bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Career Decision-Making Profiles of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Ginevra Maria Cristina , Nota Laura , Soresi Salvatore , Gati Itamar
Published: June 2012

The goal of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Career Decision-Making Profile ( CDMP) questionnaire with a sample of 1,835 adolescents. Gati, Landman, Davidovitch, Asulin-Peretz, and Gadassi suggested that the way individuals make career decisions should not be described by a single decision-making style but rather by a multidimensional profile based on a consideration of 11 dimensions. The results showed that the Italian version of the CDMP has adequate psychometric properties and structural validity. As hypothesized, the scores of the Problem-Solving Inventory were correlated with the information-related dimensions of the CDMP. Decided adolescents had more adaptive CDMP profiles than undecided adolescents, supporting the concurrent validity of the CDMP. Female adolescents were more likely to consult with and depend on others, invest greater effort, and, consequently, take more time to make a decision. Theoretical and counseling implications are discussed.
Gear fault detection using adaptive morphological gradient lifting wavelet
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Pei-lin , Mao Qiong , Mi Shuang-shan , Liu Peng-yuan
Published: June 2012

Wavelet transform is one of the most acceptable tools to analyze vibration signals for gear fault detection. However, there are still some limitations of the traditional wavelet transforms due to the utilization of fixed linear filters. This investigation presents an adaptive morphological gradient lifting wavelet (AMGLW) to remedy the shortcomings of traditional wavelet transform schemes. A novel nonlinear filter, named morphological gradient filter, is designed for enhancing the impulsive features of the original signal. Then the adaptability of AMGLW is implemented by selecting between two filters, namely the average filter and the morphological gradient filter, to update the approximation signal dependent upon the local gradient of the analyzed signal. This new scheme is evaluated on a simulated signal and a practical vibration signal measured from a gearbox. Experimental results demonstrate that the presented AMGLW outperforms the traditional linear wavelet (LW) transform obviously for detecting gear defects. Furthermore, the computational cost of AMGLW is much less than the traditional LW. Thus the AMGLW scheme is quite suitable for the online condition monitoring of gears.
Test-Taking Performance of High School Students With ADHD
Authors: Lewandowski Lawrence , Hendricks Kaitlin , Gordon Michael
Published: June 2012

Objective: The authors examined the test-taking performance of high school students with ( n = 38) and without ( n = 746) ADHD. Method: Students were assessed via an online battery of tests (TestTracker) including reading speed, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, effort, test anxiety, and time and strategy usage. Results: Students with ADHD had poorer decoding scores, and lower comprehension and vocabulary accuracy. Groups performed similarly on reading speed, number of items attempted, perceived test anxiety, self-perception of testing skills, and strategy use. Conclusion: Students with ADHD (all of whom were receiving test accommodations in school) made more errors on some reading tasks, yet performed similarly to typical students on indices of speed and amount of test items accessed. The finding of more errors but no time differences might argue for a different intervention beside extended time, unless the extra time is used to review and correct work.
FH535 Potentiation of Cigarette Smoke Condensate Cytotoxicity is Associated With Changes in β-Catenin and EGR-1 Signaling
Authors: Polk William W.
Published: June 2012

Cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) has been reported to elicit morphological and transcriptional changes that suggest epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cultured bronchial epithelial cells. The transdifferentiation potential of acute and prolonged CSC exposure alone or in combination with the β-catenin inhibitor, FH535, was investigated in the bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B, through assessment of cell morphology, transcript expression, protein expression, and protein localization. Changes in morphology, β-catenin translocation, E-cadherin expression, metalloproteinase expression, and fibronectin could be demonstrated independent of molecular or physiological evidence of EMT. FH535 was shown to increase CSC-induced cytotoxicity and depress β-catenin expression. However, FH535 effects were not limited to the β-catenin pathway as it also blocked the expression of early growth responsive protein 1 (EGR-1) target genes, fibronectin and phosphatase and tensin homologue, without affecting EGR-1 nuclear accumulation.
Social status, social closure and the idea of Europe as a ‘normative power’
Authors: Keene Edward
Published: June 2012

This article examines Ian Manners’ idea of a ‘normative power Europe’. While discussing moral and political forms of normative power, it calls particular attention to a sociological approach based on Weberian ideas about status and social closure. The article then compares the present-day ‘normative power’ of the EU with the earlier European ‘standard of civilization’, and argues that the contemporary EU’s normative power rests on a more individualist and credentialist form of social closure. This may make it less vulnerable to criticisms of imperialism, but may also make it harder for the EU to retain its relatively privileged position in the generation of international norms and a coherent sense of its own identity.
Temporal Stability of Strength-Based Assessments
Authors: Romer Natalie , Merrell Kenneth W.
Published: June 2012

This study focused on evaluating the temporal stability of self-reported and teacher-reported perceptions of students’ social and emotional skills and assets. We used a test–retest reliability procedure over repeated administrations of the child, adolescent, and teacher versions of the Social-Emotional Assets and Resilience Scales. Middle school students in Grades 6 through 8 reliably self-reported on their social and emotional competencies. In a similar vein, teacher ratings of students in Grades K through 5 also showed strong temporal stability. Although all samples and versions of this scale demonstrated temporal stability, multiple administrations of the child self-report version of the SEARS showed evidence of the mean score of the initial administration being significantly lower than what was obtained on later administrations. Implications for further research and development efforts are discussed.
High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Whitehurst Michael
Published: June 2012

High-intensity interval training (HIT) is characterized by intermittent periods of work and rest and may include work bouts lasting seconds to minutes. HIT has typically been applied to older, diseased, and at-risk populations using longer work intervals (2-4 minutes), whereas more recent definitions of HIT include work intervals of 30 to 60 s. Both traditional endurance training (TET) and HIT exert a peripheral affect increasing the capacity of muscle cells to oxidize substrate via signaling cascades that support the activation of transcription factors that orchestrate the coexpression of nuclear and mitochondrial genes, with HIT triggering these benefits following minutes of training. With 1 exception, reports of central adaptations (eg, increased stroke volume) have been based on longer work intervals (eg, 4 minutes). Recent investigations have tied HIT to increased lipolysis and enhanced insulin sensitivity. HIT favors the activation of oxidative as opposed to hypertrophic pathways. Although the length of the work interval may need to be adjusted to fit the needs and capacity of the participant, HIT should be considered as an alternative to TET for older adults with the expectation that it requires less time to execute, yet promotes peripheral and perhaps central adaptations.
Desert, liberalism and justice in democratic education
Authors: Jónsson Ólafur Páll
Published: June 2012

Liberal democratic education, as advocated in recent accounts of citizenship education or civic education, is often seen as incompatible with moral education or character education rooted in specific views regarding the virtues. This contrast relies on well established philosophical differences between liberal views of justice and democracy, on the one hand, and views that ground justice in desert or virtue, on the other. I begin by arguing that the latter contrast is misguided and once it is given up, the former contrast does not seem plausible any more. An alternative view of democratic education as a kind of character education, which draws on ideas from John Dewey’s ideas about democracy, is suggested.
Social movement oriented citizenship in Colombia: The effects of curriculum, pedagogy and extra-curricular activities on student orientation
Authors: Edwards D. Brent
Published: June 2012

Social movement oriented citizenship (SMOC) centers on peaceful protest, proactive community involvement and participation in activities to support human rights and environmental protection. Research generally on SMOC is extremely limited; even more so is research that analyses the influence of school- and student-level, policy-relevant variables on SMOC. Using 1999 survey data on student civic knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, this study looks at this relationship in the context of Colombia. Controlling for background characteristics and student personal disposition, findings from regression analysis suggest that pedagogy and curriculum which encourage discussion, promote an open classroom climate, and implement a social movement-centered curriculum are positively and significantly related to the development in students of SMOC, while after school-related activities are not.
History teaching, conflict and the legacy of the past
Authors: McCully Alan
Published: June 2012

The article examines the utility of enquiry based, multi-perspective history teaching in divided societies and those emerging from conflict. Using findings from Northern Ireland as an example, it concludes that, while empirical research is required in a range of conflict settings, an enquiry approach, placing an emphasis on the examination of evidence and the study of multiple perspectives, can have a positive impact on young people’s thinking. However, for history teaching to contribute fully to the reconciliatory process it must engage critically with the legacies of the more recent past. The article draws on the distinction between what Minow calls ‘psychological’ truth, associated with ‘truth-telling’ in the immediate aftermath of conflict, and historical truth. It suggests that by engaging with storytelling history teaching may have the capacity to encourage young people to ‘care’ for those from different backgrounds who have been victimized by conflict; and also to examine such stories critically and thereby acquire a more complex understanding of the events of the recent past.
Taking responsibility: The multiple and shifting positions of social justice educators
Authors: Sonu Debbie , Oppenheim Rachel , Epstein Shira Eve , Agarwal Ruchi
Published: June 2012

In this article, we present a qualitative multi-case study of three beginning elementary teachers working in New York City and describe the distinct ways in which each articulates her responsibility to teach a social justice-oriented education. We employ positioning theory to examine how teachers narrate their relationship to the concept of social justice and how this relates to the ways in which they identify themselves and others as capable and qualified to engage in such work. We find that responsibility to teach for social justice is often delegated based on a perception of experiences with injustice and wonder how this rigid outlook can be made more malleable and inclusive. We draw from the work of Sharon Todd to imagine how individuals, situated within unique and divergent circumstances, can all be framed as integral members in the making of a more just world. This article ends with suggestions for how teachers and teacher educators can infuse such theories into reflective, autoethnographic practices.
Beyond personally responsible: A study of teacher conceptualizations of citizenship education
Authors: Patterson Nancy , Doppen Frans , Misco Thomas
Published: June 2012

This mixed methods study explores secondary teacher conceptualizations of citizenship education in one Midwestern state in the USA. First, the authors situate the study within the teacher belief and citizenship education literature. They then analyze statewide survey responses and interview transcripts that describe teacher beliefs and classroom goals and the degree to which teachers believe these goals are met. The authors advance the typology of personally responsible, participatory and justice-oriented citizenship aims by thickly describing the profiles of teachers within these paradigms. Finally, the authors address the implications of this typology for problematizing citizenship education within preservice and in-service professional development.
‘My parents have stressed that since I was a kid’: Young minority ethnic British citizens and the phenomenon of aspirational capital
Authors: Basit Tehmina N.
Published: June 2012

This article investigates retrospectively and prospectively the educational and career aspirations and experiences of young minority ethnic British citizens. It focuses on one aspect of a larger mixed methods study, that is, qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with a stratified sample of 20 young men and women of minority ethnic origins aged 14–24, and at different stages of education, employment and non-employment. It argues that social and cultural capitals play a significant role in enabling young minority ethnic citizens to succeed in education and careers and become valuable members of society. Furthermore, it introduces the notion of ‘aspirational capital’ as a crucial extension of, or substitute for, cultural and social capitals, depending on the familial background of the young people, and contends that it is a strong motivating force in improving the life chances of young minority ethnic British citizens.
Global citizens: Who are they?
Authors: Bourke Lorna , Bamber Philip , Lyons Minna
Published: June 2012

A growing desire to instigate global citizenship programmes in higher education has led to the development of optional structured opportunities for students to engage in prosocial activities. One of the challenges facing such programmes is to demonstrate and plan for the personal growth of those students. This article reports the dispositional, prosocial and attitudinal characteristics; knowledge and skills; and perceptions of social justice that students who undertake these activities bring to their initial participation. The findings indicate, that in comparison to a control group, the students differ significantly in a number of important ways (for example, conscientiousness, extraversion, openness; Machiavellianism, prosocial behaviour; self-esteem; skills relating to social action and tolerance and understanding and their concern regarding social problems). However, consideration should be given to the ways in which those students can be developed within a framework for social justice. Further, recruitment procedures for citizenship programmes in general should encourage the participation of a more diverse group of students than currently appears to be the case.
Building bridging social capital in a divided society: The role of participatory citizenship education
Authors: McMurray Alan , Niens Ulrike
Published: June 2012

Participatory citizenship education has been highlighted as a strategy to promote social cohesion in divided societies whereby collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and inter-school links have been proposed as tools to improve social networks between schools and communities. This article explores the role and meaning of citizenship education and cross-community participation in promoting social capital and social cohesion. School survey findings, focus groups and interviews with young people and educators indicated that differences between school sectors and established allegiances with particular communities and NGOs may limit the potential for citizenship education to produce bridging social capital and serve to reproduce bonding social capital. It is argued that the introduction of citizenship curricula into segregated schools systems in divided societies may be useful to promote citizenship values and positive attitudes to the other but insufficient to promote the development of bridging social capital and, ultimately, social cohesion in the long term.
Test–retest reliability of grip strength measurement in full elbow extension to evaluate maximum grip strength
Authors: Savva C. , Karagiannis C. , Rushton A.
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the test–retest reliability of measurement of grip strength in full elbow extension. The grip strengths of 19 healthy participants were measured using the Jamar dynamometer by the same rater on two occasions with an interval of 7 days between measures. Test–retest reliability of grip strength measurement was excellent in full elbow extension and associated with low values of standard error of measurement and small variations in the differences between the two measurements in both testing sessions.
Modified Ilizarov technique for the treatment of forearm deformities in multiple cartilaginous exostoses: case series and literature review
Authors: Song S. H. , Lee H. , Youssef H. , Oh S. M. , Park J. H. , Song H. R.
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of gradual ulnar correction and lengthening using the modified Ilizarov technique for the treatment of forearm deformities in patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses. We retrospectively reviewed 23 forearms in 16 patients. Three different types of operative procedures were performed: (1) corrective osteotomy and gradual lengthening of the ulna, (2) corrective osteotomy of the radius, and (3) excision of exostoses. We evaluated the radiographs; range of motion of the wrist, forearm, and elbow; and functional status using a questionnaire before and after operation. During the clinical interview, post-operative functional status was significantly improved than pre-operative functional status, 12 patients stated that they had no difficulty in performing daily activities, 11 patients stated that they had no pain, and 11 patients stated that the post-operative appearance of the operated forearm was satisfactory. At time of final follow-up, the mean range of motion of the wrist in ulnar/radial deviation, forearm pronation/supination was significantly improved. Also, the radiographic parameters including radial articular angle, carpal slip, radial bowing, and ulnar variance were significantly improved at time of final follow-up. In conclusion, we achieved successful clinical and radiological outcomes in our patients with forearm deformities after treatment with the modified Ilizarov method. However, there could be a recurrence of ulnar shortening and deformity during growth periods in skeletally immature patients.
Effectiveness of the Reverse Camber Shoe in Postoperative Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Sarmah Sasanka Sekhar , Hossain Fahad Siddique , Mishra Viren
Published: June 2012

The reverse camber shoe (RCS) is commonly used for forefoot off-loading during mobilization after forefoot surgery. However, patient satisfaction and compliance may be affected because of the altered gait pattern that is conferred. The aim of this study was to investigate the patient-related factors associated with the compliance in the use of this device. The authors retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon series of 64 patients who underwent forefoot surgery and who were subsequently rehabilitated with early mobilization using the RCS. Data on patient age, arthritic comorbidities, adaptation to device, and symptoms during use were collected via a standardized postal questionnaire. In all, 39 patients complied with the use of the RCS for 8 weeks (group A), whereas 11 patients managed it for less than 6 weeks (group C). Also, 14 patients used the shoe for more than 6 weeks but less than 8 weeks (group B). The authors found that compliance in the use of the RCS is lower in older patients following forefoot surgery. This may be related to poor adaptation in the presence of preexisting arthritis.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV
Common Leg Injuries of Long-Distance Runners
Authors: Gallo Robert A. , Plakke Michael , Silvis Matthew L.
Published: June 2012

Context

Long-distance running (greater than 3000 m) is often recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Running injury rates increase significantly when weekly mileage extends beyond 40 miles cumulatively. With the development of running analysis and other diagnostic tests, injuries to the leg secondary to bone, musculotendinous, and vascular causes can be diagnosed and successfully managed.

Evidence Acquisition

Searches used the terms running, injuries, lower extremity, leg, medial tibial stress syndrome, compartment syndrome, stress fractures, popliteal artery entrapment, gastrocnemius soleus tears, and Achilles tendinopathy. Sources included Medline, Google Scholar, and Ovid from 1970 through January 2012.

Results

Tibial stress fractures and medial tibial stress syndrome can sometimes be prevented and/or treated by correcting biomechanical abnormalities. Exertional compartment syndrome and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome are caused by anatomic abnormalities and are difficult to treat without surgical correction.

Conclusion

Leg pain due to bone, musculotendinous, and vascular causes is common among long-distance runners. Knowledge of the underlying biomechanical and/or anatomic abnormality is necessary to successfully treat these conditions.
Intravenous Fluid Use in Athletes
Authors: Givan Gordon V. , Diehl Jason J.
Published: June 2012

Context:

Time allowing, euhydration can be achieved in the vast majority of individuals by drinking and eating normal beverages and meals. Important to the competitive athlete is prevention and treatment of dehydration and exercise-associated muscle cramps, as they are linked to a decline in athletic performance. Intravenous (IV) prehydration and rehydration has been proposed as an ergogenic aid to achieve euhydration more effectively and efficiently.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed database was searched in November 2011 for all English-language articles related to IV utilization in sport using the keywords intravenous, fluid requirements, rehydration, hydration, athlete, sport, exercise, volume expansion, and performance.

Results:

Limited evidence exists for prehydration with IV fluids. Although anecdotal evidence does exist, at this time there are no high-level studies confirming that IV prehydration prevents dehydration or the onset of exercise-associated muscle cramps. Currently, there are no published studies describing IV fluid use during the course of an event, at intermission, or after the event as an ergogenic aid.

Conclusion:

The use of IV fluid may be beneficial for a subset of fluid-sensitive athletes; this should be reserved for high-level athletes with strong histories of symptoms in well-monitored settings. Volume expanders may also be beneficial for some athletes. IV fluids and plasma binders are not allowed in World Anti-Doping Agency–governed competitions. Routine IV therapy cannot be recommended as best practice for the majority of athletes.
Is There Evidence to Support a Forefoot Strike Pattern in Barefoot Runners? A Review
Authors: Lorenz Daniel S. , Pontillo Marisa
Published: June 2012

Context:

Barefoot running is a trend among running enthusiasts that is the subject of much controversy. At this time, benefits appear to be more speculative and anecdotal than evidence based. Additionally, the risk of injuries is not well established.

Evidence acquisition:

A PubMed search was undertaken for articles published in English from 1980 to 2011. Additional references were accrued from reference lists of research articles.

Results:

While minimal data exist that definitively support barefoot running, there are data lending support to the argument that runners should use a forefoot strike pattern in lieu of a heel strike pattern to reduce ground reaction forces, ground contact time, and step length.

Conclusions:

Whether there is a positive or negative effect on injury has yet to be determined. Unquestionably, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Serum CTXii Correlates With Articular Cartilage Degeneration After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection or Arthrotomy Followed by Standardized Exercise
Authors: Coyle Christian H. , Henry Sarah E. , Haleem Amgad M. , O’Malley Michael J. , Chu Constance R.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament injury increases risk for accelerated development of osteoarthritis. The effect of exercise on articular cartilage following joint injury is not well understood. Biochemical biomarkers of collagen degradation and proteoglycan turnover are potential indicators for early articular cartilage degeneration.

Hypothesis:

This study tests the hypothesis that serum concentrations of CS846 and CTXii correlate with structural changes to articular cartilage following joint injury in exercised animals.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either arthrotomy alone (sham surgery) or anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Animals were recovered for 3 weeks and then exercised on a treadmill at 18 m per minute, 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, until sacrifice either 6 or 12 weeks later. Articular cartilage was assessed grossly, and histology was graded using modified Mankin, toluidine blue, and modified David-Vaudey scales. Serum collected preoperatively and at sacrifice was assayed by ELISA for CTXii and CS846.

Results:

At 6 weeks, gross grades ( P < 0.01), modified Mankin scores (P < 0.03), and toluidine blue scores (P < 0.04) were higher, reflecting increased degeneration in ACLT animals compared with sham surgery animals. Serum CS846 increased after 6 weeks in ACLT animals (P < 0.05). Serum CTXii levels strongly correlated with Mankin degenerative scores (coefficient = 0.81, P < 0.01) and David-Vaudey histology grades (coefficient = 0.73, P < 0.01) at 6 weeks. While gross grades remained higher at 12 weeks in ACLT animals (P < 0.04), no differences were seen in serum CS846 and CTXii. Histology scores also showed no differences between ACLT and sham due to increasing degeneration in the sham surgery group.

Conclusion:

The strong correlation between serum CTXii and microstructural changes to articular cartilage following joint injury demonstrates potential use of serum biomarkers for early detection of cartilage degeneration. Increasing cartilage degeneration in exercised sham-surgery animals suggests that early loading may have negative effects on articular cartilage due to either mechanical injury or hemarthrosis after arthrotomy.

Clinical Relevance:

Patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury are at increased risk for development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. CTXii may be useful for early detection of joint degeneration. Further study on the effects of exercise after injury is important to postinjury and postoperative rehabilitation.
The (a)-Symptomatic Vertebral Fracture
Authors: de Klerk G. , Hegeman J. H. , Bronkhorst P. , van der Palen J. , van der Velde D. , Duis H. J. ten
Published: June 2012

Objective.

Description of the prevalence of vertebral fractures in a fracture and osteoporosis outpatient clinic (FO-Clinic) and evaluation of the value of spinal radiographs by screening on osteoporosis.

Design.

Retrospective data collection, description, and analysis.

Methods.

All patients admitted to the FO-Clinic during the period of December 2005 until October 2006 were enrolled in this study. At the FO-Clinic spinal radiographs were obtained and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual energy X-ray-Absorptiometry (DXA).

Results.

During the study period, a total of 176 patients were screened at our FO-Clinic. In 41.5% of these patients, a vertebral fracture was diagnosed. There appeared to be an indication for anti-osteoporotic medication in 95 of the 176 patients. Of these 95 patients, 77% could be identified by spinal radiographs. Moreover, only 36% of all patients with a vertebral fracture did suffer from osteoporosis.

Conclusion.

The prevalence of vertebral fractures in patients screened at an FO-Clinic is high and spinal radiographs can identify up to 77% of patients in which anti-osteoporotic medication should be considered. However, fracture risk is not only dependent on bone quality but also on bone density. Therefore, the preferred method of screening on osteoporosis is DXA with vertebral fracture assessment and, if necessary, spinal radiographs. If DXA is not available, spinal radiographs might be used as a first step in osteoporosis screening.
Ancient gene transfer from algae to animals: Mechanisms and evolutionary significance
Authors: Ni Ting , Yue Jipei , Sun Guiling , Zou Yong , Wen Jianfan , Huang Jinling
Published: June 2012

Background

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is traditionally considered to be rare in multicellular eukaryotes such as animals. Recently, many genes of miscellaneous algal origins were discovered in choanoflagellates. Considering that choanoflagellates are the existing closest relatives of animals, we speculated that ancient HGT might have occurred in the unicellular ancestor of animals and affected the long-term evolution of animals.

Results

Through genome screening, phylogenetic and domain analyses, we identified 14 gene families, including 92 genes, in the tunicate Ciona intestinalis that are likely derived from miscellaneous photosynthetic eukaryotes. Almost all of these gene families are distributed in diverse animals, suggesting that they were mostly acquired by the common ancestor of animals. Their miscellaneous origins also suggest that these genes are not derived from a particular algal endosymbiont. In addition, most genes identified in our analyses are functionally related to molecule transport, cellular regulation and methylation signaling, suggesting that the acquisition of these genes might have facilitated the intercellular communication in the ancestral animal.

Conclusions

Our findings provide additional evidence that algal genes in aplastidic eukaryotes are not exclusively derived from historical plastids and thus important for interpreting the evolution of eukaryotic photosynthesis. Most importantly, our data represent the first evidence that more anciently acquired genes might exist in animals and that ancient HGT events have played an important role in animal evolution.
Differential transcript profiling through cDNA-AFLP showed complexity of rutin biosynthesis and accumulation in seeds of a nutraceutical food crop (Fagopyrum spp.)
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Naik Pradeep Kumar , Chauhan Rajinder Singh
Published: June 2012

Background

Buckwheat, consisting of two cultivated speciesFagopyrum tataricumandF. esculentum,is the richest source of flavonoid rutin. Vegetative tissues of both theFagopyrumspecies contain almost similar amount of rutin; however, rutin content in seed ofF. tataricumare ~50 folds of that in seed ofF. esculentum. In order to understand the molecular basis of high rutin content inF. tataricum,differential transcript profiling through cDNA-AFLP has been utilized to decipher what genetic factors in addition to flavonoid structural genes contribute to high rutin content ofF. tataricumcompared toF. esculentum.

Results

Differential transcript profiling through cDNA-AFLP in seed maturing stages (inflorescence to seed maturation) with 32 primer combinations generated total of 509 transcript fragments (TDFs). 167 TDFs were then eluted, cloned and sequenced fromF. tataricumandF. esculentum. Categorization of TDFs on the basis of their presence/absence (qualitative variation) or differences in the amount of expression (quantitative variation) between both theFagopyrumspecies showed that majority of variants are quantitative (64%). The TDFs represented genes controlling different biological processes such as basic and secondary metabolism (33%), regulation (18%), signal transduction (14%), transportation (13%), cellular organization (10%), and photosynthesis & energy (4%). Most of the TDFs except belonging to cellular metabolism showed relatively higher transcript abundance inF. tataricumoverF. esculentum. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of nine TDFs representing genes involved in regulation, metabolism, signaling and transport of secondary metabolites showed that all the tested nine TDFs (Ubiquitin protein ligase, ABC transporter, sugar transporter) except MYB 118 showed significantly higher expression in early seed formation stage (S7) ofF. tataricumcompared toF. esculentum. qRT-PCR results were found to be consistent with the cDNA-AFLP results.

Conclusions

The present study concludes that in addition to structural genes, other classes of genes such as regulators, modifiers and transporters are also important in biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoid content in plants. cDNA-AFLP technology was successfully utilized to capture genes that are contributing to differences in rutin content in seed maturing stages ofFagopyrumspecies. Increased transcript abundance of TDFs during transition from flowers to seed maturation suggests their involvement not only in the higher rutin content ofF. tataricumoverF. esculentumbut also in nutritional superiority of the former.
Leaf morphology in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]: QTL analysis, physical mapping and identifying a candidate gene using synteny with model legume species
Authors: Pottorff Marti , Ehlers Jeffrey D , Fatokun Christian , Roberts Philip A , Close Timothy J
Published: June 2012

Background

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] exhibits a considerable variation in leaf shape. Although cowpea is mostly utilized as a dry grain and animal fodder crop, cowpea leaves are also used as a high-protein pot herb in many countries of Africa.

Results

Leaf morphology was studied in the cowpea RIL population, Sanzi (sub-globose leaf shape) x Vita 7 (hastate leaf shape). A QTL for leaf shape, Hls (hastate leaf shape), was identified on the Sanzi x Vita 7 genetic map spanning from 56.54 cM to 67.54 cM distance on linkage group 15. SNP marker 1_0910 was the most significant over the two experiments, accounting for 74.7% phenotypic variance (LOD 33.82) in a greenhouse experiment and 71.5% phenotypic variance (LOD 30.89) in a field experiment. The corresponding Hls locus was positioned on the cowpea consensus genetic map on linkage group 4, spanning from 25.57 to 35.96 cM. A marker-trait association of the Hls region identified SNP marker 1_0349 alleles co-segregating with either the hastate or sub-globose leaf phenotype. High co-linearity was observed for the syntenic Hls region in Medicago truncatula and Glycine max. One syntenic locus for Hls was identified on Medicago chromosome 7 while syntenic regions for Hls were identified on two soybean chromosomes, 3 and 19. In all three syntenic loci, an ortholog for the EZA1/SWINGER (AT4G02020.1) gene was observed and is the candidate gene for the Hls locus. The Hls locus was identified on the cowpea physical map via SNP markers 1_0910, 1_1013 and 1_0992 which were identified in three BAC contigs; contig926, contig821 and contig25.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated how integrated genomic resources can be utilized for a candidate gene approach. Identification of genes which control leaf morphology may be utilized to improve the quality of cowpea leaves for vegetable and or forage markets as well as contribute to more fundamental research understanding the control of leaf shape in legumes.
In vitro and in vivo silencing of plasmodial dhs and eIf-5a genes in a putative, non-canonical RNAi-related pathway
Authors: Schwentke Andreas , Krepstakies Marcel , Mueller Ann-Kristin , Hammerschmidt-Kamper Christiane , Motaal Basma A , Bernhard Tina , Hauber Joachim , Kaiser Annette
Published: June 2012

Background

Deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) catalyzes the first step in hypusine biosynthesis of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) in Plasmodium falciparum. Target evaluation of parasitic DHS has recently been performed with CNI-1493, a novel selective pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitor used in clinical phase II for the treatment of Crohn's disease. CNI-1493 prevented infected mice from experimental cerebral malaria by decreasing the levels in hypusinated eIF-5A and serum TNF, implicating a link between cytokine signaling and the hypusine pathway.

Therefore we addressed the question whether either DHS itself or eIF-5A is required for the outcome of severe malaria. In a first set of experiments we performed an in vitro knockdown of the plasmodial eIF-5A and DHS proteins by RNA interference (RNAi) in 293 T cells. Secondly, transfection of siRNA constructs into murine Plasmodium schizonts was performed which, in turn, were used for infection.

Results

293 T cells treated with plasmodial DHS- and eIF-5A specific siRNAs or control siRNAs were analyzed by RT-PCR to determine endogenous dhs -and eIF-5A mRNA levels. The expressed DHS-shRNA and EIF-5A-shRNA clearly downregulated the corresponding transcript in these cells. Interestingly, mice infected with transgenic schizonts expressing either the eIF-5A or dhs shRNA showed an elevated parasitemia within the first two days post infection which then decreased intermittently. These results were obtained without drug selection. Blood samples, which were taken from the infected mice at day 5 post infection with either the expressed EIF-5A-shRNA or the DHS-shRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot techniques, demonstrating the absence of either the hypusinated form of eIF-5A or DHS.

Conclusions

Infection of NMRI mice with schizonts from the lethal P. berghei ANKA wildtype strain transgenic for plasmodial eIF-5A-specific shRNA or DHS-specific shRNA resulted in low parasitemia 2–9 days post infection before animals succumbed to hyperparasitemia similar to infections with the related but non-lethal phenotype P. berghei strain NK65. RT-PCR and Western blot experiments performed with blood from the transfected erythrocytic stages showed that both genes are important for the proliferation of the parasite. Moreover, these experiments clearly demonstrate that the hypusine pathway in Plasmodium is linked to human iNos induction.
Acupuncture regulates the glucose metabolism in cerebral functional regions in chronic stage ischemic stroke patients—a PET-CT cerebral functional imaging study
Authors: Huang Yong , Tang Chunzhi , Wang Shuxia , Lu Yangjia , Shen Wei , Yang Junjun , Chen Junqi , Lin Renyong , Cui Shaoyang , Xiao Huiling , Qu Shanshan , Lai Xinsheng , Shan Baoci
Published: June 2012

Background

Acupuncture has been applied to aid in the recovery of post-stroke patients, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aims to analyze the relationship between acupuncture and glucose metabolism in cerebral functional regions in post-stroke patients using 18 FDG PET-CT techniques. Forty-three ischemic stroke patients were randomly divided into 5 groups: the Waiguan (TE5) needling group, the TE5 sham needling group, the sham point needling group, the sham point sham needling group and the non-needling group. Cerebral functional images of all patients were then acquired using PET-CT scans and processed by SPM2 software.

Results

Compared with the non-needling group, sham needling at TE5 and needling/sham needling at the sham point did not activate cerebral areas. However, needling at TE5 resulted in the activation of Brodmann Area (BA) 30. Needling/sham needling at TE5 and needling at the sham point did not deactivate any cerebral areas, whereas sham needling at the sham point led to deactivation in BA6. Compared with sham needling at TE5, needling at TE5 activated BA13, 19 and 47 and did not deactivate any areas. Compared with needling at the sham point, needling at TE5 had no associated activation but a deactivating effect on BA9.

Conclusion

Needling at TE5 had a regulating effect on cerebral functional areas shown by PET-CT, and this may relate to its impact on the recovery of post-stroke patients.
Arabidopsis nonhost resistance gene PSS1confers immunity against an oomycete and a fungal pathogen but not a bacterial pathogen that cause diseases in soybean
Authors: Sumit Rishi , Sahu Binod B , Xu Min , Sandhu Devinder , Bhattacharyya Madan K
Published: June 2012

Background

Nonhost resistance (NHR) provides immunity to all members of a plant species against all isolates of a microorganism that is pathogenic to other plant species. Three Arabidopsis thaliana PEN (penetration deficient) genes, PEN1, 2 and 3 have been shown to provide NHR against the barley pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei at the prehaustorial level. Arabidopsis pen1-1 mutant lacking the PEN1 gene is penetrated by the hemibiotrophic oomycete pathogen Phytophthora sojae, the causal organism of the root and stem rot disease in soybean. We investigated if there is any novel nonhost resistance mechanism in Arabidopsis against the soybean pathogen, P. sojae.

Results

The
P.

s

ojae
susceptible (pss) 1 mutant was identified by screening a mutant population created in the Arabidopsis pen1-1 mutant that lacks penetration resistance against the non adapted barley biotrophic fungal pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei. Segregation data suggested that PEN1 is not epistatic to PSS1. Responses of pss1 and pen1-1 to P. sojae invasion were distinct and suggest that PSS1 may act at both pre- and post-haustorial levels, while PEN1 acts at the pre-haustorial level against this soybean pathogen. Therefore, PSS1 encodes a new form of nonhost resistance. The pss1 mutant is also infected by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen, Fusarium virguliforme, which causes sudden death syndrome in soybean. Thus, a common NHR mechanism is operative in Arabidopsis against both hemibiotrophic oomycetes and necrotrophic fungal pathogens that are pathogenic to soybean. However, PSS1 does not play any role in immunity against the bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea, that causes bacterial blight in soybean. We mapped PSS1 to a region very close to the southern telomere of chromosome 3 that carries no known disease resistance genes.

Conclusions

The study revealed that Arabidopsis PSS1 is a novel nonhost resistance gene that confers a new form of nonhost resistance against both a hemibiotrophic oomycete pathogen, P. sojae and a necrotrophic fungal pathogen, F. virguliforme that cause diseases in soybean. However, this gene does not play any role in the immunity of Arabidopsis to the bacterial pathogen, P. syringae pv. glycinea, which causes bacterial blight in soybean. Identification and further characterization of the PSS1 gene would provide further insights into a new form of nonhost resistance in Arabidopsis, which could be utilized in improving resistance of soybean to two serious pathogens.
Ethnic differences in perceptions of body satisfaction and body appearance among U.S. Schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mikolajczyk Rafael T , Iannotti Ronald J , Farhat Tilda , Thomas Vijaya
Published: June 2012

Background

Perceived body appearance and body satisfaction are potentially related to weight problems and poor health. The purpose of this study was to examine how gender, and ethnic differences in body satisfaction, perceived body appearance and weight status change by age in a representative sample of U.S. adolescents 11–17 years old.

Methods

We used the US Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2001 survey which assessed perceived body appearance, body satisfaction, self-reported body mass index (BMI) and socio-demographic indicators. The associations between age and perceived appearance, age and body satisfaction, and between z-transformed BMI and body satisfaction were analyzed using separate non-parametric regression models for both genders and the three ethnic groups.

Results

Body satisfaction did not vary significantly by age except for an increase with age in the proportion of Non-Hispanic White girls who perceived themselves as too fat. Although boys did not report being too fat unless their BMI was above the age- and gender-specific median, one third of Non-Hispanic White girls felt too fat at or below the age- and gender-specific median. Compared to other ethnicities, African-American students’ perceived appearance was significantly more positive and they were less likely to perceive themselves overweight at higher BMI scores. However, during adolescence, the positive self-reported perceived appearance of African-American boys dropped substantially while it remained relatively stable in African-American girls.

Conclusions

There were substantial differences in body satisfaction and perceived appearance across the three largest ethnic groups of school-age children in the U.S. Stability across age indicates that these perceptions are most likely established before the age of 10 and underline the importance of primary schools and parents in prevention. Special attention should be directed to the dramatic loss of positive perceived appearance among African-American boys.
Correlates of unprotected anal sex among men who have sex with men in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Barrón-Limón Sergio , Semple Shirley J , Strathdee Steffanie A , Lozada Remedios , Vargas-Ojeda Adriana , Patterson Thomas L
Published: June 2012

Background

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in Mexico, data on current risk behaviors in this population are lacking. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in a sample of 260 MSM in Tijuana, Mexico.

Methods

In June 2010, men attending a gay pride celebration were invited to complete a sexual risk survey. Men who reported UAI with a male partner in the past year were compared with men who reported only protected anal sex during the same period.

Results

Mean age of participants was 29.7; 54% had a high school diploma or less; and 43% were unemployed. In the past year, 55% had been tested for HIV, 21% reported using illicit drugs before or during sex, and 94% had sex only with men. Overall, 50% reported having UAI with another male in the past year. Factors independently associated with UAI in the past year were unemployment (AOR = 1.87), attending adult movie theaters (AOR = 2.21), using illicit drugs before or during sex (AOR = 2.43), and not having a recent HIV test (AOR = 1.85).

Conclusions

Interventions to promote HIV testing and condom use among men who have sex with men may want to consider venue-specific approaches, as well as focus on drug-use issues in the context of unsafe sex.