bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolixicin: a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from Rhodnius prolixus with differential activity against bacteria and Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Ursic‐Bedoya R. , Buchhop J. , Joy J. B. , Durvasula R. , Lowenberger C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe identified and characterized the activity of prolixicin, a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP) isolated from the hemipteran insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Sequence analysis reveals one region of prolixicin that may be related to the diptericin/attacin family of AMPs. Prolixicin is an 11‐kDa peptide containing a putative 21 amino acid signal peptide, two putative phosphorylation sites and no glycosylation sites. It is produced by both adult fat body and midgut tissues in response to bacterial infection of the haemolymph or the midgut. Unlike most insect antibacterial peptides, the prolixicin gene does not seem to be regulated by NF‐κB binding sites, but its promoter region contains several GATA sites. Recombinant prolixicin has strong activity against the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli and differential activity against several Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. No significant toxicity was demonstrated against Trypanosoma cruzi, the human parasite transmitted by R. prolixus.
Whither Nursing Models? The value of nursing theory in the context of evidence‐based practice and multidisciplinary health care
Authors: McCrae Niall 
Published: September 2011

mccrae n. (2012) Whither Nursing Models? The value of nursing theory in the context of evidence‐based practice and multidisciplinary health care. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 222–229.AbstractAim.  This paper presents a discussion of the role of nursing models and theory in the modern clinical environment.Background.  Models of nursing have had limited success in bridging the gap between theory and practice.Data sources.  Literature on nursing models and theory since the 1950s, from health and social care databases.Discussion.  Arguments against nursing theory are challenged. In the current context of multidisciplinary services and the doctrine of evidence‐based practice, a unique theoretical standpoint comprising the art and science of nursing is more relevant than ever.Implications for nursing.  A theoretical framework should reflect the eclectic, pragmatic practice of nursing.Conclusion.  Nurse educators and practitioners should embrace theory‐based practice as well as evidence‐based practice.
1:1 online tuition: a review of the literature from a pedagogical perspective
Authors: Jopling M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper outlines the findings of a review that examined the literature around current practice in one‐to‐one online tuition in schools and higher education. It summarizes the purposes, contexts, scope, and methods of 17 core studies identified through a systematic literature search. It then uses a conceptual framework focusing on pedagogical innovation to explore the findings of the core studies, a discussion that is also informed by the consideration of a number of contextual studies exploring group online tuition and online learning more generally. The paper concludes by suggesting that the development of one‐to‐one online tuition has been constrained by comparisons with face‐to‐face approaches and that more research is needed to map its characteristics and potential in more detail as technology continues to evolve.
Quality assessment and development in the course of the EFMD CEL programme accreditation
Authors: Meier C. , Seufert S. , Euler D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper reviews the experiences and learnings derived from the European Foundation for Management Development's programme accreditation teChnology‐Enhanced Learning (EFMD CEL) programme accreditation. The EFMD CEL quality framework is briefly described, and an overview of the programmes that have pursued accreditation is presented. Subsequently, the evaluation results for the programmes having undergone accreditation/re‐accreditation are analysed. This analysis moves from a more aggregated view to a more detailed view, and observations are related to relevant findings in the literature. Also, the key issues and recommendations identified by the auditors for further development of the programmes reviewed are discussed, as are the evaluation results for three programmes that have undergone re‐accreditation. Key findings are the following: (1) the quality criteria at the core of the EFMD CEL quality framework are applicable for diverse programmes; (2) the programmes receive differentiated evaluations on the different quality dimensions and quality criteria; (3) auditors' ideas for improvement and recommendations most commonly pertain to the quality dimensions ‘Pedagogy’ and ‘Organization/Culture’; (4) noticeable quality improvements are indeed initiated through the EFDM CEL audit and accreditation process; and (5) quality management is not a one‐way street, and slippage with regard to some quality criteria may be observed in re‐accreditation results.
How artefacts mediate small‐group co‐creation activities in a mobile‐assisted seamless language learning environment?
Authors: Wong L.‐H. , Chen W. , Jan M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe rich learning resources and contexts learners experience in their everyday life could play important roles in complementing formal learning, but are often neglected by learners and teachers. In this paper, we present an intervention study in ‘Move, Idioms!’, a mobile‐assisted Chinese language learning approach that emphasizes contextualized learner content creation and meaning (sense) making with their daily encounters. In the study, students used smart phones on a 1:1 basis to take photos of the real‐life contexts pertaining to Chinese idioms or conjunctions, made sentences with the idioms/conjunctions, and then posted them onto a wiki space for peer reviews. This paper focuses on analysing students’ on‐campus face‐to‐face collaborative learning process. Inspired by the notions of mediation by artefacts and distributed cognition, we derived a novel visualization approach for descriptive analysis of the small‐group activities to provide a synoptic view of the process of student artefact co‐creation in such collaborative activities. Through our artefact‐oriented analysis, we foreground the significance and the potential impact in fostering learners’ habit of mind and skills in identifying and appropriating in situ resources to mediate their learning activities in any learning space, rather than always being ‘dictated’ by the resources that the teacher provides with fixed roles to play.
Understanding preservice teachers' technology use through TPACK framework
Authors: Pamuk S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study discusses preservice teachers' achievement barriers to technology integration, using principles of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) as an evaluative framework. Technology‐capable participants each freely chose a content area to comprise project. Data analysis based on interactions among core components of TPACK revealed that participants struggled with developing new knowledge. Lack of pedagogical experience limited development of appropriate technology integration approaches. Creating new knowledge bases based on different teaching components can be difficult for preservice teachers because it requires a deep understanding of core knowledge and interpretation of the teaching context and its dynamics. Developing pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) is an important factor in overall technology integration; teachers must make it a priority to acquire PCK before integrating technology. In preservice teacher education, PCK development must be supported with actual teaching experience.We believe that the results of the study may provide valuable insight with respect to proper focus on technology integration and recognizing limitations and challenges within TPACK principles to both those who teach technology integration and those who design TPACK‐based activities.
FRET‐based genetically encoded sensors allow high‐resolution live cell imaging of Ca2+ dynamics
Authors: Krebs Melanie , Held Katrin , Binder Andreas , Hashimoto Kenji , Den Herder Griet , Parniske Martin , Kudla Jörg , Schumacher Karin 
Published: September 2011

SummaryTemporally and spatially defined calcium signatures are integral parts of numerous signalling pathways. Monitoring calcium dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution is therefore critically important to understand how this ubiquitous second messenger can control diverse cellular responses. Yellow cameleons (YCs) are fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based genetically encoded Ca2+ ‐sensors that provide a powerful tool to monitor the spatio‐temporal dynamics of Ca2+ fluxes. Here we present an advanced set of vectors and transgenic lines for live cell Ca2+ imaging in plants. Transgene silencing mediated by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter has severely limited the application of nanosensors for ions and metabolites and we have thus used the UBQ10 promoter from Arabidopsis and show here that this results in constitutive and stable expression of YCs in transgenic plants. To improve the spatial resolution, our vector repertoire includes versions of YCs that can be targeted to defined locations. Using this toolkit, we identified temporally distinct responses to external ATP at the plasma membrane, in the cytosol and in the nucleus of neighbouring root cells. Moreover analysis of Ca2+ dynamics in Lotus japonicus revealed distinct Nod factor induced Ca2+ spiking patterns in the nucleus and the cytosol. Consequently, the constructs and transgenic lines introduced here enable a detailed analysis of Ca2+ dynamics in different cellular compartments and in different plant species and will foster novel approaches to decipher the temporal and spatial characteristics of calcium signatures.
Macrophages from patients with atopic dermatitis show a reduced CXCL10 expression in response to staphylococcal α‐toxin
Authors: Kasraie S. , Niebuhr M. , Kopfnagel V. , Dittrich‐Breiholz O. , Kracht M. , Werfel T. 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Kasraie S, Niebuhr M, Kopfnagel V, Dittrich‐Breiholz O, Kracht M, Werfel T. Macrophages from patients with atopic dermatitis show a reduced CXCL10 expression in response to staphylococcal α‐toxin.Allergy 2012; 67: 41–49.AbstractBackground:  Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are frequently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), one‐third of them producing α‐toxin, which is correlated with the severity of eczema in AD. Staphylococcus aureus colonizes in patients with psoriasis as well. Distinct expression of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL) and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL) chemokines has been documented in both diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of sublytic α‐toxin concentrations on human macrophages that accumulate in the skin of patients with AD and psoriasis.Methods:  IFN‐γ‐induced protein of 10‐kDa (IP‐10)/CXCL10 and macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC)/CCL22 production were evaluated at the mRNA or at the protein level using qRT–PCR or ELISA, respectively. Cell surface markers’ expression and chemotaxis were determined by flow cytometry and Boyden chamber technique, respectively.Results:  Sublytic concentrations of α‐toxin strongly induced CXCL10 in macrophages at both the mRNA and the protein levels and significantly up‐regulated MHC class II expression. Supernatants of α‐toxin‐stimulated macrophages induced the migration of human CD4+ lymphocytes via the CXCL10 receptor (CXCR3). Macrophages from patients with AD produced lower levels of CXCL10 compared to cells from patients with psoriasis as well as healthy controls in response to α‐toxin. α‐Toxin did not lead to a large variation in CCL22 production in macrophages from all three groups.Conclusions:  Staphylococcal α‐toxin contributes to Th1 polarization by induction of CXCL10 in macrophages. Macrophages from patients with AD and psoriasis responded to α‐toxin in the induction of Th1‐related chemokine CXCL10 diversely, which could favour the recruitment of distinct leucocyte subsets into the skin.
The impact of the rank of marker variance–covariance matrix in principal component evaluation for genomic selection applications
Authors: Dimauro C. , Cellesi M. , Pintus M.A. , Macciotta N.P.P. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIn genomic selection (GS) programmes, direct genomic values (DGV) are evaluated using information provided by high‐density SNP chip. Being DGV accuracy strictly dependent on SNP density, it is likely that an increase in the number of markers per chip will result in severe computational consequences. Aim of present work was to test the effectiveness of principal component analysis (PCA) carried out by chromosome in reducing the marker dimensionality for GS purposes. A simulated data set of 5700 individuals with an equal number of SNP distributed over six chromosomes was used. PCs were extracted both genome‐wide (ALL) and separately by chromosome (CHR) and used to predict DGVs. In the ALL scenario, the SNP variance–covariance matrix (S) was singular, positive semi‐definite and contained null information which introduces ‘spuriousness’ in the derived results. On the contrary, the S matrix for each chromosome (CHR scenario) had a full rank. Obtained DGV accuracies were always better for CHR than ALL. Moreover, in the latter scenario, DGV accuracies became soon unsettled as the number of animals decreases, whereas in CHR, they remain stable till 900–1000 individuals. In real applications where a 54k SNP chip is used, the largest number of markers per chromosome is approximately 2500. Thus, a number of around 3000 genotyped animals could lead to reliable results when the original SNP variables are replaced by a reduced number of PCs.
Adipokines in inflammation, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Li Zhi‐Yong , Wang Pei , Miao Chao‐Yu 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Obesity is a major determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies in the past two decades have shown that adipose tissue is not merely an inert energy reserve of triglycerides, but also an active endocrine organ.2. Adipose tissue can produce and secrete numerous bioactive peptides and/or proteins termed adipokines. These secretory factors are involved in the regulation of local and systemic inflammation and insulin sensitivity in a paracrine and/or endocrine manner. Inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) play critical roles in the obesity‐linked development of CVD, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and restenosis.3. In the present minireview, we summarize the relationship between inflammation and IR, as well as their contribution to the development of CVD during adipose tissue dysfunction. In particular, we focus on the effects of various adipokines in pathological processes, which may provide an insight into obesity‐linked CVD and facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies.
PecS is an important player in the regulatory network governing the coordinated expression of virulence genes during the interaction between Dickeya dadantii 3937 and plants
Authors: Mhedbi‐Hajri Nadia , Malfatti Pierrette , Pédron Jacques , Gaubert Stéphane , Reverchon Sylvie , Van Gijsegem Frédérique 
Published: September 2011

SummarySuccessful infection of a pathogen relies on the coordinated expression of numerous virulence factor‐encoding genes. In plant–bacteria interactions, this control is very often achieved through the integration of several regulatory circuits controlling cell–cell communication or sensing environmental conditions. Dickeya dadantii (formerly Erwinia chrysanthemi), the causal agent of soft rot on many crops and ornamentals, provokes maceration of infected plants mainly by producing and secreting a battery of plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes. However, several other virulence factors have also been characterized. During Arabidopsis infection, most D. dadantii virulence gene transcripts accumulated in a coordinated manner during infection. This activation requires a functional GacA–GacS two‐component regulatory system but the Gac system is not involved in the growth phase dependence of virulence gene expression. Here we show that, contrary to Pectobacterium, the AHL‐mediated ExpIR quorum‐sensing system does not play a major role in the growth phase‐dependent control of D. dadantii virulence genes. On the other hand, the global regulator PecS participates in this coordinated expression since, in a pecS mutant, an early activation of virulence genes is observed both in vitro and in planta. This correlated with the known hypervirulence phenotype of the pecS mutant. Analysis of the relationship between the regulatory circuits governed by the PecS and GacA global regulators indicates that these two regulators act independently. PecS prevents a premature expression of virulence genes in the first stages of colonization whereas GacA, presumably in conjunction with other regulators, is required for the activation of virulence genes at the onset of symptom occurrence.
The role of reduction in iron uptake processes in a unicellular, planktonic cyanobacterium
Authors: Kranzler Chana , Lis Hagar , Shaked Yeala , Keren Nir 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIn many aquatic environments the essential micronutrient iron is predominantly complexed by a heterogeneous pool of strong organic chelators. Research on iron uptake mechanisms of cyanobacteria inhabiting these environments has focused on endogenous siderophore production and internalization. However, as many cyanobacterial species do not produce siderophores, alternative Fe acquisition mechanisms must exist. Here we present a study of the iron uptake pathways in the unicellular, planktonic, non‐siderophore producing strainSynechocystis sp.PCC 6803. By applying trace metal clean techniques and a chemically controlled growth medium we obtained reliable and reproducible short‐term (radioactive assays) and long‐term (growth experiments) iron uptake rates. We found thatSynechocystis6803 is capable of acquiring iron from exogenous ferrisiderophores (Ferrioxamine‐B, FeAerobactin) and that unchelated, inorganic Fe is a highly available source of iron. Inhibition of iron uptake by the Fe(II)‐specific ligand, ferrozine, indicated that reduction of both inorganic iron and ferrisiderophore complexes occurs before transport through the plasma membrane. Measurements of iron reduction rates and the inhibitory effect of ferrozine on growth supported this conclusion. The reduction‐based uptake strategy is well suited for acquiring iron from multiple complexes in dilute aquatic environments and may play an important role in other cyanobacterial strains.
The relationship between performance‐based self‐esteem and self‐reported work and health behaviors among Danish knowledge workers
Authors: PERSSON ROGER , ALBERTSEN KAREN , GARDE ANNE HELENE , RUGULIES REINER 
Published: September 2011

Persson, R., Albertsen, K., Garde, A.H. & Rugulies, R. (2012). The relationship between performance‐based self‐esteem and self‐reported work and health behaviors among Danish knowledge workers. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 71–79.Since knowledge intensive work often requires self‐management, one might fear that persons who are dependent on work success for self‐esteem will have difficulties in finding a healthful and sustainable balance between internal needs and external demands. Accordingly, we examined to what degree work‐related performance‐based self‐esteem (PBS) was linked to work and health behaviors in 392 knowledge workers (226 women, 166 men). In the women group, multiple binary logistic regression analyses with repeated measurements showed that the PBS score was associated with 10 of the 17 examined work and health behaviors. For men the corresponding figure was 3 of 17. In both men and women, higher PBS scores were positively associated with reports of efforts and strivings for work as well as attending work while ill. In conclusion, statistically significant relationships between PBS and work and health behaviors were more clearly visible among women than men. Whether this gender difference is dependent on the study design, or on true inherent differences between women and men, cannot be concluded with any certainty. However, persons who described themselves as being relatively more dependent on work accomplishments for a high self‐esteem, as expressed by the PBS score, seem to display work behaviors that may lessen their restitution time. In addition, they also seem to be more prone to work while sick.
Determinants of Smallholders’ Decisions to Leave Land Fallow: The Case of Kosovo
Authors: Sauer Johannes , Davidova Sophia , Latruffe Laure 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis article investigates why farmers in Kosovo leave land fallow when their farms’ total land area is small and households, almost fully dependent on farming for their livelihoods, are large. It uses a comprehensive survey carried out during the agricultural year 2005/2006 to explore agricultural households’ perceptions of production, market conditions and general security 6 years after the end of the military conflict in the former Yugoslavia. Several locational, household and farm characteristics empirically approximate the significance of different factors for the amount of land left idle. Two different econometric models are used to address the characteristics of the dependent variable distribution by accounting for endogeneity. The main determinants of the share of land left fallow are found to be related to the economic and institutional structure, and to the general feeling of insecurity.
Oral motor performance in spastic cerebral palsy individuals: are hydration and nutritional status associated?
Authors: Santos Maria Teresa , Batista Renato , Previtali Elisangela , Ortega Adriana , Nascimento Oliver , Jardim Jose 
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 153–157Background:  Previous studies reported alterations in salivary parameters in cerebral palsy (CP) individuals; however, none of these considered oral motor performance as possibly responsible for these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oral motor performance on the nutritional status and salivary parameters in individuals with CP.Methods:  Forty‐three individuals aged 11–19 years‐old, with spastic CP were included in this study. Oral motor performance was evaluated using the Oral Motor Assessment Scale, which classified the individuals into two groups: subfunctional or functional. Unstimulated saliva was collected and the flow rate was calculated (ml/min). Salivary osmolality was measured using a freezing point depression osmometer. Blood samples were collected to evaluate complete blood count, total protein, albumin/globulin ratio and transferrin levels.Results:  The subfunctional (n = 21) and the functional group (n = 22) did not differ regarding sex (P = 0.193), however the functional group was older (P = 0.023) and had a higher mean BMI (P < 0.001). The subfunctional CP group presented a reduction in salivary flow rate (36.4%) (P < 0.01) and an increase in salivary osmolality (35.5%) (P < 0.001) compared to the functional group. Slightly lower values for red blood cells (millions/mm3) (P < 0.001), hemoglobin (g/dl) (P < 0.009), hematocrit (%) (P = 0.001), number of platelets (N/mm3), total protein (g/dl) and albumin/globulin ratio (P = 0.003 and P = 0.036, respectively) were determined for the subfunctional group, but within the normal range of normality.Conclusion:  Cerebral palsy individuals appear to present impaired adequate hydration due to compromised oral motor performance.