bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
You Have to Make Something of All That Rubbish, Do You? An Empirical Investigation of the Social Process of Qualitative Research
Authors: Carter Stacy M. , Jordens Christopher F. C. , McGrath Catherine , Little Miles
Published: August 2008

In this article, we examine participants' talk about qualitative research. We provide empirical support for post-structural theorizations of the interview and propose three distinct but related dimensions of qualitative research: emotional, purposive/relational, and epistemic/ontological. In this study, participants often became upset but constructed participation as enjoyable and cathartic. The purpose of participation was to assist the communities to which one belonged. Participation was an active, reflexive practice that reconstructed the self and changed knowledge about one's self. This latter epistemic/ontological dimension of participation appeared to be the most compelling for participants, but it is also the hardest to observe, with implications for how we consider the costs and benefits of participation. We suggest two practical measures for researchers and institutional review boards to consider in light of our findings: routinely asking questions about the research experience in qualitative studies and reformulating patient information statements to particularize them to qualitative research.
Methodological Issues in Emergent Evaluations of Health Programs: Lessons From Iberoamerica
Authors: Mercado-Martinez Francisco J. , Tejada-Tayabas Luz Maria , Springett Jane
Published: August 2008

There has been growing interest in nonmainstream approaches to assessing health programs, but methodological strategies have not been a concern. In this article, we review methodological strategies used in emergent evaluations of health policies and programs in Iberoamerica, focusing on participatory, qualitative, critical, hermeneutical, bottom-up, collaborative, and transdisciplinary approaches. A literature search was performed combining strategies: database review, consultation of bibliography, expert interviews, and search engines. The review took place from 2003 to 2006. Research published in the past two decades was included. Nearly 70 articles were found on emergent research and evaluation of health programs in the region. Participatory and qualitative approaches were the most used. Theoretical issues are more emphasized than are methodological ones. Data gathering also was more explored than were design, participant selection, or analysis. The frequently used methodological strategies contradict some basic assumptions of the emergent evaluative research, such as its participatory and collaborative nature.
Effects of Stress on Eating Practices Among Adults
Authors: Kandiah Jay , Yake Melissa , Willett Heather
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between comfort food preferences of adults when under normal (nonstressful) and stressful conditions. A total of 185 university faculty completed on InQsit, a 31‐item Stress‐Eating Survey. Sixty‐seven percent experienced changes in appetite when stressed, with 69% having an increase in appetite and 31% a decrease. Under stressful conditions, participants chose a wider variety of sweet (p ≤ .001) and salty/crunchy foods (p = .004). High‐restrained eaters chose significantly more types of sweet foods (p = .031) and beverages (p = .020) than low‐restrained eaters. Variety of mixed dishes significantly decreased (p = .048) with increased age. This research suggests that majority of adults may experience an increased appetite with stress and may choose more types of sweet and salty/crunchy foods. Under normal and stressful conditions, it appears that gender, age, and restraint level may also influence comfort food choices.
The Use of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Assess Predictors of Intention to Eat Fruits Among 9th‐Grade Students Attending Two Public High Schools in Eastern North Carolina
Authors: Pawlak Roman , Malinauskas Brenda
Published: August 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify specific beliefs regarding eating two cups of fruits among ninth‐grade youth attending public high schools in easternNorth Carolinautilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A preliminary open‐ended questionnaire was used to elicit beliefs about fruits. These beliefs along with statements adopted from the literature tailored toward fruit intake were used to develop a survey instrument. This survey was subsequently used to measure the variables of the TPB. There were 157 students (103 girls [65.6%], mean ±SD age =14.69 ±0.79 and 54 boys [34.4%], mean ±SD age = 14.74 ±0.89) from two schools who completed the final copy of the survey. Results: Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted intention to eat fruits, accounting for 55% of variance. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that peer leaders may have a significant influence on intentions to eat fruits.
The Price of Laughter: Differences Between Hispanic Groups' Responses to the Use of Humor in Financial Services Advertising
Authors: Villegas Jorge , Shah Aarambh
Published: August 2008

This study argues for a more precise study of U.S. Hispanics by investigating the different attitudes toward money retention of two Hispanic groups, Cuban Americans and Mexican Americans, and its impact on advertising processing. The hypothesized dissimilarity, Cuban American have a more positive attitude toward retention than Mexican Americans, was used as the basis for hypotheses that explored the effects of the use of humor in advertising for a financial product. The results of a 2 × 2 experiment in which type of appeal (humorous/non‐humorous) was manipulated and Hispanic group affiliation was measured suggest that Cuban Americans prefer a nonhumorous appeal in an advertisement for a financial service whereas Mexican Americans preferred the humorous message. This finding suggests that Mexican Americans might use affective information, instead of cognitive strategies, to form attitudes toward financial products.
Achieving the College Dream?
Authors: Kimura-Walsh Erin , Yamamura Erica K. , Griffin Kimberly A. , Allen Walter R.
Published: August 2008

Using an Opportunity to Learn (OTL) framework, this study examines the college preparatory experiences of Latina high and non-high achievers at an urban Latina/o majority high school. Findings indicate that students relied almost exclusively on school resources to navigate their college preparation process. However, the school provided differential OTL based on class ranking and perceived eligibility for selective colleges.
High refractive index TiO2 film deposited by electron beam evaporation
Authors: Yao J. K. , Huang H. L. , Ma J. Y. , Jin Y. X. , Zhao Y. A. , Shao J. D. , He H. B. , Yi K. , Fan Z. X. , Zhang F. , Wu Z. Y.
Published: August 2008

The well known ‘crystal seed’ theory is first applied in this work to prepare TiO2 film: a high refractive index rutile TiO2 film is grown by electron beam evaporation on the rutile seed formed by 1100°C annealing. The average n is larger than 2·4, by far the highest in all the authors’ TiO2 films. The films are characterised by optical properties, microstructure and surface morphologies. It is found that the refractive index shows positive relation with the crystal structure, grain size, and packing density and roughness of the film. The film has lower density of granularity and nodule defects on the surface than those of the film deposited by magnetron sputtering. The result shows attractive application in complex filter and laser coatings.
Alleviating detrimental effects of defects on corrosion performance of TiN coating by post-deposition treatment using polymethyl methacrylate
Authors: Cai F. , Yang Q. , Huang X. , Nagy D.
Published: August 2008

Coating defects provide an access channel for corrosive medium to penetrate and reach underlying metal substrate, therefore promoting localised corrosion. In this paper, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sealing technique was developed and applied to a TiN coating deposited by plasma assisted electron beam evaporation method. The as deposited and PMMA treated coating specimens were subjected to potentiodynamic polarisation measurements in 3˙5%NaCl aqueous solution. The coating degradation with immersion time was evaluated at open circuit potential using electrochemical impedance technique. The test results indicate that PMMA postdeposition treatment successfully seals the pores, and therefore significantly improves the corrosion resistance of the coating. Additionally no obvious degradation has been observed for the PMMA treated samples during the long time exposure to the NaCl solution.
Modelling of spatial plasma by using neural network
Authors: Kim S. Y. , Kim B.
Published: August 2008

A prediction model of spatial plasma was constructed by combining a radial basis function network and genetic algorithm. Multiparameterised widths were adopted and their effects on the model prediction were optimised by genetic algorithm. Spatial plasma data were collected by using a Langmuir probe in a Cl2 inductively coupled plasma. For systematic modelling, plasma discharge process was characterised by a face centred Box Wilson experiment. Compared with statistical regression models, optimised radial basis function network model yielded an improved prediction of more than 45% for electron temperature. Electron density model revealed a noticeable increase in plasma density with increasing Cl2 flow rate only at higher source powers or lower pressures as well as with decreasing the pressure only at higher Cl2 flow rate. Also, electron temperature model showed a strong dependence on Cl2 flow rate. Maintaining a higher Cl2 flow rate was needed to make pressure (or source power) effect on plasma density (or electron temperature) significant.
Optoelectrical properties of PET spunbonded nonwovens deposited with ITO thin films by RF sputter coating
Authors: Wang Y. Y. , Wei Q. F. , Shao D. F. , Cai Y. B. , Yu L. Y.
Published: August 2008

Indium tin oxide (ITO) films were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) spunbonded nonwovens using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering under different conditions. Indium tin oxide films with different thicknesses between 56 and 224 nm showed varying transmittances in the visible and ultraviolet regions. The transmittance of the nonwoven decreased as the thickness of the ITO film increased. The electrical properties of the material were also affected by the sputtering conditions. Lager sputtering power led to better electrical conductivity of the material. Higher sputtering pressure caused a decrease in electrical conductivity. The resistivity of the films first decreased with the increase in the temperature (till 150°C), and then increased as the temperature increased. The materials deposited with thicker ITO showed improved electrical conductivity.
The majority of cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas expresses class-switched immunoglobulins and develops in a T-helper type 2 inflammatory environment
Authors: van Maldegem Febe , van Dijk Remco , Wormhoudt Thera A. M. , Kluin Philip M. , Willemze Rein , Cerroni Lorenzo , van Noesel Carel J. M. , Bende Richard J.
Published: August 2008

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZBCLs) arise on a background of chronic inflammation resulting from organ-specific autoimmunity, infection, or by unknown causes. Well-known examples are salivary gland MZBCL in Sjögren's sialadenitis and gastric MZBCL in Helicobacter pylori gastritis. MZBCLs express CXCR3, a receptor for interferon-γ–induced chemokines highly expressed in the chronic inflammatory environment. The immunoglobulin (Ig) variable heavy/light chain (IgVH/IgVL) gene repertoire of salivary gland and gastric MZBCL appears restricted and frequently encodes B-cell receptors with rheumatoid factor reactivity. Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (PCMZLs) are regarded as the skin-involving counterparts of extranodal MZBCLs. Although PCMZLs have been associated with Borrelia burgdorferi dermatitis, PCMZLs generally arise because of unknown causes. We studied an extensive panel of PCMZLs and show that PCMZLs do not conform to the general profile of extranodal MZBCL. Whereas most noncutaneous MZBCLs express IgM, PCMZLs in majority express IgG, IgA, and IgE and do not show an obvious immunoglobulin repertoire bias. Furthermore, the isotype-switched PCMZLs lack CXCR3 and seem to arise in a different inflammatory environment, compared with other extranodal MZBCLs.
The role of the polycomb complex in silencing α-globin gene expression in nonerythroid cells
Authors: Garrick David , De Gobbi Marco , Samara Vasiliki , Rugless Michelle , Holland Michelle , Ayyub Helena , Lower Karen , Sloane-Stanley Jackie , Gray Nicki , Koch Christoph , Dunham Ian , Higgs Douglas R.
Published: August 2008

Although much is known about globin gene activation in erythroid cells, relatively little is known about how these genes are silenced in nonerythroid tissues. Here we show that the human α- and β-globin genes are silenced by fundamentally different mechanisms. The α-genes, which are surrounded by widely expressed genes in a gene dense region of the genome, are silenced very early in development via recruitment of the Polycomb (PcG) complex. By contrast, the β-globin genes, which lie in a relatively gene-poor chromosomal region, are not bound by this complex in nonerythroid cells. The PcG complex seems to be recruited to the α-cluster by sequences within the CpG islands associated with their promoters; the β-globin promoters do not lie within such islands. Chromatin associated with the α-globin cluster is modified by histone methylation (H3K27me3), and silencing in vivo is mediated by the localized activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs). The repressive (PcG/HDAC) machinery is removed as hematopoietic progenitors differentiate to form erythroid cells. The α- and β-globin genes thus illustrate important, contrasting mechanisms by which cell-specific hematopoietic genes (and tissue-specific genes in general) may be silenced.
Bovine CD14 gene characterization and relationship between polymorphisms and surface expression on monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils
Authors: Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M , Lee Jai-Wei , Ibeagha Aloysius E , Zhao Xin
Published: August 2008

Background

CD14 is an important player in host innate immunity in that it confers lipopolysaccharide sensitivity to cell types like neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. The study was aimed at characterizing the CD14 gene of cattle for sequence variations and to determine the effect of variations on the expression of the protein on the surfaces of monocytes and neutrophils in healthy dairy cows.

Results

Five SNPs were identified: two within the coding regions (g.A1908G and g.A2318G, numbering is according to GenBank No. EU148609), one in the 5' (g.C1291T) and two in the 3' (g.A2601G and g.G2621T) untranslated regions. SNP 1908 changes amino acid 175 of the protein (p.Asn175Asp, numbering is according to GenBank No. ABV68569), while SNP 2318 involves a synonymous codon change. Coding region SNPs characterized three gene allelesA(GenBank No. EU148609),A1(GenBank No. EU148610) andB(GenBank No. EU148611) and two deduced protein variants A (ABV68569 and ABV68570) and B (ABV68571). Protein variant A is more common in the breeds analyzed. All SNPs gave rise to 3 haplotypes for the breeds. SNP genotype 1908AG was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with a higher percentage of neutrophils expressing more CD14 molecules on their surfaces. The promoter region contains several transcription factor binding sites, including multiple AP-1 and SP1 sites and there is a high conservation of amino acid residues between the proteins of closely related species.

Conclusion

The study has provided information on sequence variations within the CD14 gene and proteins of cattle. The SNP responsible for an amino acid exchange may play an important role in the expression of CD14 on the surfaces of neutrophils. Further observations involving a larger sample size are required to validate our findings. Our SNP and association analyses have provided baseline information that may be used at defining the role of CD14 in mediating bacterial infections. The computational analysis on the promoter and comparative analysis with other species has revealed regions of regulatory element motifs that may indicate important regulatory effects on the gene.
Regression toward the mean – a detection method for unknown population mean based on Mee and Chua's algorithm
Authors: Ostermann Thomas , Willich Stefan N , Lüdtke Rainer
Published: August 2008

Background

Regression to the mean (RTM) occurs in situations of repeated measurements when extreme values are followed by measurements in the same subjects that are closer to the mean of the basic population. In uncontrolled studies such changes are likely to be interpreted as a real treatment effect.

Methods

Several statistical approaches have been developed to analyse such situations, including the algorithm of Mee and Chua which assumes a known population mean μ. We extend this approach to a situation where μ is unknown and suggest to vary it systematically over a range of reasonable values. Using differential calculus we provide formulas to estimate the range of μ where treatment effects are likely to occur when RTM is present.

Results

We successfully applied our method to three real world examples denoting situations when (a) no treatment effect can be confirmed regardless which μ is true, (b) when a treatment effect must be assumed independent from the true μ and (c) in the appraisal of results of uncontrolled studies.

Conclusion

Our method can be used to separate the wheat from the chaff in situations, when one has to interpret the results of uncontrolled studies. In meta-analysis, health-technology reports or systematic reviews this approach may be helpful to clarify the evidence given from uncontrolled observational studies.
The efficiency and effectiveness of utilizing diagrams in interviews: an assessment of participatory diagramming and graphic elicitation
Authors: Umoquit Muriah J , Dobrow Mark J , Lemieux-Charles Louise , Ritvo Paul G , Urbach David R , Wodchis Walter P
Published: August 2008

Background

This paper focuses on measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of two diagramming methods employed in key informant interviews with clinicians and health care administrators. The two methods are 'participatory diagramming', where the respondent creates a diagram that assists in their communication of answers, and 'graphic elicitation', where a researcher-prepared diagram is used to stimulate data collection.

Methods

These two diagramming methods were applied in key informant interviews and their value in efficiently and effectively gathering data was assessed based on quantitative measures and qualitative observations.

Results

Assessment of the two diagramming methods suggests that participatory diagramming is an efficient method for collecting data in graphic form, but may not generate the depth of verbal response that many qualitative researchers seek. In contrast, graphic elicitation was more intuitive, better understood and preferred by most respondents, and often provided more contemplative verbal responses, however this was achieved at the expense of more interview time.

Conclusion

Diagramming methods are important for eliciting interview data that are often difficult to obtain through traditional verbal exchanges. Subject to the methodological limitations of the study, our findings suggest that while participatory diagramming and graphic elicitation have specific strengths and weaknesses, their combined use can provide complementary information that would not likely occur with the application of only one diagramming method. The methodological insights gained by examining the efficiency and effectiveness of these diagramming methods in our study should be helpful to other researchers considering their incorporation into qualitative research designs.
The leukoaraiosis is more prevalent in the large artery atherosclerosis stroke subtype among Korean patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Lee Seung-Jae , Kim Joong-Seok , Lee Kwang-Soo , An Jae-Young , Kim Woojun , Kim Yeong-In , Kim Bum-Soo , Jung So-Lyung
Published: August 2008

Background

Several studies have suggested that the specific stroke subtype may influence the presence of leukoaraiosis in patients with ischemic stroke. We investigated the association between stroke subtype and leukoaraiosis in Korean patients with ischemic stroke by MRI.

Methods

There were 594 patients included in this study that were classified as large artery disease, lacune and cardioembolic stroke. For large-artery disease, the analysis focused on the intracranial or extracranial location of the stenosis, and the multiplicity of the stenotic lesions. Leukoaraiosis grading was performed according to the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Results

There was a significant association between leukoaraiosis and the stroke subtypes; the large-artery-disease group had a higher prevalence of leukoaraiosis than did the other groups (55.4% in the large-artery-disease group, 30.3% in the lacunar group and 14.3% in the cardioembolic group, P = 0.016 by chi-square test). On the multivariate linear regression analysis, age, the presence of hypertension, previous stroke and stroke subtype were independently associated with the presence of leukoaraiosis. In the sub analysis of the large-artery-disease group, the leukoaraiosis had a tendency to be more prevalent in the mixed and intracranial stenosis group than did the extracranial stenosis group (45.5% in the mixed group, 40.3% in the intracranial group and 26.9% in the extracranial group, P = 0.08 by chi-square test).

Conclusion

The association of leukoaraiosis with large-artery disease in this study might be due to the relatively high prevalence of intracranial occlusive lesions in Korean stroke patients compared to other ethnic groups.
15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 attenuates endothelial-monocyte interaction: implication for inflammatory diseases
Authors: Prasad Ratna , Giri Shailendra , Singh Avtar K , Singh Inderjit
Published: August 2008

Background

The Infiltration of leukocytes across the brain endothelium is a hallmark of various neuroinflammatory disorders. Under inflammatory conditions, there is increased expression of specific cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on activated vascular endothelial cells which increases the adhesion and infiltration of leukocytes. TNFα is one of the major proinflammatory cytokines that causes endothelial dysfunction by various mechanisms including activation of transcription factor NF-κB, a key transcription factor that regulates expression of CAMs. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of the nuclear hormone superfamily of ligand-activated transcriptional factors. 15-deoxy-δ 12, 14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is a well recognized natural ligand of PPARγ and possesses anti-inflammatory properties bothin vitroandin vivo. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of 15-PGJ2 on the adhesion of mononuclear cells to activated endothelial cells.

Methods

To delineate the signaling pathway of 15d-PGJ2 mediated effects, we employed anin vitroadhesion assay model of endothelial-monocyte interaction. Expression of CAMs was examined using flow cytometry and real time PCR techniques. To define the mechanism of 15d-PGJ2, we explored the role of NF-κB by EMSA (ElectrophoreticMobilityShiftAssay) gels, NF-κB reporter and p65-transcriptional activities by transient transfection in the brain-derived endothelial cell line (bEND.3).

Results

Using anin vitroadhesion assay model, we demonstrate that 15d-PGJ2 inhibits TNFα induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, which is mediated by downregulation of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in a PPARγ independent manner. 15d-PGJ2 modulated the adhesion process by inhibiting the TNFα induced IKK-NF-κB pathway as evident from EMSA, NF-κB reporter and p65 mediated transcriptional activity results in bEND.3 cells.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that 15d-PGJ2 inhibits inflammation at multiple steps and thus is a potential therapeutic target for various inflammatory diseases.
Hypercalcemia in a patient with disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis: a case report
Authors: Almeida Rafael Moura , Cezana Loureno , Tsukumo Daniela Miti Lemos , de Carvalho-Filho Marco Antônio , Saad Mário José Abdalla
Published: August 2008

Introduction

Hypercalcemia is well described in various granulomatous disorders, such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, berylliosis, leprosy and fungal infections. However, the association of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and hypercalcemia is rare: to the best of our knowledge, only two cases have previously been reported, and neither had a clear documentation of the etiology of the hypercalcemia.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 22-year-old man in whom disseminated infection with paracoccidioidomycosis was associated with hypercalcemia. The patient had a high normal serum level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and a suppressed parathyroid hormone value, an indication that the hypercalcemia was not mediated by parathyroid hormone and might be associated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Conclusion

The episode resolved readily with administration of corticosteroids, an outcome suggesting that this is an effective treatment of hypercalcemia of this origin. On follow-up, while receiving antifungal therapy for P. brasiliensis the patient's calcium values remained normal.
Selectively Filtering Short Wavelengths Attenuates the Disruptive Effects of Nocturnal Light on Endocrine and Molecular Circadian Phase Markers in Rats
Authors: Rahman Shadab A. , Kollara Alexandra , Brown Theodore J. , Casper Robert F.
Published: August 2008

Various physiological processes exhibit a circadian rhythm synchronized to the geophysical light/dark cycle. Our study using a rat model demonstrated that exposure to light at night suppressed the expected nocturnal rise in melatonin, increased plasma corticosterone, and disrupted core clock gene expression in the hypothalamus and the adrenal gland. These effects were prevented by filtration of a 10-nm bandwidth of light between 470 and 480 nm, whereas filtration of light between 452 and 462 nm prevented the rise of corticosterone without restoring normal melatonin secretion or hypothalamic clock gene expression. This is the first demonstration of a wavelength dependency of glucocorticoid secretion and clock gene expression. Our results in an animal model suggest that filtering a narrow bandwidth of light from nocturnal lighting may efficiently attenuate overall disruption of circadian endocrine rhythms and clock gene expression in the hypothalamus and adrenal gland. Because a narrow bandwidth of light is filtered, the color distribution of the illumination source is not altered, and this may be of practical importance for potential future studies in shift workers.
The Role of Insulin Receptor Signaling in Zebrafish Embryogenesis
Authors: Toyoshima Yuka , Monson Christopher , Duan Cunming , Wu Yingjie , Gao Chuan , Yakar Shoshana , Sadler Kirsten C. , LeRoith Derek
Published: August 2008

Insulin receptor (IR) signaling is considered to be important in growth and development in addition to its major role in metabolic homeostasis. The metabolic role of insulin in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism is extensively studied. In contrast, the role of IR activation during embryogenesis is less understood. To address this, we examined the function of the IR during zebrafish development. Zebrafish express two isoforms of IR (insra and insrb). Both isoforms were cloned and show high homology to the human insulin receptor and can functionally substitute for the human IR in fibroblasts derived from insr gene-deleted mice. Gene expression studies reveal that these receptors are expressed at moderate levels in the central nervous system during development. Morpholino-mediated selective knockdown of each of the IR isoforms causes growth retardation and profound morphogenetic defects in the brain and eye. These results clearly demonstrate that IR signaling plays essential roles in vertebrate embryogenesis and growth.
Expression of the Thyroid Hormone Transporters Monocarboxylate Transporter-8 (SLC16A2) and Organic Ion Transporter-14 (SLCO1C1) at the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Roberts Lori M. , Woodford Kathleen , Zhou Mei , Black Deborah S. , Haggerty Jill E. , Tate Emily H. , Grindstaff Kent K. , Mengesha Wondwessen , Raman Chandrasekaran , Zerangue Noa
Published: August 2008

Thyroid hormones require transport across cell membranes to carry out their biological functions. The importance of transport for thyroid hormone signaling was highlighted by the discovery that inactivating mutations in the human monocarboxylate transporter-8 (MCT8) (SLC16A2) cause severe psychomotor retardation due to thyroid hormone deficiency in the central nervous system. It has been reported that Mct8 expression in the mouse brain is restricted to neurons, leading to the model that organic ion transporter polypeptide-14 (OATP14, also known as OATP1C1/SLCO1C1) is the primary thyroid hormone transporter at the blood-brain barrier, whereas MCT8 mediates thyroid hormone uptake into neurons. In contrast to these reports, we report here that in addition to neuronal expression, MCT8 mRNA and protein are expressed in cerebral microvessels in human, mouse, and rat. In addition, OATP14 mRNA and protein are strongly enriched in mouse and rat cerebral microvessels but not in human microvessels. In rat, Mct8 and Oatp14 proteins localize to both the luminal and abluminal microvessel membranes. In human and rodent choroid plexus epithelial cells, MCT8 is concentrated on the epithelial cell apical surface and OATP14 localizes primarily to the basal-lateral surface. Mct8 and Oatp14 expression was also observed in mouse and rat tanycytes, which are thought to form a barrier between hypothalamic blood vessels and brain. These results raise the possibility that reduced thyroid hormone transport across the blood-brain barrier contributes to the neurological deficits observed in affected patients with MCT8 mutations. The high microvessel expression of OATP14 in rodent compared with human brain may contribute to the relatively mild phenotype observed in Mct8-null mice, in contrast to humans lacking functional MCT8.
Mechanical Strain Inhibits Adipogenesis in Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Stimulating a Durable β-Catenin Signal
Authors: Sen Buer , Xie Zhihui , Case Natasha , Ma Meiyun , Rubin Clinton , Rubin Janet
Published: August 2008

The ability of exercise to decrease fat mass and increase bone mass may occur through mechanical biasing of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) away from adipogenesis and toward osteoblastogenesis. C3H10T1/2 MSCs cultured in highly adipogenic medium express peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and adiponectin mRNA and protein, and accumulate intracellular lipid. Mechanical strain applied for 6 h daily inhibited expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and adiponectin mRNA by up to 35 and 50%, respectively, after 5 d. A decrease in active and total β-catenin levels during adipogenic differentiation was entirely prevented by daily application of mechanical strain; furthermore, strain induced β-catenin nuclear translocation. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β by lithium chloride or SB415286 also prevented adipogenesis, suggesting that preservation of β-catenin levels was important to strain inhibition of adipogenesis. Indeed, mechanical strain inactivated glycogen synthase kinase-3β, which was preceded by Akt activation, indicating that strain transmits antiadipogenic signals through this pathway. Cells grown under adipogenic conditions showed no increase in osteogenic markers runt-related transcription factor (Runx) 2 and osterix (Osx); subsequent addition of bone morphogenetic protein 2 for 2 d increased Runx2 but not Osx expression in unstrained cultures. When cultures were strained for 5 d before bone morphogenetic protein 2 addition, Runx2 mRNA increased more than in unstrained cultures, and Osx expression more than doubled. As such, mechanical strain enhanced MSC potential to enter the osteoblast lineage despite exposure to adipogenic conditions. Our results indicate that MSC commitment to adipogenesis can be suppressed by mechanical signals, allowing other signals to promote osteoblastogenesis. These data suggest that positive effects of exercise on both fat and bone may occur during mesenchymal lineage selection.
Transcriptional Response of the Murine Mammary Gland to Acute Progesterone Exposure
Authors: Fernandez-Valdivia Rodrigo , Mukherjee Atish , Creighton Chad J. , Buser Adam C. , DeMayo Francesco J. , Edwards Dean P. , Lydon John P.
Published: August 2008

Our mechanistic understanding of progesterone’s involvement in murine mammary morphogenesis and tumorigenesis is dependent on defining effector pathways responsible for transducing the progesterone signal into a morphogenetic response. Toward this goal, microarray methods were applied to the murine mammary gland to identify novel downstream gene targets of progesterone. Consistent with a tissue undergoing epithelial expansion, mining of the progesterone-responsive transcriptome revealed the up-regulation of functional gene classes involved in epithelial proliferation and survival. Reassuringly, signaling pathways previously reported to be responsive to progesterone were also identified. Mining this informational resource for rapidly induced genes, we identified “inhibitor of differentiation 4” (Id4) as a new molecular target acutely induced by progesterone exposure. Mammary Id4 is transiently induced during early pregnancy and colocalizes with progesterone receptor (PR) expression, suggesting that Id4 mediates the early events of PR-dependent mammary morphogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay detecting direct recruitment of ligand occupied PR to the Id4 promoter supports this proposal. Given that Id4 is a member of the Id family of transcriptional regulators that have been linked to the maintenance of proliferative status and tumorigenesis, the establishment of a mechanistic link between PR signaling and Id4 promises to furnish a wider conceptual framework with which to advance our understanding of normal and abnormal mammary epithelial responses to progestins. In sum, the progesterone-responsive transcriptome described herein not only reinforces the importance of progesterone in mammary epithelial expansion but also represents an invaluable information resource with which to identify novel signaling paradigms for mammary PR action.
Deficiency of TNFα Converting Enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) Causes a Lean, Hypermetabolic Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Gelling Richard W. , Yan Wenbo , Al-Noori Salwa , Pardini Aaron , Morton Gregory J. , Ogimoto Kayoko , Schwartz Michael W. , Dempsey Peter J.
Published: August 2008

Energy homeostasis involves central nervous system integration of afferent inputs that coordinately regulate food intake and energy expenditure. Here, we report that adult homozygous TNFα converting enzyme (TACE)-deficient mice exhibit one of the most dramatic examples of hypermetabolism yet reported in a rodent system. Because this effect is not matched by increased food intake, mice lacking TACE exhibit a lean phenotype. In the hypothalamus of these mice, neurons in the arcuate nucleus exhibit intact responses to reduced fat mass and low circulating leptin levels, suggesting that defects in other components of the energy homeostasis system explain the phenotype of TaceΔZn/ΔZn mice. Elevated levels of uncoupling protein-1 in brown adipose tissue from TaceΔZn/ΔZn mice when compared with weight-matched controls suggest that deficient TACE activity is linked to increased sympathetic outflow. These findings collectively identify a novel and potentially important role for TACE in energy homeostasis.
Sortilin Is a Putative Postendocytic Receptor of Thyroglobulin
Authors: Botta Roberta , Lisi Simonetta , Pinchera Aldo , Giorgi Franco , Marcocci Claudio , Taddei Anna Rita , Fausto Anna Maria , Bernardini Nunzia , Ippolito Chiara , Mattii Letizia , Persani Luca , de Filippis Tiziana , Calebiro Davide , Madsen Peder , Petersen Claus Munck , Marinò Michele
Published: August 2008

The Vps10p family member sortilin is involved in various cell processes, including protein trafficking. Here we found that sortilin is expressed in thyroid epithelial cells (thyrocytes) in a TSH-dependent manner, that the hormone precursor thyroglobulin (Tg) is a high-affinity sortilin ligand, and that binding to sortilin occurs after Tg endocytosis, resulting in Tg recycling. Sortilin was found to be expressed intracellularly in thyrocytes, as observed in mouse, human, and rat thyroid as well as in FRTL-5 cells. Sortilin expression was demonstrated to be TSH dependent, both in FRTL-5 cells and in mice treated with methimazole and perchlorate. Plasmon resonance binding assays showed that Tg binds to sortilin in a concentration-dependent manner and with high affinity, with Kd values that paralleled the hormone content of Tg. In addition, we found that Tg and sortilin interact in vivo and in cultured cells, as observed by immunoprecipitation, in mouse thyroid extracts and in COS-7 cells transiently cotransfected with sortilin and Tg. After incubation of FRTL-5 cells with exogenous, labeled Tg, sortilin and Tg interacted intracellularly, presumably within the endocytic pathway, as observed by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, the latter technique showing some degree of Tg recycling. This was confirmed in FRTL-5 cells in which Tg recycling was reduced by silencing of the sortilin gene and in CHO cells transfected with sortilin in which recycling was increased. Our findings provide a novel pathway of Tg trafficking and a novel function of sortilin in the thyroid gland, the functional impact of which remains to be established.

Evidence for a novel pathway of thyroglobulin trafficking and for a possible novel function of sortilin in the thyroid gland is discussed.
Deletion of Dicer in Somatic Cells of the Female Reproductive Tract Causes Sterility
Authors: Nagaraja Ankur K. , Andreu-Vieyra Claudia , Franco Heather L. , Ma Lang , Chen Ruihong , Han Derek Y. , Zhu Huifeng , Agno Julio E. , Gunaratne Preethi H. , DeMayo Francesco J. , Matzuk Martin M.
Published: August 2008

Dicer is an evolutionarily conserved ribonuclease III that is necessary for microRNA (miRNA) processing and the synthesis of small interfering RNAs from long double-stranded RNA. Although it has been shown that Dicer plays important roles in the mammalian germline and early embryogenesis, the functions of Dicer-dependent pathways in the somatic cells of the female reproductive tract are unknown. Using a transgenic line in which Cre recombinase is driven by the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 promoter, we conditionally inactivated Dicer1 in the mesenchyme of the developing Müllerian ducts and postnatally in ovarian granulosa cells and mesenchyme-derived cells of the oviducts and uterus. Deletion of Dicer in these cell types results in female sterility and multiple reproductive defects including decreased ovulation rates, compromised oocyte and embryo integrity, prominent bilateral paratubal (oviductal) cysts, and shorter uterine horns. The paratubal cysts act as a reservoir for spermatozoa and oocytes and prevent embryos from transiting the oviductal isthmus and passing the uterotubal junction to enter the uterus for implantation. Deep sequencing of small RNAs in oviduct revealed down-regulation of specific miRNAs in Dicer conditional knockout females compared with wild type. The majority of these differentially expressed miRNAs are predicted to regulate genes important for Müllerian duct differentiation and mesenchyme-derived structures, and several of these putative target genes were significantly up-regulated upon conditional deletion of Dicer1. Thus, our findings reveal diverse and critical roles for Dicer and its miRNA products in the development and function of the female reproductive tract.
Hormonal regulation of the humoral innate immune response inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Flatt Thomas , Heyland Andreas , Rus Florentina , Porpiglia Ermelinda , Sherlock Chris , Yamamoto Rochele , Garbuzov Alina , Palli Subba R. , Tatar Marc , Silverman Neal
Published: August 2008

Juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxy-ecdysone (20E) are highly versatile hormones, coordinating development, growth, reproduction and aging in insects. Pulses of 20E provide key signals for initiating developmental and physiological transitions, while JH promotes or inhibits these signals in a stage-specific manner. Previous evidence suggests that JH and 20E might modulate innate immunity, but whether and how these hormones interact to regulate the immune response remains unclear. Here we show that JH and 20E have antagonistic effects on the induction of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)genes in Drosophila melanogaster. 20E pretreatment of Schneider S2* cells promoted the robust induction of AMP genes, following immune stimulation. On the other hand, JH III, and its synthetic analogs (JHa)methoprene and pyriproxyfen, strongly interfered with this 20E-dependent immune potentiation, although these hormones did not inhibit other 20E-induced cellular changes. Similarly, in vivo analyses in adult flies confirmed that JH is a hormonal immuno-suppressor. RNA silencing of either partner of the ecdysone receptor heterodimer (EcR or Usp) in S2* cells prevented the 20E-induced immune potentiation. In contrast, silencing methoprene-tolerant (Met), a candidate JH receptor, did not impair immuno-suppression by JH III and JHa, indicating that in this context MET is not a necessary JH receptor. Our results suggest that 20E and JH play major roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to immune challenge.
Induced cell proliferation in putative haematopoietic tissues of the sea star,Asterias rubens(L.)
Authors: Holm Kristina , Dupont Samuel , Sköld Helen , Stenius Anna , Thorndyke Michael , Hernroth Bodil
Published: August 2008

The coelomic fluid of the echinoderm Asterias rubens possesses large populations of circulating coelomocytes. This study aimed to expand the knowledge about the haematopoietic sources of these cells. Injection of the immune-stimulating molecules lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A(ConA) resulted in an increase in coelomocytes. To investigate if these molecules induce cell proliferation in putative haematopoietic tissues (HPTs),short-term exposure of the substitute nucleotide 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine(BrdU) was conducted. Immunohistochemical analysis, using fluorescein-labelled antibodies to trace BrdU, showed pronounced cell division in the coelomic epithelium and axial organ. In the pyloric caeca, not considered as an HPT,proliferation was not detected. BrdU labelling of monolayers of cells obtained by collagenase treatment of coelomic epithelium, axial organ and Tiedemann body revealed induced cell proliferation in response to both LPS and ConA while proliferation of pyloric caeca and circulating coelomocytes remained sparse. By using confocal microscopy it was observed that both the morphology and functional behaviour of cells released from explants of coelomic epithelium showed high similarity to those of circulating phagocytes. It was concluded that the increased coelomocyte numbers observed in response to LPS and ConA were reflected in an induced cell proliferation in coelomic epithelium, axial organ and Tiedemann body, which reinforces the idea that these organs are HPTs and the sources of coelomocyte renewal.
Scaling of suction-induced flows in bluegill: morphological and kinematic predictors for the ontogeny of feeding performance
Authors: Holzman Roi , Collar David C. , Day Steven W. , Bishop Kristin L. , Wainwright Peter C.
Published: August 2008

During ontogeny, animals undergo changes in size and shape that result in shifts in performance, behavior and resource use. These ontogenetic changes provide an opportunity to test hypotheses about how the growth of structures affects biological functions. In the present study, we ask how ontogenetic changes in skull biomechanics affect the ability of bluegill sunfish, a high-performance suction feeder, to produce flow speeds and accelerations during suction feeding. The flow of water in front of the mouth was measured directly for fish ranging from young-of-year to large adults, using digital particle imaging velocimetry (DPIV). As bluegill size increased, the magnitude of peak flow speed they produced increased, and the effective suction distance increased because of increasing mouth size. However, throughout the size range, the timing of peak fluid speed remained unchanged, and flow was constrained to approximately one gape distance from the mouth. The observed scaling relationships between standard length and peak flow speed conformed to expectations derived from two biomechanical models, one based on morphological potential to produce suction pressure (the Suction Index model) and the other derived from a combination of morphological and kinematic variables (the Expanding Cone model). The success of these models in qualitatively predicting the observed allometry of induced flow speed reveals that the scaling of cranial morphology underlies the scaling of suction performance in bluegill.
Characterization of a descending pathway: activation and effects on motor patterns in the brachyuran crustacean stomatogastric nervous system
Authors: Hedrich Ulrike B. S. , Stein Wolfgang
Published: August 2008

The regulation of motor patterns by higher-order neuronal centers ensures appropriate motor function and behavior, but only a few studies have characterized this regulation at the cellular level. Here, we address motor pattern regulation in the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the crab Cancer pagurus. This easily accessible model system is an extension of the central nervous system and contains the motor circuits that generate the rhythmic motor patterns for ingestion (esophageal rhythm) and processing of food (gastric mill and pyloric rhythms).

We have documented the actions of two identified neurons located in the brain on the STNS motor circuits. We show that these neurons provide exteroceptive chemosensory information to the motor circuits and we outline their axonal projection patterns, their firing activity and their effects on three motor patterns. Backfill stainings and activity measurements in vivo and in vitro show that two neurons located in cluster 17 of the brain project via the inferior ventricular (IV) nerve to the STNS. These IV neurons started to burst rhythmically when chemosensory stimuli were applied to the first antennae. When rhythmically activated in vitro, gastric mill rhythms were elicited or, if already active,entrained by the IV neuron activity. In addition, IV neuron stimulation excited the esophageal motor neuron and inhibited several pyloric neurons such that the timing of the IV neuron activity was imposed on all motor rhythms. The IV neurons were thus capable of synchronizing the activities of different motor circuits, which demonstrates the regulation of motor patterns by higher-order neuronal centers.