bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of carbon fibres for reinforcement of thin geopolymer cement sections
Authors: Twomey Barry , Brádaigh Conchúr M Ó , Doyle Adrian , Feerick PJ , Stanton Kenneth T
Published: April 2013

An alkali-activated aluminosilicate geopolymer cement was reinforced with polyether ether ketone-wound carbon fibre layers to improve the mechanical properties of the cement in flexion. Such a material, which is heat resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, will be of use in the development of out-of-autoclave processing routes for large area composite components. The mechanical and physicochemical properties of both the neat and reinforced cement were examined using Charpy impact and three-point bend testing and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A five-fold improvement in flexural strength was observed for the fibre-reinforced geopolymer samples, while a three-fold improvement was observed in the impact strength. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite was determined using dilatometry. A number of different curing cycles were also examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The fibre reinforcement led to flexural strength improvement of up to 5 times as well as increasing the strain to failure.
Action and attitudes matter: International public opinion towards the European Union
Authors: Schlipphak Bernd
Published: April 2013

Descriptive studies on the European Union’s global image reveal generally favourable feelings towards the European Union on the part of citizens outside Europe. However, European Union perceptions vary considerably across countries. This article argues that these patterns can be analytically explained by taking context and individual factors into account. European Union behaviour and an individual’s supranationalist attitude should exert a substantial impact on citizens’ feelings. A multi-level model confirms the expectations. These findings imply practically that the behaviour of the European Union and other International Organizations shapes public opinion and that it might, in the future, negatively influence global public opinion towards the European Union.
Administrator perceptions of transition programs in international secondary schools
Authors: Bates Jessica
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the extent to which transition programs are offered to students at international secondary schools. Components of professional development, orientation and departure programs, and transition support teams were examined. Participants included school administrators at 11 international schools across five continents. Findings suggest that systematic transition interventions are underutilized to support Third Culture Kids, and suggest a lack of awareness among administrators about the issue of transitional problems associated with international mobility.
Institutional identity and school-community matters: ‘Encapsulated’ and ‘inclusive’ lessons for engagement from two international schools in Hong Kong
Authors: Jabal Eric
Published: April 2013

An engaging education attends to how students perceive and experience schooling. This article uses data, collected as part of a mixed-methods PhD study of the conditions that make international schools engaging places for students, to explore the school culture and community contexts that impact student engagement. The twin notions of ‘institutional habitus’ and ‘encapsulated-inclusive’ school missions focus the discussion. The findings are expected to be of relevance to those decision makers and practitioners interested in enhancing international school environments by achieving a better fit between students and the school.
‘Home’ or away? The higher education choices of expatriate children in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Wilkins Stephen
Published: April 2013

The purpose of the research upon which this article is based was to identify the factors that influence the higher education choices of expatriate children. The study involved a self-completed written questionnaire and structured face-to-face interviews with nineteen students at four international schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study found that the higher education choices of these expatriate children were most influenced by their need or desire to return to the place regarded as home; to study in the country where they intend to settle permanently; to live with, or be close to, siblings or extended members of their family; to minimize tuition, accommodation and general living costs; and to study in the location where they would feel most comfortable. For students leaving the UAE, rankings and institutional reputation were key determinants of choice of higher education institution. Students remaining in the UAE were far more likely to rely on word of mouth from family or friends. It is concluded that living an internationally mobile lifestyle has significant impacts on the choices made by expatriate children.
Keeping the story together: a holistic approach to narrative analysis
Authors: Beal Claudia C.
Published: April 2013

Delay seeking medical assistance for ischemic stroke symptoms is common worldwide, yet existing literature does not provide an adequate understanding of experiences at stroke onset. An explanatory narrative inquiry using a holistic-content approach to data was conducted to gain understanding of women’s experiences between symptom onset and hospital arrival. A holistic-content analysis retains the temporal dimension of each individual’s story so that the parts within the story are interpreted in relation to other parts of the story and the outcome of the story. The aim of this paper is to present the procedures for holistic-content analysis, address the trustworthiness of this form of narrative analysis and appraise the utility and limitations of the approach. It was concluded that holistic-content analysis is congruent with the philosophical underpinnings of narrative methodology and it is well suited to examine phenomenon that have a strong temporal dimension. The use of this approach alone to narrative data does not enable researchers to draw naturalistic generalisations and a structured comparison of the narrative accounts resulting from a holistic-content analysis is needed to identify similar and dissimilar characteristics of participants’ experiences.
The Mastery Machine: Digital Animation and Fantasies of Control
Authors: Mihailova Mihaela
Published: April 2013

For decades, the notion of the creator’s absolute control over the drawn image has remained a staple of animation discourse, and the advent of computer animation has recently reinvigorated this discussion. The animated science fiction features Metropia (Tarik Saleh, 2009), Metropolis (Rintaro, 2001), and Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (Hironobu Sakaguchi and Motonori Sakakibara, 2001) engage utopian daydreams and articulate anxieties about the high degree of artistic mastery facilitated by advanced technology. Using these three films as case studies, this text examines computer-animated futuristic urban spaces as architectures of control. It discusses digital bodies as products of animators’ increased mastery over mimetic representations of the human form and explores the ways in which computer animation foregrounds its technological and artistic control over the image as a feat to marvel at. In doing so, this analysis highlights the evolution of the dream of the omnipotent creator into a fantasy of omnipotent machinery, while also foregrounding concerns about the possible danger of technology undermining animators’ labor and making it obsolete in the context of contemporary production practices.
Missing religion
Authors: Bowe Brian J , Fahmy Shahira , Wanta Wayne
Published: April 2013

Second level agenda setting offers a way of demonstrating the effects of news content by providing evidence that the attributes emphasized in news coverage become more salient in the minds of media consumers and more influential in terms of actual effects on opinions and attitudes. This exploratory study examines the substantive and affective attributes of the religion of Islam in coverage of 18 US newspapers and compares those attributes with results of a Gallup Center for Muslim Studies poll to determine whether a relationship exists between the coverage of Islam and public perception, as the second level of agenda setting suggests. Two hypotheses were tested. The results showed that attributes related to Islam were overwhelmingly covered in negative terms. However, the analysis of media coverage of attributes linked to the ‘object’ of Islam and public perceptions of Islam suggested little support for attribute agenda setting.
Early College and Dual Enrollment Challenges
Authors: Howley Aimee , Howley Marged D. , Howley Craig B. , Duncan Tom
Published: April 2013

In recent years, some school reformers have come to see early college and dual enrollment as mechanisms for increasing the academic engagement and performance of a range of students beyond those exhibiting high academic achievement or ability. Despite purported benefits, research on the dynamics of such programs is limited. This case study adds to the relevant literature by using semistructured interviews with key participants to investigate the cross-institutional dynamics enabling and constraining the early college and dual enrollment arrangements sponsored by a consortium of high schools and colleges in a Midwestern state. Qualitative data analysis surfaced four salient themes explaining patterns of interaction across the partnering institutions: Organizational Conditions and Motives, Border Crossers, Organizational Power Dynamics, and Personal Attitudes Regarding Early College and Dual Enrollment.
High-Achieving High School Students and Not So High-Achieving College Students
Authors: Honken Nora B. , Ralston Patricia A. S.
Published: April 2013

This study investigated the relationship among lack of self-control, academic ability, and academic performance for a cohort of freshman engineering students who were, with a few exceptions, extremely high achievers in high school. Structural equation modeling analysis led to the conclusion that lack of self-control in high school, as measured by the frequency of illegal and irresponsible behaviors, had an inverse relationship with first semester grade point average (GPA), whereas academic ability, as measured by ACT scores, had a positive relationship with college GPA. The correlation between the residual error for one of the indicators of self-control, homework behaviors in high school, and the residual error for first semester GPA was also significant. Research on the relationships between self-control, homework behaviors in high school, and performance in college should continue; meanwhile, parents and teachers would be advised to emphasize the importance of developing self-control and positive homework behaviors in academically advanced high school students.
Are the Current Complementary and Alternative Therapies Available for the Treatment of Low Back Pain and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Reliable Clinically? A Review of the Literature
Authors: Yee Cheng W. , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar
Published: April 2013

Low back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome are major work-related disablers affecting millions around the globe today. This article assesses the clinical reliability of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of low back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome using the existing accessible literature. Multiple bibliographic databases that include medical, general health care, and natural medicine literature were searched for relevant terms and conclusions. The authors examined all abstracts obtained through the search and reviewed the full text of the relevant articles along with the additional supporting articles that resulted from the search. It is observed from the literature that most of the complementary and alternative treatments available today are clinically reliable for the treatment of low back pain, as significantly evidenced. However, not many studies support the clinical reliability of the use of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Prospective Predictors of Body Dissatisfaction in Young Adults
Authors: Quick Virginia , Eisenberg Marla E. , Bucchianeri Michaela M. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: April 2013

This study identified longitudinal risk factors for body dissatisfaction (BD) over a 10-year period from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants ( N = 2,134; age at baseline: M = 15.0, SD = 1.6 years) provided two waves of survey data. A six-step hierarchical linear regression analysis examined the predictive contribution of Time 1 BD, weight status, demographics, family and peer environmental factors, and psychological factors. Among females, Asian race/ethnicity, low self-esteem, greater BD, and higher body mass index (BMI) during adolescence contributed significantly to predicting greater BD at 10-year follow up ( R2 = .27). Among males, demographics (i.e., Asian, other-mixed ethnicity, education attainment), depressive symptoms, greater BD, higher BMI, more parent communication, and less peer weight teasing during adolescence contributed to BD at follow-up ( R2 = .27). Findings indicate who may be at greatest risk of BD in young adulthood and the types of factors that should be addressed during adolescence.
Texture variations in titanium alloys for aeroengine applications
Authors: Whittaker R. , Fox K. , Walker A.
Published: April 2013

Electron backscatter diffraction techniques have been used to assess the range of textures that exist in a number of common titanium alloys. Crystal orientation maps and pole figures have been obtained over representative areas to study preferred textures and regions of common crystallography (macrozones). Electron backscatter diffraction analysis has established different relationships between optical microstructures and crystallographic texture for different titanium alloys. For β processed alloys, there is a correspondence between optical colonies of α platelets and regions of crystallographic alignment. Various texture intensities, macrozones and effective structural unit sizes can be observed depending on the alloy and product form. These variations impact on the mechanical behaviour of titanium alloys.
Classified knowledge: the epistemology of statuary in the Parastaseis Syntomoi Chronikai
Authors: Anderson Benjamin
Published: April 2013

The Parastaseis Syntomoi Chronikai is a dossier of materials composed throughout the eighth century by a variety of authors. These materials are unified by their concern with the statues of Constantinople and the prophecies they are understood to embody. The authors are unified by their claim to descent from old Constantinopolitan families and their xenophobic opposition to arrivistes in the imperial service. Thus the Parastaseis asserts a form of knowledge unique to the well-born and essential to the management of the empire. It is an artefact of aristocratic particularism in reaction to the centralizing efforts of the eighth-century emperors.
1054 revisited: response to Ryder
Authors: Kolbaba Tia
Published: April 2013

J. R. Ryder’s analysis of the events of 1054 and of Greek rebaptism of Latins in the Middle Ages makes several points about my article of 2005 in this journal. I am grateful to the editors for this chance to respond. I have chosen to respond to four issues that are crucial to my article and to Ryder’s critique:

1.

Ryder maintains that my account of the events of 1053–1054 follows a tradition of playing down ‘the provocative aspects of Greek activity’.

2.

Ryder is worried that my arguments might be taken as conclusive in some broad way in spite of my emphasis on limited and specific situations.

3.

Ryder emphasizes that the sources surrounding the events of 1054 need more attention – perhaps some re-editing, certainly some re-reading. With regard to my article, this seems primarily to mean that my conclusions are premature, given the state of the evidence.

4.

Ryder points out various inconsistencies in my arguments about rebaptism of Latins.
Prousa/Bursa, a city within the city: chorography, conversion and choreography
Authors: Çağaptay Suna
Published: April 2013

Narratives on the birth of the Ottoman city of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottomans, known to the Byzantines as Prousa, highlight its early Ottoman identity. Although Bursa represents one of the richest legacies of early Ottoman architecture, the city’s urban fabric has suffered from several fires and earthquakes that resulted in heavy restorations and remodellings. The first aim of this paper is to discuss the textual and visual evidence for the built environment in the early fourteenth century and, second, to offer commentary on the Ottoman attitude toward Byzantine architecture in an effort to unearth the Byzantine substrata of Ottoman Bursa. In the service of the latter goal, this article debunks the Ottoman-centric views. With the aid of drawings of Bursa’s upper city that predate the 1855 earthquake we may begin to visualize a city far less uniform in character, in which the Byzantine legacy both endured and informed the construction and urban design practices of the ascendant Ottomans.
‘Missing dates’: the ‘Μέρες’ poems of C. P. Cavafy
Authors: Ekdawi Sarah
Published: April 2013

In this article, the five poems with the word ‘Μέρες’ in their titles are discussed, and possible explanations for the dates in the titles suggested. The poems were written and revised between 1909 and 1932, but it is argued here that their initial composition dates are closer together than previously thought. The article examines revisions to the five poems; their positions, where applicable, in Cavafy’s thematic collections, and the dates in their titles in relation to events in the poet’s life and other writings from the same period. A history of composition and publication, including an account of all extant published revisions, is provided and the implications of this kind of bibliographical and biographical approach are discussed.
Trauma – memory – narration: Greek Civil War novels of the 1980s and 1990s
Authors: Anastasiadis Athanasios
Published: April 2013

In recent years, the trauma concept has been applied to fiction in several literary studies. This article discusses the narrative mediation of traumatic experiences in selected Civil War novels, using narratological tools and focusing on the complex relationship between trauma, memory and narration. The authors use innovative narrative and representational strategies, such as a disrupted chronological order or intertextual references, to illustrate the paradoxical character of remembering and narrating trauma. These works highlight diverse aspects of the Greek Civil War, depart from conventional narrative modes and share common characteristics with so-called ‘trauma fiction’.
Computational simulation of diffusion process in multicomponent and multiphase systems in diffusion bonding
Authors: Wang B , Zhang F , Chen S L , Kou S
Published: April 2013

Diffusion bonding is a solid state welding process useful for joining similar and dissimilar metals. In the present paper, the interdiffusion occurring during the diffusion bonding of Al to Zn, Al to Mg, and one Ni base alloy to another was investigated. The composition profiles across the interface, the thickness of the diffusion layer and the growth of phases at the interface were computed using the diffusion software Pandiffusion and the thermodynamic and kinetic databases of Pandat. The calculated results agreed well with existing experimental data. Thus, it was demonstrated that these software and databases can be useful for studying diffusion bonding and reducing the number of trial-and-error experiments.
Quasi-steady state power law model for flow of (La0·85Sr0·15)0·9MnO3 ceramic slurry in tape casting
Authors: Jabbari M , Bulatova R , Hattel J H , Bahl C R H
Published: April 2013

One of the most common ways used to produce multilayer ceramics is tape casting. In this process, the wet tape thickness is one of the single most determining parameters affecting the final properties of the product, and it is therefore of great interest to be able to control it. In the present work, the flow in the doctor blade region of a slurry containing (La0·85Sr0·15)0·9MnO3 (LSM) material is described with a simple quasi-steady momentum equation in combination with an Ostwald–de Waele power law constitutive equation. Based on rheometer experiments, the constants in the Ostwald–de Waele power law are identified for the considered LSM material and applied in the analytical solution for the tape thickness. This solution is then used for different values of substrate velocity and doctor blade height and compared with experimental findings of the wet tape thickness, and good agreement is found.
Synthesis and deposition of Ni–20Cr powder using cold spraying
Authors: Kumar M. , Singh H. , Singh N.
Published: April 2013

Chromium nanoparticles were first synthesised using planetary ball mill in wet environment. The particle size was found to be nearly 60 nm, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analyser techniques. Subsequently, Ni–20Cr alloy powder was synthesised by mechanical alloying of micrometre sized Ni (80 wt-%) and presynthesised Cr (20 wt-%) nanosized powders. X-ray diffraction revealed the solid solubility of Cr in Ni after ball milling for 20 h. The synthesised Ni–20Cr powder was subsequently deposited on SA 516 by cold spraying process. The as sprayed coatings were characterised by SEM/EDS, XRD, microhardness and porosity analyses. A nanostructured Ni–20Cr coating could be developed with an average thickness of 225 μm and microhardness of 335 HV having an apparent porosity of <1·5%.
Influence of Ni or Pd coatings on oxidation of permeated hydrogen
Authors: Ouyang Y J , Yu G , Hu L , Wang X J , Xu W J , Zhan Y G , Zhang X Y
Published: April 2013

The influence of Pd and Ni coatings on the oxidisation of hydrogen that permeated through a thin iron membrane was studied for the development of a hydrogen sensor. The minimum electroplating period and current density to produce compact Ni and Pd coatings were investigated. The ideal potential ranges for complete oxidation of the hydrogen that permeated through an iron membrane were found to be +0·20 to +0·50 V(Ni) (voltage versus the voltage on nickel wire) and +0·30 to +0·40 V(Ni) for the Pd and Ni coatings respectively; the Pd coating provides a wider window for oxidation. The optimum potential for the oxidation of hydrogen on Ni coating was found to be 0·35 V(Ni). Ni coating could achieve the same detection efficiency as a Pd coating with the appropriate applied potential.
Pulse plating of platinum on aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Schneider M. , Weiser M. , Dörfler S. , Althues H. , Kaskel S. , Michaelis A.
Published: April 2013

In the present study, the electrochemical deposition (ECD) of platinum particles on aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) arrays as novel membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells was investigated. The ECD was performed using the pulse plating technique and an electrolyte based on potassium tetranitroplatinate(II) salt. The MWCNTs were produced on thin nickel foils by chemical vapour deposition. The MWCNT arrays were electrochemically characterised by cyclic voltammetry in sulphuric acid. The platinum functionalisation of the MWCNT arrays was also investigated by cyclic voltammetry and by scanning electron microscopy. The final preparation of the MEA functionalised MWCNT on Nafion was performed by a hot pressing process.
Immunogenetics shows that not all MBL are equal: the larger the clone, the more similar to CLL
Authors: Vardi Anna , Dagklis Antonis , Scarfò Lydia , Jelinek Diane , Newton Darren , Bennett Fiona , Almeida Julia , Rodriguez-Caballero Arancha , Allgood Sallie , Lanasa Mark , Cortelezzi Agostino , Orlandi Ester , Veronese Silvio , Montillo Marco , Rawstron Andy , Shanafelt Tait , Orfao Alberto , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Ghia Paolo
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Low-count and high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) have distinct immunogenetic signatures, with only the latter resembling CLL. Rather than a true premalignant condition, low-count MBL may merely reflect immune senescence or result from persistent antigen stimulation.
The Thr224Asn mutation in the VPS45 gene is associated with the congenital neutropenia and primary myelofibrosis of infancy
Authors: Stepensky Polina , Saada Ann , Cowan Marianne , Tabib Adi , Fischer Ute , Berkun Yackov , Saleh Hani , Simanovsky Natalia , Kogot-Levin Aviram , Weintraub Michael , Ganaiem Hamam , Shaag Avraham , Zenvirt Shamir , Borkhardt Arndt , Elpeleg Orly , Bryant Nia J. , Mevorach Dror
Published: April 2013

Key Points

VPS45 is a new gene associated with severe infections and bone marrow failure in infancy that can be treated by bone marrow transplantation. The mutation affects intracellular storage and transport and results in increased programmed cell death in neutrophils and bone marrow.
Immune responses to AAV vectors: overcoming barriers to successful gene therapy
Authors: Mingozzi Federico , High Katherine A.
Published: April 2013

Gene therapy products for the treatment of genetic diseases are currently in clinical trials, and one of these, an adeno-associated viral (AAV) product, has recently been licensed. AAV vectors have achieved positive results in a number of clinical and preclinical settings, including hematologic disorders such as the hemophilias, Gaucher disease, hemochromatosis, and the porphyrias. Because AAV vectors are administered directly to the patient, the likelihood of a host immune response is high, as shown by human studies. Preexisting and/or recall responses to the wild-type virus from which the vector is engineered, or to the transgene product itself, can interfere with therapeutic efficacy if not identified and managed optimally. Small-scale clinical studies have enabled investigators to dissect the immune responses to the AAV vector capsid and to the transgene product, and to develop strategies to manage these responses to achieve long-term expression of the therapeutic gene. However, a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of immunogenicity of AAV vectors, and of potential associated toxicities, is still lacking. Careful immunosurveillance conducted as part of ongoing clinical studies will provide the basis for understanding the intricacies of the immune response in AAV-mediated gene transfer, facilitating safe and effective therapies for genetic diseases.
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates from equine infectious endometritis belong to a distinct genetic group
Authors: Rasmussen Camilla Dooleweerdt , Haugaard Maria Mathilde , Petersen Morten Roenn , Nielsen Jesper Møller , Pedersen Hanne Gervi , Bojesen Anders Miki
Published: April 2013

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is the pathogen most commonly isolated from the uterus of mares. S. zooepidemicus is an opportunistic pathogen and part of the resident flora in the caudal reproductive tract. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a genotypically distinct subpopulation of S. zooepidemicus is associated with endometritis in the mare, by genotyping and comparing uterine S. zooepidemicus strains with isolates from the vagina and clitoral fossa. Mares with (n = 18) or without (n = 11) clinical symptoms of endometritis were included. Uterine samples were obtained using a guarded endometrial biopsy punch, whereas a swab was used to recover samples from the cranial vagina and the clitoral fossa. If S. zooepidemicus was present, up to three colonies were selected from each anatomical location (max. 9 isolates per mare). Bacterial isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). S. zooepidemicus was isolated from the endometrium of 12 mares. A total of 88 isolates were analyzed by PFGE: 31 from the endometrium, 26 from the cranial vagina and 31 isolates from the clitoral fossa. For MLST 21 isolates were chosen. Results demonstrated a higher genetic similarity of the isolates obtained from infectious endometritis compared to isolates obtained from the caudal reproductive tract. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that a genetically distinct group of S. zooepidemicus is associated with infectious endometritis in the mare.
Association of CAD, a multifunctional protein involved in pyrimidine synthesis, with mLST8, a component of the mTOR complexes
Authors: Nakashima Akio , Kawanishi Ippei , Eguchi Sumiko , Yu Eugene Hsin , Eguchi Satoshi , Oshiro Noriko , Yoshino Ken-ichi , Kikkawa Ushio , Yonezawa Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2013

Background

mTOR is a genetically conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, which controls cell growth, proliferation, and survival. A multifunctional protein CAD, catalyzing the initial three steps in de novo pyrimidine synthesis, is regulated by the phosphorylation reaction with different protein kinases, but the relationship with mTOR protein kinase has not been known.

Results

CAD was recovered as a binding protein with mLST8, a component of the mTOR complexes, from HEK293 cells transfected with the FLAG-mLST8 vector. Association of these two proteins was confirmed by the co-immuoprecipitaiton followed by immunoblot analysis of transfected myc-CAD and FLAG-mLST8 as well as that of the endogenous proteins in the cells. Analysis using mutant constructs suggested that CAD has more than one region for the binding with mLST8, and that mLST8 recognizes CAD and mTOR in distinct ways. The CAD enzymatic activity decreased in the cells depleted of amino acids and serum, in which the mTOR activity is suppressed.

Conclusion

The results obtained indicate that mLST8 bridges between CAD and mTOR, and plays a role in the signaling mechanism where CAD is regulated in the mTOR pathway through the association with mLST8.
Transcriptome characterisation of Pinus tabuliformis and evolution of genes in the Pinusphylogeny
Authors: Niu Shi-Hui , Li Zhe-Xin , Yuan Hu-Wei , Chen Xiao-Yang , Li Yue , Li Wei
Published: April 2013

Background

The Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) is an indigenous conifer species in northern China but is relatively underdeveloped as a genomic resource; thus, limiting gene discovery and breeding. Large-scale transcriptome data were obtained using a next-generation sequencing platform to compensate for the lack of P. tabuliformis genomic information.

Results

The increasing amount of transcriptome data on Pinus provides an excellent resource for multi-gene phylogenetic analysis and studies on how conserved genes and functions are maintained in the face of species divergence. The first P. tabuliformis transcriptome from a normalised cDNA library of multiple tissues and individuals was sequenced in a full 454 GS-FLX run, producing 911,302 sequencing reads. The high quality overlapping expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were assembled into 46,584 putative transcripts, and more than 700 SSRs and 92,000 SNPs/InDels were characterised. Comparative analysis of the transcriptome of six conifer species yielded 191 orthologues, from which we inferred a phylogenetic tree, evolutionary patterns and calculated rates of gene diversion. We also identified 938 fast evolving sequences that may be useful for identifying genes that perhaps evolved in response to positive selection and might be responsible for speciation in the Pinus lineage.

Conclusions

A large collection of high-quality ESTs was obtained, de novo assembled and characterised, which represents a dramatic expansion of the current transcript catalogues of P. tabuliformis and which will gradually be applied in breeding programs of P. tabuliformis. Furthermore, these data will facilitate future studies of the comparative genomics of P. tabuliformis and other related species.
Identification and characterization of two wheat Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/ SHAGGY-like kinases
Authors: Bittner Thomas , Campagne Sarah , Neuhaus Gunther , Rensing Stefan A , Fischer-Iglesias Christiane
Published: April 2013

Background

Plant Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/ SHAGGY-like kinases (GSKs) have been implicated in numerous biological processes ranging from embryonic, flower, stomata development to stress and wound responses. They are key regulators of brassinosteroid signaling and are also involved in the cross-talk between auxin and brassinosteroid pathways. In contrast to the human genome that contains two genes, plant GSKs are encoded by a multigene family. Little is known about Liliopsida resp. Poaceaein comparison toBrassicaceaeGSKs. Here, we report the identification and structural characterization of two GSK homologs namedTaSK1andTaSK2in the hexaploid wheat genome as well as a widespread phylogenetic analysis of land plant GSKs.

Results

Genomic and cDNA sequence alignments as well as chromosome localization using nullisomic-tetrasomic lines provided strong evidence for three expressed gene copies located on homoeolog chromosomes forTaSK1as well as forTaSK2. Predicted proteins displayed a clear GSK signature.In vitrokinase assays showed that TaSK1 and TaSK2 possessed kinase activity. A phylogenetic analysis of land plant GSKs indicated that TaSK1 and TaSK2 belong to clade II of plant GSKs, theArabidopsismembers of which are all involved in Brassinosteroid signaling. Based on a single ancestral gene in the last common ancestor of all land plants, paralogs were acquired and retained through paleopolyploidization events, resulting in six to eight genes in angiosperms. More recent duplication events have increased the number up to ten in some lineages.

Conclusions

To account for plant diversity in terms of functionality, morphology and development, attention has to be devoted to Liliopsida respPoaceaeGSKs in addition toArabidopsisGSKs. In this study, molecular characterization, chromosome localization, kinase activity test and phylogenetic analysis (1) clarified the homologous/paralogous versus homoeologous status ofTaSKsequences, (2) pointed out their affiliation to the GSK multigene family, (3) showed a functional kinase activity, (4) allowed a classification in clade II, members of which are involved in BR signaling and (5) allowed to gain information on acquisition and retention of GSK paralogs in angiosperms in the context of whole genome duplication events. Our results provide a framework to explore Liliopsida respPoaceaeGSKs functions in development.
Low sex hormone-binding globulin is associated with hypertension: a cross-sectional study in a Swedish population
Authors: Daka Bledar , Rosen Thord , Jansson Per Anders , Larsson Charlotte A , Råstam Lennart , Lindblad Ulf
Published: April 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and hypertension in a Swedish population.

Methods

The study is based on a random sample of a Swedish population of men and women aged 30–74 years (n=2,816). Total testosterone, oestradiol and SHBG were measured in 2,782 participants. Free androgen index was then calculated according to the formula FAI=100 × (Total testosterone)/SHBG. Hypertension was diagnosed according to JNC7.

Results

In men, but not in women, significant association between SHBG and both diastolic (diastolic blood pressure: β=−0.143 p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure β=−0.114 p<0.001) was found. The association was still significant after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (diastolic blood pressure: β=−0.113 p<0.001; systolic blood pressure β=−0.093 p=0.001). An inverse association was observed between SHBG and hypertension in both men (B=−0.024 p<0.001) and women (B=−0.022 p<0.001). The association was still significant in women older than 50 years after adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, CRP and alcohol consumption (B=−0.014, p=0.008).

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results show a strong association between SHBG and blood pressure independent of major determinants of high blood pressure. This association might be addressed to direct effects of SHBG in endothelial cells through the receptor for SHBG. If this is confirmed by other observational and experimental studies, it might become a new field for the development of therapies for lowering blood pressure.
Post-dengue parkinsonism
Authors: Azmin Shahrul , Sahathevan Ramesh , Suehazlyn Zainudin , Law Zhe Kang , Rabani Remli , Nafisah Wan Yahya , Tan Hui Jan , Norlinah Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: April 2013

Background

Dengue is a common illness in the tropics. Equally common are neurological complications that stem from dengue infection. However, to date, parkinsonism following dengue has not been reported in medical literature.

Case presentation

A previously well 18-year old man developed parkinsonism, in addition to other neurological symptoms following serologically confirmed dengue fever. Alternative etiologies were excluded by way of imaging and blood investigations.

Conclusions

The authors detail the first reported case of parkinsonism complicating dengue fever. Keeping rare presentations of common illnesses in mind, it behoves clinicians to consider parkinsonism as a complication following dengue infection. This would prevent injudicious treatment with L-dopa and dopamine agonists. Immunosuppression with steroids has been shown to be helpful in certain cases.
Monocytes/macrophages support mammary tumor invasivity by co-secreting lineage-specific EGFR ligands and a STAT3 activator
Authors: Vlaicu Philip , Mertins Philipp , Mayr Thomas , Widschwendter Peter , Ataseven Beyhan , Högel Bernhard , Eiermann Wolfgang , Knyazev Pjotr , Ullrich Axel
Published: April 2013

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) promote malignant progression, yet the repertoire of oncogenic factors secreted by TAM has not been clearly defined. We sought to analyze which EGFR- and STAT3-activating factors are secreted by monocytes/macrophages exposed to tumor cell-secreted factors.

Methods

Following exposure of primary human monocytes and macrophages to supernatants of a variety of tumor cell lines, we have analyzed transcript and secreted protein levels of EGFR family ligands and of STAT3 activators. To validate our findings, we have analyzed TAM infiltration levels, systemic and local protein levels as well as clinical data of primary breast cancer patients.

Results

Primary human monocytes and macrophages respond to tumor cell-derived factors by secreting EGFR- and STAT3-activating ligands, thus inducing two important oncogenic pathways in carcinoma cells. Tumor cell-secreted factors trigger two stereotype secretory profiles in peripheral blood monocytes and differentiated macrophages: monocytes secrete epiregulin (EREG) and oncostatin-M (OSM), while macrophages secrete heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and OSM. HB-EGF and OSM cooperatively induce tumor cell chemotaxis. HB-EGF and OSM are co-expressed by TAM in breast carcinoma patients, and plasma levels of both ligands correlate strongly. Elevated HB-EGF levels accompany TAM infiltration, tumor growth and dissemination in patients with invasive disease.

Conclusions

Our work identifies systemic markers for TAM involvement in cancer progression, with the potential to be developed into molecular targets in cancer therapy.
Maternal cigarette smoking and its effect on neonatal lymphocyte subpopulations and replication
Authors: Almanzar Giovanni , Eberle Gernot , Lassacher Andrea , Specht Christian , Koppelstaetter Christian , Heinz-Erian Peter , Trawöger Rudolf , Bernhard David , Prelog Martina
Published: April 2013

Background

Significant immunomodulatory effects have been described as result of cigarette smoking in adults and pregnant women. However, the effect of cigarette smoking during pregnancy on the lymphocyte subpopulations in newborns has been discussed, controversially.

Methods

In a prospective birth cohort, we analyzed the peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations of smoking (SM) and non-smoking mothers (NSM) and their newborns and the replicative history of neonatal, mostly naive CD4 + CD45RA + T cells by measurements of T-cell-receptor-excision-circles (TRECs), relative telomere lengths (RTL) and the serum cytokine concentrations.

Results

SM had higher lymphocyte counts than NSM. Comparing SM and NSM and SM newborns with NSM newborns, no significant differences in proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations were seen. Regardless of their smoking habits, mothers had significantly lower naive T cells and higher memory and effector T cells than newborns. NSM had significantly lower percentages of CD4 + CD25++ T cells compared to their newborns, which was not significant in SM. There were no differences regarding cytokine concentrations in newborns of SM and NSM. However, NSM had significantly higher Interleukin-7 concentrations than their newborns. Regardless of smoking habits of mothers, newborns had significantly longer telomeres and higher TRECs than their mothers. Newborns of SM had significantly longer telomeres than newborns of NSM.

Conclusions

Apart from higher lymphocyte counts in SM, our results did not reveal differences between lymphocyte subpopulations of SM and NSM and their newborns, respectively. Our finding of significantly longer RTL in newborns of SM may reflect potential harm on lymphocytes, such as cytogenetic damage induced by smoking.
A strengths based method for homeless youth: Effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast
Authors: Krabbenborg Manon AM , Boersma Sandra N , Wolf Judith RLM
Published: April 2013

Background

While homelessness among youth is a serious problem, there is little information about evidence-based interventions for homeless youth. In cooperation with professionals and youths, Wolf (2012) developed Houvast (Dutch for ‘grip’): a strengths based method grounded in scientific and practice evidence. The main aim of Houvast is to improve the quality of life of homeless youths by focusing on their strengths, thus stimulating their capacity for autonomy and self-reliance.

Method/Design

The effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast will be tested in ten Dutch services for homeless youth which are randomly allocated to an intervention group (n= 5), or a control group which provides care as usual (n= 5). Measurements of both objective and subjective quality of life and secondary outcomes (mental and physical health, substance use, coping, resilience, psychological needs, care needs, working relationship with the professional and attainment of personal goals) will be conducted among homeless youths (n= 251). Youths in both groups will be interviewed by means of a structured interview at baseline, at time of ending care or after having received care for six months (T1) and at nine months after baseline (T2). Model fidelity will be tested around T1.

Discussion

This study is unique as it includes a large number of homeless youths who are followed for a period of nine months, and because it focuses on a strengths based approach. If the Houvast method proves to be effective in improving quality of life it will be the first evidence-based intervention for homeless youth.

Trail registration

Netherlands Trail Register (NTR):NTR3254
Meta-analysis of adverse health effects due to air pollution in Chinese populations
Authors: Lai Hak-Kan , Tsang Hilda , Wong Chit-Ming
Published: April 2013

Background

Pooled estimates of air pollution health effects are important drivers of environmental risk communications and political willingness. In China, there is a lack of review studies to provide such estimates for health impact assessments.

Methods

We systematically searched the MEDLINE database using keywords of 80 major Chinese cities in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on 30 June 2012, yielding 350 abstracts with 48 non-duplicated reports either in English or Chinese after screening. We pooled the relative risks (RR) per 10 μg/m3 of particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3).

Results

For short-term effects, the pooled RR (p < 0.05) ranges were: 1.0031 (PM10) to 1.0140 (NO2) for all-cause mortality, 1.0034 (cardiopulmonary, PM10) to 1.0235 (influenza and pneumonia, SO2) for 9 specific-causes mortality, 1.0021 (cardiovascular, PM10) to 1.0162 (asthma, O3) for 5 specific-causes hospital admissions. For birth outcomes, the RR (p < 0.05) ranged from 1.0051 (stillbirth, O3) to 1.1189 (preterm-birth, SO2) and for long-term effect on mortality from 1.0150 (respiratory, SO2) to 1.0297 (respiratory, NO2). Publication bias was absent (Egger test: p = 0.326 to 0.624). Annual PM10 and NO2 concentrations were inversely associated with RR of mortality (p = 0.017-0.028).

Conclusions

Evidence on short-term effects of air pollution is consistent and sufficient for health impact assessment but that on long-term effects is still insufficient.
Glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria predict mortality independently from coronary artery calcified plaque in the Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Cox Amanda J , Hsu Fang-Chi , Carr J Jeffrey , Freedman Barry I , Bowden Donald W
Published: April 2013

Background

Risk stratification in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important priority in the management of associated morbidity and mortality, including from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The current investigation examined whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) were independent predictors of CVD-mortality in European Americans (EAs) with T2D after accounting for subclinical CVD.

Methods

The family-based Diabetes Heart Study (DHS) cohort (n=1,220) had baseline measures of serum creatinine, eGFR, UACR and coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC) assessed by non-contrast computed tomography scan. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to determine risk for all-cause mortality and CVD-mortality associated with indices of kidney disease after accounting for traditional CVD risk factors and CAC as a measure of subclinical CVD.

Results

Participants were followed for 8.2±2.6 years (mean±SD) during which time 247 (20.9%) were deceased, 107 (9.1%) from CVD. Univariate analyses revealed positive associations between serum creatinine (HR:1.56; 95% CI:1.37–1.80; p<0.0001) and UACR (1.59; 1.43–1.77; p>0.0001) and negative associations between serum albumin (0.74; 0.65–0.84; p<0.0001) and eGFR (0.66; 0.58–0.76; p<0.0001) with all-cause mortality. Associations remained significant after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors, as well as for CAC. Similar trends were noted when predicting risk for CVD-mortality.

Conclusions

The DHS reveals that kidney function and albuminuria are independent risk factors for all-cause mortality and CVD-mortality in EAs with T2D, even after accounting for CAC.