heterotaxy’ and ‘heterotaxy syndrome’. Heterotaxy is defined as an abnormality where the internal thoraco-abdominal organs demonstrate abnormal arrangement across the left-right axis of the body. By convention, heterotaxy does not include patients with either the expected usual or normal arrangement of the internal organs along the left-right axis, also known as ‘situs solitus’, or patients with complete mirror-imaged arrangement of the internal organs along the left-right axis also known as `situs inversus’.” or patients with complete mirror-image arrangement of the internal organs along the left–right axis, also known as situs inversus. The purpose of this article is to review the data about heterotaxy in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Congenital Heart Surgery Database. The investigators examined all index operations in the STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database over 12 years from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2009, inclusive. This analysis resulted in a cohort of 77 153 total index operations. Of these, 1505 operations (1.95%) were performed in patients with heterotaxy. Of the 1505 index operations performed in patients with heterotaxy, 1144 were in patients with asplenia and 361 were in patients with polysplenia. In every STS -EACTS Congenital Heart Surgery Mortality Category, discharge mortality is higher in patients with heterotaxy compared with patients without heterotaxy (EACTS = European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery). Discharge mortality after systemic to pulmonary artery shunt is 6.6% in a cohort of all single-ventricle patients except those with heterotaxy, whereas it is 10.8% in single-ventricle patients with heterotaxy. Discharge mortality after Fontan is 1.8% in a cohort of all single-ventricle patients except those with heterotaxy, whereas it is 4.2% in single-ventricle patients with heterotaxy. The STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database is largest congenital heart surgery database in North America. This review of data from the STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database allows for unique documentation of practice patterns and outcomes. From this analysis, it is clear that heterotaxy is a challenging problem with increased discharge mortality in most subgroups.
High-dose zidovudine plus valganciclovir for Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated multicentric Castleman disease: a pilot study of virus-activated cytotoxic therapy
Authors: Uldrick Thomas S. , Polizzotto Mark N. , Aleman Karen , O'Mahony Deirdre , Wyvill Kathleen M. , Wang Victoria , Marshall Vickie , Pittaluga Stefania , Steinberg Seth M. , Tosato Giovanna , Whitby Denise , Little Richard F. , Yarchoan Robert
Published: April 2011

Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)–associated multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder most commonly observed in HIV-infected patients. It is characterized by KSHV-infected plasmablasts that frequently express lytic genes. Patients manifest inflammatory symptoms attributed to overproduction of KSHV viral IL-6, human IL-6, and human IL-6. There is no standard therapy and no established response criteria. We investigated an approach targeting 2 KSHV lytic genes, ORF36 and ORF21, the protein of which, respectively, phosphorylate ganciclovir and zidovudine to toxic moieties. In a pilot study, 14 HIV-infected patients with symptomatic KSHV-MCD received high-dose zidovudine (600 mg orally every 6 hours) and the oral prodrug, valganciclovir (900 mg orally every 12 hours). Responses were evaluated using new response criteria. A total of 86% of patients attained major clinical responses and 50% attained major biochemical responses. Median progression-free survival was 6 months. With 43 months of median follow-up, overall survival was 86% at 12 months and beyond. At the time of best response, the patients showed significant improvements in C-reactive protein, albumin, platelets, human IL-6, IL-10, and KSHV viral load. The most common toxicities were hematologic. These observations provide evidence that therapy designed to target cells with lytic KSHV replication has activity in KSHV-MCD. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00099073.
Translocations activating IRF4 identify a subtype of germinal center-derived B-cell lymphoma affecting predominantly children and young adults
Authors: Salaverria Itziar , Philipp Claudia , Oschlies Ilske , Kohler Christian W. , Kreuz Markus , Szczepanowski Monika , Burkhardt Birgit , Trautmann Heiko , Gesk Stefan , Andrusiewicz Miroslaw , Berger Hilmar , Fey Miriam , Harder Lana , Hasenclever Dirk , Hummel Michael , Loeffler Markus , Mahn Friederike , Martin-Guerrero Idoia , Pellissery Shoji , Pott Christiane , Pfreundschuh Michael , Reiter Alfred , Richter Julia , Rosolowski Maciej , Schwaenen Carsten , Stein Harald , Trümper Lorenz , Wessendorf Swen , Spang Rainer , Küppers Ralf , Klapper Wolfram , Siebert Reiner ,   for the Molecular Mechanisms in Malignant Lymphomas Network Project of the Deutsche Krebshilfe,   the German High-Grade Lymphoma Study Group,   the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster-NHL trial group
Published: April 2011

The prognosis of germinal center–derived B-cell (GCB) lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), strongly depends on age. Children have a more favorable outcome than adults. It is not known whether this is because of differences in host characteristics, treatment protocols, or tumor biology, including the presence of chromosomal alterations. By screening for novel IGH translocation partners in pediatric and adult lymphomas, we identified chromosomal translocations juxtaposing the IRF4 oncogene next to one of the immunoglobulin (IG) loci as a novel recurrent aberration in mature B-cell lymphoma. FISH revealed 20 of 427 lymphomas to carry an IG/IRF4-fusion. Those were predominantly GCB-type DLBCL or follicular lymphoma grade 3, shared strong expression of IRF4/MUM1 and BCL6, and lacked PRDM1/BLIMP1 expression and t(14;18)/BCL2 breaks. BCL6 aberrations were common. The gene expression profile of IG/IRF4-positive lymphomas differed from other subtypes of DLBCL. A classifier for IG/IRF4 positivity containing 27 genes allowed accurate prediction. IG/IRF4 positivity was associated with young age and a favorable outcome. Our results suggest IRF4 translocations to be primary alterations in a molecularly defined subset of GCB-derived lymphomas. The probability for this subtype of lymphoma significantly decreases with age, suggesting that diversity in tumor biology might contribute to the age-dependent differences in prognosis of lymphoma.
Risk factors for arterial and venous thrombosis in WHO-defined essential thrombocythemia: an international study of 891 patients
Authors: Carobbio Alessandra , Thiele Juergen , Passamonti Francesco , Rumi Elisa , Ruggeri Marco , Rodeghiero Francesco , Randi Maria Luigia , Bertozzi Irene , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Antonioli Elisabetta , Gisslinger Heinz , Buxhofer-Ausch Veronika , Finazzi Guido , Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew , Barbui Tiziano
Published: April 2011

In an international collaborative study, a central histologic review identified 891 patients with essential thrombocythemia, strictly defined by World Health Organization criteria. After a median follow-up of 6.2 years, 109 (12%) patients experienced arterial (n = 79) or venous (n = 37) thrombosis. In multivariable analysis, predictors of arterial thrombosis included age more than 60 years (P = .03; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.7), thrombosis history (P = .003; HR = 2.1), cardiovascular risk factors including tobacco use, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus (P = .007; HR = 1.9), leukocytosis (> 11 × 109/L; P = .04; HR = 1.7), and presence of JAK2V617F (P = .009; HR = 2.6). In contrast, only male gender predicted venous thrombosis. Platelet count more than 1000 × 109/L was associated with a lower risk of arterial thrombosis (P = .007; HR = 0.4). These associations, except the one with leukocytosis, remained significant (or near significant) when analysis was restricted to JAK2V617F-positive cases. The current study clarifies the contribution of specific disease and host characteristics to the risk of arterial versus venous thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia.
Gone with the currents: lack of genetic differentiation at the circum-continental scale in the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba
Authors: Bortolotto Erica , Bucklin Ann , Mezzavilla Massimo , Zane Lorenzo , Patarnello Tomaso
Published: April 2011

Background

Southern Ocean fauna represent a significant amount of global biodiversity, whose origin may be linked to glacial cycles determining local extinction/eradication with ice advance, survival of refugee populations and post-glacial re-colonization. This pattern implies high potential for differentiation in benthic shelf species with limited dispersal, yet consequences for pelagic organisms are less clear. The present study investigates levels of genetic variation and population structure of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba using mitochondrial DNA and EST-linked microsatellite markers for an unprecedentedly comprehensive sampling of its populations over a circum-Antarctic range.

Results

MtDNA (ND1) sequences and EST-linked microsatellite markers indicated no clear sign of genetic structure among populations over large geographic scales, despite considerable power to detect differences inferred from forward-time simulations. Based on ND1, few instances of genetic heterogeneity, not significant after correction for multiple tests, were detected between geographic or temporal samples. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution based on mtDNA sequences revealed strong evidence of past population expansion. Significant positive values of the parameter g (a measure of population growth) were obtained from microsatellite markers using a coalescent-based genealogical method and suggested a recent start (60 000 - 40 000 years ago) for the expansion.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence of lack of genetic heterogeneity of Antarctic krill at large geographic scales and unequivocal support for recent population expansion. Lack of genetic structuring likely reflects the tight link between krill and circum-Antarctic ocean currents and is consistent with the hypothesis that differentiation processes in Antarctic species are largely influenced by dispersal potential, whereas small-scale spatial and temporal differentiation might be due to local conditions leading to genetic patchiness. The signal of recent population growth suggests differential impact of glacial cycles on pelagic Antarctic species, which experienced population expansion during glaciations with increased available habitat, versus sedentary benthic shelf species.

EST-linked microsatellites provide new perspectives to complement the results based on mtDNA and suggest that data-mining of EST libraries will be a useful approach to facilitate use of microsatellites for additional species.
Copy number variation of microRNA genes in the human genome
Authors: Marcinkowska Malgorzata , Szymanski Maciej , Krzyzosiak Wlodzimierz J , Kozlowski Piotr
Published: April 2011

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important genetic elements that regulate the expression of thousands of human genes. Polymorphisms affecting miRNA biogenesis, dosage and target recognition may represent potentially functional variants. The functional consequences of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within critical miRNA sequences and outside of miRNA genes were previously demonstrated using both experimental and computational methods. However, little is known about how copy number variations (CNVs) affect miRNA genes.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the co-localization of all miRNA loci with known CNV regions. Using bioinformatic tools we identified and validated 209 copy number variable miRNA genes (CNV-miRNAs) in CNV regions deposited in Database of Genomic Variations (DGV) and 11 CNV-miRNAs in two sets of CNVs defined as highly polymorphic. We propose potential mechanisms of CNV-mediated variation of functional copies of miRNAs (dosage) for different types of CNVs overlapping miRNA genes. We also showed that, consistent with their essential biological functions, miRNA loci are underrepresented in highly polymorphic and well-validated CNV regions.

Conclusion

We postulate that CNV-miRNAs are potential functional variants and should be considered high priority candidate variants in genotype-phenotype association studies.
Evolution of the rpoB-psbZ region in fern plastid genomes: notable structural rearrangements and highly variable intergenic spacers
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhou Yuan , Wang Zhi-Wei , Su Ying-Juan , Wang Ting
Published: April 2011

Background

The rpoB-psbZ (BZ) region of some fern plastid genomes (plastomes) has been noted to go through considerable genomic changes. Unraveling its evolutionary dynamics across all fern lineages will lead to clarify the fundamental process shaping fern plastome structure and organization.

Results

A total of 24 fern BZ sequences were investigated with taxon sampling covering all the extant fern orders. We found that: (i) a tree fern Plagiogyria japonica contained a novel gene order that can be generated from either the ancestral Angiopteris type or the derived Adiantum type via a single inversion; (ii) the trnY-trnE intergenic spacer (IGS) of the filmy fern Vandenboschia radicans was expanded 3-fold due to the tandem 27-bp repeats which showed strong sequence similarity with the anticodon domain of trnY; (iii) the trnY-trnE IGSs of two horsetail ferns Equisetum ramosissimum and E. arvense underwent an unprecedented 5-kb long expansion, more than a quarter of which was consisted of a single type of direct repeats also relevant to the trnY anticodon domain; and (iv) ycf66 has independently lost at least four times in ferns.

Conclusions

Our results provided fresh insights into the evolutionary process of fern BZ regions. The intermediate BZ gene order was not detected, supporting that the Adiantum type was generated by two inversions occurring in pairs. The occurrence of Vandenboschia 27-bp repeats represents the first evidence of partial tRNA gene duplication in fern plastomes. Repeats potentially forming a stem-loop structure play major roles in the expansion of the trnY-trnE IGS.
Rapid identification of allergenic and pathogenic molds in environmental air by an oligonucleotide array
Authors: Hung Wen-Tsung , Su Shu-Li , Shiu Lin-Yi , Chang Tsung C
Published: April 2011

Background

Airborne fungi play an important role in causing allergy and infections in susceptible people. Identification of these fungi, based on morphological characteristics, is time-consuming, expertise-demanding, and could be inaccurate.

Methods

We developed an oligonucleotide array that could accurately identify 21 important airborne fungi (13 genera) that may cause adverse health problems. The method consisted of PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, hybridization of the PCR products to a panel of oligonucleotide probes immobilized on a nylon membrane, and detection of the hybridization signals with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antibodies.

Results

A collection of 72 target and 66 nontarget reference strains were analyzed by the array. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the array were 100%, and the detection limit was 10 pg of genomic DNA per assay. Furthermore, 70 fungal isolates recovered from air samples were identified by the array and the identification results were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS and D1/D2 domain of the large-subunit RNA gene. The sensitivity and specificity of the array for identification of the air isolates was 100% (26/26) and 97.7% (43/44), respectively.

Conclusions

Identification of airborne fungi by the array was cheap and accurate. The current array may contribute to decipher the relationship between airborne fungi and adverse health effect.
Health-related Quality of life in 640 head and neck cancer survivors after radiotherapy using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires
Authors: Wan Leung Stephen , Lee Tsair-Fwu , Chien Chih-Yen , Chao Pei-Ju , Tsai Wen-Ling , Fang Fu-Min
Published: April 2011

Background

With the advances in modern radiotherapy (RT), many patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) can be effectively cured, and their health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) has become an important issue. In this study, we evaluated the prognosticators of HR-QoL in a large cohort of HNC patients, with a focus on the result from technological advances in RT.

Methods

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to assess the HR-QoL of 640 HNC patients with cancer-free survival of more than 2 years. Among them, 371 patients were treated by two-dimensional RT (2DRT), 127 by three-dimensional conformal RT (3DCRT), and 142 by intensity-modulated RT (IMRT). The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and QLQ-H&N35 module were used. A general linear model multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the prognosticators of HR-QoL.

Results

By multivariate analysis, the variables of gender, annual family income, tumor site, AJCC stage, treatment methods, and RT technique were prognosticators for QLQ-C30 results, so were tumor site and RT technique for H&N35. Significant difference (p < 0.05) of HR-QoL outcome by different RT techniques was observed at 2 of the 15 scales in QLQ-C30 and 10 of the 13 scales in H&N35. Compared with 2DRT, IMRT had significant better outcome in the scales of global QoL, physical functioning, swallowing, senses (taste/smell), speech, social eating, social contact, teeth, opening mouth, dry mouth, sticky saliva, and feeling ill.

Conclusions

The technological advance of RT substantially improves the head-and-neck related symptoms and broad aspects of HR-QoL for HNC survivors.
Chronic occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium causes DNA damage in electroplating workers
Authors: Zhang Xu-Hui , Zhang Xuan , Wang Xu-Chu , Jin Li-Fen , Yang Zhang-Ping , Jiang Cai-Xia , Chen Qing , Ren Xiao-Bin , Cao Jian-Zhong , Wang Qiang , Zhu Yi-Min
Published: April 2011

Background

Occupational exposure to chromium compounds may result in adverse health effects. This study aims to investigate whether low-level hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) exposure can cause DNA damage in electroplating workers.

Methods

157 electroplating workers and 93 control subjects with no history of occupational exposure to chromium were recruited in Hangzhou, China. Chromium levels in erythrocytes were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes was evaluated with the alkaline comet assay by three parameters: Olive tail moment, tail length and percent of DNA in the comet tail (tail DNA%). Urinary 8-OHdG levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

Chromium concentration in erythrocytes was about two times higher in electroplating workers (median: 4.41 μg/L) than that in control subjects (1.54 μg/L, P < 0.001). The medians (range) of Olive tail moment, tail length and tail DNA% in exposed workers were 1.13 (0.14-6.77), 11.17 (3.46-52.19) and 3.69 (0.65-16.20), and were significantly higher than those in control subjects (0.14 (0.01-0.39), 3.26 (3.00-4.00) and 0.69 (0.04-2.74), P < 0.001). Urinary 8-OHdG concentration was 13.65 (3.08-66.30) μg/g creatinine in exposed workers and 8.31 (2.94-30.83) μg/g creatinine in control subjects (P < 0.001). The differences of urinary 8-OHdG levels, Olive tail moment, tail length and tail DNA% between these two groups remained significant (P < 0.001) even after stratification by potential confounding factors such as age, gender, and smoking status. Chromium exposure was found to be positively associated with chromium levels in erythrocytes, urinary 8-OHdG levels, Olive tail moment, tail length and tail DNA%. Positive dose-response associations were also found between chromium levels in erythrocytes and Olive tail moment, tail length and tail DNA%.

Conclusion

The findings in this study indicated that there was detectable chromium exposure in electroplating workers. Low-level occupational chromium exposure induced DNA damage.
Gα16 interacts with tetratricopeptide repeat 1 (TPR1) through its β3 region to activate Ras independently of phospholipase Cβ signaling
Authors: Liu Andrew MF , Lo Rico KH , Guo Emily X , Ho Maurice KC , Ye Richard D , Wong Yung H
Published: April 2011

Background

G protein-coupled receptors constitute the largest family of cell surface receptors in the mammalian genome. As the core of the G protein signal transduction machinery, the Gα subunits are required to interact with multiple partners. The GTP-bound active state of many Gα subunits can bind a multitude of effectors and regulatory proteins. Yet it remains unclear if the different proteins utilize distinct or common structural motifs on the Gα subunit for binding. Using Gα16as a model, we asked if its recently discovered adaptor protein tetratricopeptide repeat 1 (TPR1) binds to the same region as its canonical effector, phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ).

Results

We have examined the specificity of Gα16/TPR1 association by testing a series of chimeras between Gα16and Gαz. TPR1 co-immunoprecipitated with Gα16and more tightly with its constitutively active Gα16QL, but not Gαz. Progressive replacement of Gα16sequence with the corresponding residues of Gαzeventually identified a stretch of six amino acids in the β3 region of Gα16which are responsible for TPR1 interaction and the subsequent Ras activation. Insertion of these six residues into Gαzallowed productive TPR1-interaction. Since the β3 region only minimally contributes to interact with PLCβ, several chimeras exhibited differential abilities to stimulate PLCβ and Ras. The ability of the chimeras to activate downstream transcription factors such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor κB appeared to be associated with PLCβ signaling.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Gα16can signal through TPR1/Ras and PLCβ simultaneously and independently. The β3 region of Gα16is essential for interaction with TPR1 and the subsequent activation of Ras, but has relatively minor influence on the PLCβ interaction. Gα16may utilize different structural domains to bind TPR1 and PLCβ.
Impaired lipid metabolism in idiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Tian Xinlun , Luo Jinmei , Xu Kai-Feng , Wang Lan , Zhou Jiong , Feng Ruie , Gui Yaosong , Wang Juan , Xu Wenbing , Xiao Yi , Zhu Yuanjue
Published: April 2011

Background

It is well known that lipids abnormally accumulate in the alveoli during idiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). It is unclear, however, whether lipids also abnormally accumulate in serum. This study investigated the serum lipid panels in idiopathic PAP patients and explored the relationships between serum levels and the severity of idiopathic PAP.

Methods and Results

Clinical data including the level of serum lipids were evaluated in 33 non-diabetic idiopathic PAP patients and 157 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of triglyceride were higher in PAP patients than in healthy subjects (median: 192.00 mg/dl (P
25: 104.36, P
75: 219.00) vs 119.56 mg/dl (P
25: 78.81, P
75: 193.03), P < 0.05), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower in patients than in the control group (42.50 ± 10.30 vs 51.34 ± 12.06 mg/dl, P < 0.01). Forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity in hypertriglyceridemia patients were lower than those in patients with normal triglyceride. Serum LDL-C and HDL-C ratio correlated negatively with PaO2 (r = -0.403, P < 0.05) and positively with lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.381, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PAP associates with high triglyceride and low HDL levels in the serum, and these lipids provide potential intervention strategy for treatment.
Spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture of pyonephrosis in a patient with unknown kidney carcinosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Quaresima Silvia , Manzelli Antonio , Ricciardi Edoardo , Petrou Athanasios , Brennan Nicholas , Mauriello Alessandro , Rossi Piero
Published: April 2011

Seventeen cases of peritonitis due to rupture of a pyonephrosis have been reported. The majority of these cases occur secondary to renal stones. Only two cases of ruptured pyonephrosis with concurrent kidney neoplasm have been described and only one of these presented as an acute peritonitis. In this presentation we discuss an unusual case of a 68 year old man with a chronic history of bilateral nephrolithiasis and recent pyonephrosis. He presented acutely with peritonitis and was later found to have a carcinosarcoma of the kidney. The case highlights the importance of recognizing the possibility of underling renal carcinoma in patients presenting with a ruptured pyonephrosis and discuss steps to avoid this serious complication.
One-step synthesis of PbSe-ZnSe composite thin film
Authors: Abe Seishi
Published: April 2011

This study investigates the preparation of PbSe-ZnSe composite thin films by simultaneous hot-wall deposition (HWD) from multiple resources. The XRD result reveals that the solubility limit of Pb in ZnSe is quite narrow, less than 1 mol%, with obvious phase-separation in the composite thin films. A nanoscale elemental mapping of the film containing 5 mol% PbSe indicates that isolated PbSe nanocrystals are dispersed in the ZnSe matrix. The optical absorption edge of the composite thin films shifts toward the low-photon-energy region as the PbSe content increases. The use of a phase-separating PbSe-ZnSe system and HWD techniques enables simple production of the composite package.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection increases human immunodeficiency virus type 1 entry into human primary macrophages
Authors: Sartori Elena , Calistri Arianna , Salata Cristiano , Del Vecchio Claudia , Palù Giorgio , Parolin Cristina
Published: April 2011

Epidemiological and clinical data indicate that genital ulcer disease (GUD) pathogens are associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquisition and/or transmission. Among them, genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seems to play a relevant role. Indeed, the ability of HSV-2 to induce massive infiltration at the genital level of cells which are potential targets for HIV-1 infection may represent one of the mechanisms involved in this process. Here we show that infection of human primary macrophages (MDMs) by HSV-2 results in an increase of CCR5 expression levels on cell surface and allows higher efficiency of MDMs to support entry of R5 HIV-1 strains. This finding could strengthen, at the molecular level, the evidence linking HSV-2 infection to an increased susceptibility to HIV-1 acquisition.
Virtual CGH: an integrative approach to predict genetic abnormalities from gene expression microarray data applied in lymphoma
Authors: Geng Huimin , Iqbal Javeed , Chan Wing C , Ali Hesham H
Published: April 2011

Background

Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) is a molecular approach for detecting DNA Copy Number Alterations (CNAs) in tumor, which are among the key causes of tumorigenesis. However in the post-genomic era, most studies in cancer biology have been focusing on Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) but not CGH, and as a result, an enormous amount of GEP data had been accumulated in public databases for a wide variety of tumor types. We exploited this resource of GEP data to define possible recurrent CNAs in tumor. In addition, the CNAs identified by GEP would be more functionally relevant CNAs in the disease pathogenesis since the functional effects of CNAs can be reflected by altered gene expression.

Methods

We proposed a novel computational approach, coined virtual CGH (vCGH), which employs hidden Markov models (HMMs) to predict DNA CNAs from their corresponding GEP data. vCGH was first trained on the paired GEP and CGH data generated from a sufficient number of tumor samples, and then applied to the GEP data of a new tumor sample to predict its CNAs.

Results

Using cross-validation on 190 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas (DLBCL), vCGH achieved 80% sensitivity, 90% specificity and 90% accuracy for CNA prediction. The majority of the recurrent regions defined by vCGH are concordant with the experimental CGH, including gains of 1q, 2p16-p14, 3q27-q29, 6p25-p21, 7, 11q, 12 and 18q21, and losses of 6q, 8p23-p21, 9p24-p21 and 17p13 in DLBCL. In addition, vCGH predicted some recurrent functional abnormalities which were not observed in CGH, including gains of 1p, 2q and 6q and losses of 1q, 6p and 8q. Among those novel loci, 1q, 6q and 8q were significantly associated with the clinical outcomes in the DLBCL patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We developed a novel computational approach, vCGH, to predict genome-wide genetic abnormalities from GEP data in lymphomas. vCGH can be generally applied to other types of tumors and may significantly enhance the detection of functionally important genetic abnormalities in cancer research.
Role of the ATPase/helicase maleless (MLE) in the assembly, targeting, spreading and function of the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex of Drosophila
Authors: Morra Rosa , Yokoyama Ruth , Ling Huiping , Lucchesi John C
Published: April 2011

Background

The male-specific lethal (MSL) complex of Drosophila remodels the chromatin of the X chromosome in males to enhance the level of transcription of most X-linked genes, and thereby achieve dosage compensation. The core complex consists of five proteins and one of two non-coding RNAs. One of the proteins, MOF (males absent on the first), is a histone acetyltransferase that specifically acetylates histone H4 at lysine 16. Another protein, maleless (MLE), is an ATP-dependent helicase with the ability to unwind DNA/RNA or RNA/RNA substrates in vitro. Recently, we showed that the ATPase activity of MLE is sufficient for the hypertranscription of genes adjacent to a high-affinity site by MSL complexes located at that site. The helicase activity is required for the spreading of the complex to the hundreds of positions along the X chromosome, where it is normally found. In this study, to further understand the role of MLE in the function of the MSL complex, we analyzed its relationship to the other complex components by creating a series of deletions or mutations in its putative functional domains, and testing their effect on the distribution and function of the complex in vivo.

Results

The presence of the RB2 RNA-binding domain is necessary for the association of the MSL3 protein with the other complex subunits. In its absence, the activity of the MOF subunit was compromised, and the complex failed to acetylate histone H4 at lysine 16. Deletion of the RB1 RNA-binding domain resulted in complexes that maintained substantial acetylation activity but failed to spread beyond the high-affinity sites. Flies bearing this mutation exhibited low levels of roX RNAs, indicating that these RNAs failed to associate with the proteins of the complex and were degraded, or that MLE contributes to their synthesis. Deletion of the glycine-rich C-terminal region, which contains a nuclear localization sequence, caused a substantial level of retention of the other MSL proteins in the cytoplasm. These data suggest that the MSL proteins assemble into complexes or subcomplexes before entering the nucleus.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the role that MLE plays in the function of the MSL complex through its association with roX RNAs and the other MSL subunits, and suggests a hypothesis to explain the role of MLE in the synthesis of these RNAs.