bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Riverbank assessment and management for the Eurasian otter in the north of Luxembourg
Authors: Schmidt Gérard , L'Hoste Lionel , Dohet Alain , Boscher Aurore , Cauchie Henry-Michel , Hoffmann Lucien 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The presence of habitats such as burrows and dense willows along the rivers is very important for the survival of the European otter in terms of structures allowing quiet living conditions and possibilities for reproduction. To prevent the extinction of the otter in Luxembourg and nearby areas, an assessment of otter habitats and populations was made in 1994. This first evaluation has demonstrated that only rivers in the north of Luxembourg were suitable for otter populations in terms of quality of habitats and that only a few individuals were still present in this part of the country. In 2007, a new habitat assessment was carried out to define priorities for the management of habitats and to build or rebuild corridors to support otter migration and allow re-establishment of stable otter populations in the Benelux Countries. Two similar methods were used to assess quality of habitats in 1994 and 2007. The results of the habitat assessment are different for the Mid Sûre River and similar for the River Wiltz, the River Wark, the River Our and the Upper Sûre River. This variation is probably due to assessment complexity and observer subjectivity, but also to the difficulty to have a practical methodology for management priorities. From this point of view it would be useful to have a standard methodology at the European level to assess otter habitats.
Minority Rights Issues in Nigeria: A Theoretical Analysis of Historical and Contemporary Conflicts in the Oil-Rich Niger Delta Region
Authors: Ako Rhuks , Okonmah Patrick 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNigeria's delta region was famous for its role in the trade and supply of palm-oil to the then industrialising world. Thereafter, its high quality crude-oil made it a significant player in the global oil market. However, the region has become (in)famous for the spate of violent conflicts that threaten both local and international economic stability and security. This paper highlights the correlations between these two eras, the parties and fundamental causes of the violent conflicts that beset the area. It argues that the underlying factor for restiveness in both periods is the exclusion of the local communities from participating in the exploitation and benefits of the resources. The paper theorises the causes of conflicts during the two periods based on social justice concepts of distribution and recognition. It suggests that the actualisation of normative elements of distribution and recognition that quelled the first of these conflicts has a fundamental role to play in resolving the multifarious conflicts that currently pervade the Niger Delta region. Consequently, it suggests that initiatives that recognise public participation in the crude-oil industry be extended to resolve the present conflicts.
Constitutional Justice in Russia
Authors: Henderson Jane , Lomovtseva Marina 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe 1993 Russian Constitution and 1994 Federal Constitutional Law “On the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation” define the jurisdiction and activity of the Federal Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. However, these pieces of legislation do not comprehensively address all the issues, and there has been some broadening of the Court's power through interpretation and the effect of some other legislation. This article examines the Court's jurisdiction and some of the issues that arise in the exercise thereof, as well as the relative role of the constitutional or charter courts of the subjects of the Federation, and the relationship between the Constitutional Court and the other courts in the Russian federal system. Issues of the methods of constitutional interpretation are addressed. The importance of the Constitutional Court as the federal agency of constitutional court supervision (review) in ensuring the effective application of the Russian Constitution is highlighted in the context of this growth of a comparatively new branch of law in the Russian legal system.
History, buranjis and nation
Authors: Saikia Arupjyoti 
Published: February 2009

How was history read and written in early twentieth-century Assam? Was it strikingly different from contemporary Indian practices? This article investigates these issues while carrying out a biographical reconstruction of Assamese historian Suryya Kumar Bhuyan. Bhuyan’s ambivalence in choosing a paradigm for historical pursuit is clear. For instance, while he endeavoured to escape from the contemporary historical practices based on rationalist-positivist model, he also continued to use two parallel forms of understanding of past: history and literature. While he meticulously invested his energy in the building of a modern archival repository of sources, he was equally interested in addressing the needs of two competing consumers of the past: his peers and the Assamese readers. This article talks about how Bhuyan, trained both in literature and historical studies, published extensively in both English and Assamese, wrote professional and popular history, built up a resourceful archive, and stood defiantly amidst the competing Western and Assamese practices of recounting the past.
On national identity, nationalism and Soccer 2010
Authors: Sewpaul Vishanthie 
Published: February 2009

English There is a wide spectrum of views on the potential socio-economic and socio-political consequences of South Africa hosting the Soccer 2010 World Cup. This article discusses whether this major sports event holds potential to contribute to a strengthened national identity and consciousness and/or to a narrow nationalism, and looks at possible implications for society and social work. French Il existe un large éventail de points de vue sur les conséquences socioéconomiques et sociopolitiques de la tenue du Mondial de football 2010 en Afrique du Sud. Cet article examine si cet événement sportif de grande envergure peut contribuer à renforcer la conscience et l’identité nationale ou au contraire donner lieu à un nationalisme étroit, et il envisage les conséquences possibles sur la société et le travail social. Spanish Son muchos los puntos de vista acerca de posibles consecuencias socioeconómicas y sociopolíticas de que la Copa Mundial del 2010 tenga lugar en Sudáfrica. Se explora si este importante evento deportivo tiene el potencial de contribuir a fortalecer la identidad y conciencia nacional, y/o un nacionalismo estrecho. Se examinan las posibles implicaciones para la sociedad y el trabajo social.
Citizenship-based social work
Authors: van Ewijk Hans 
Published: February 2009

English This article argues that modern citizenship is a highly fruitful concept for social work. Citizenship-based social work is defined as a field of action, knowledge and research, aiming at integration of all citizens and supporting and encouraging self responsibility, social responsibility and the implementation of social rights. French Cet article soutient que la citoyenneté moderne est un concept éminemment porteur pour le travail social. Le travail social fondé sur la citoyenneté se définit comme un champ d’action, de connaissance et de recherche visant l’intégration de tous les citoyens et faisant la promotion de la responsabilité personnelle, de la responsabilité sociale et de la promotion des droits sociaux. Spanish Este artículo argumenta que la ciudadanía moderna es un concepto altamente provechoso para el trabajo social. El trabajo social basado en la ciudadanía es definido como un campo de acción, conocimiento e investigación, apuntando a la integración de todos los ciudadanos, que apoya y alienta la responsabilidad propia, la responsabilidad social y la implementación de derechos sociales.
Intersecting social capital and Chinese culture
Authors: Miu Chung Yan  , Ching Man Lam  
Published: February 2009

English For youths to seek employment, social capital is as important as human capital. This article conceptually examines how guanxi, a form of social capital in Chinese culture, may be instrumental in helping young people access jobs. Suggestions of alternative services for helping unemployed youths in Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are offered. French Pour les jeunes à la recherche d’un emploi, le capital social est aussi important que le capital humain. Cet article examine comment la notion de guanxi, une forme de capital social dans la culture chinoise, peut aider concrètement les jeunes gens à avoir accès à un emploi. Il propose aussi des suggestions de services alternatifs pour aider les jeunes chômeurs en Chine, à Taïwan et à Hong-Kong. Spanish Para la juventud que busca empleo, el capital social es tan importante como el capital humano. Este artículo examina conceptualmente cómo guanxi, forma de capital social en la cultura China, puede ayudar instrumentalmente a la gente joven para acceder al trabajo. Se ofrecen recomendaciones de servicios alternativos para ayudar a la juventud desempleada en Mainland China, Taiwán y Hong Kong.
Pneumocystis murina colonization in immunocompetent surfactant protein A deficient mice following environmental exposure
Authors: Linke Michael J , Ashbaugh Alan D , Demland Jeffery A , Walzer Peter D 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundPneumocystis spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause pneumonia in immunocompromised humans and animals.Pneumocystiscolonization has also been detected in immunocompetent hosts and may exacerbate other pulmonary diseases. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an innate host defense molecule and plays a role in the host response toPneumocystis.MethodsTo analyze the role of SP-A in protecting the immunocompetent host fromPneumocystiscolonization, the susceptibility of immunocompetent mice deficient in SP-A (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice toP. murinacolonization was analyzed by reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (qPCR) and serum antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsDetection ofP. murinaspecific serum antibodies in immunocompetent WT and KO mice indicated that the both strains of mice had been exposed toP. murinawithin the animal facility. However, P.murinamRNA was only detected by qPCR in the lungs of the KO mice. The incidence and level of the mRNA expression peaked at 8–10 weeks and declined to undetectable levels by 16–18 weeks. When the mice were immunosuppressed,P. murinacyst forms were also only detected in KO mice.P. murinamRNA was detected inSCIDmice that had been exposed to KO mice, demonstrating that the immunocompetent KO mice are capable of transmitting the infection to immunodeficient mice. The pulmonary cellular response appeared to be responsible for the clearance of the colonization. More CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were recovered from the lungs of immunocompetent KO mice than from WT mice, and the colonization in KO mice depleted CD4+ cells was not cleared.ConclusionThese data support an important role for SP-A in protecting the immunocompetent host fromP. murinacolonization, and provide a model to studyPneumocystiscolonization acquired via environmental exposure in humans. The results also illustrate the difficulties in keeping mice from exposure toP. murinaeven when housed under barrier conditions.
Sds22, a PP1 phosphatase regulatory subunit, regulates epithelial cell polarity and shape [Sds22 in epithelial morphology]
Authors: Grusche Felix A , Hidalgo Cristina , Fletcher Georgina , Sung Hsin-Ho , Sahai Erik , Thompson Barry J 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
How epithelial cells adopt their particular polarised forms is poorly understood. In a screen for genes regulating epithelial morphology in Drosophila, we identified sds22, a conserved gene previously characterised in yeast.

Results
In the columnar epithelia of imaginal discs or follicle cells, mutation of sds22 causes contraction of cells along their apical-basal axis, resulting in a more cuboidal morphology. In addition, the mutant cells can also display altered cell polarity, forming multiple layers in follicle cells and leaving the epithelium in imaginal discs. In yeast, sds22 encodes a PP1 phosphatase regulatory subunit. Consistent with this, we show that Drosophila Sds22 binds to all four Drosophila PP1s and shares an overlapping phenotype with PP1beta9c. We also show that two previously postulated PP1 targets, Spaghetti Squash and Moesin are hyper-phosphorylated in sds22 mutants. This function is shared by the human homologue of Sds22, PPP1R7.

Conclusion
Sds22 is a conserved PP1 phosphatase regulatory subunit that controls cell shape and polarity.
Bead-probe complex capture a couple of SINE and LINE family from genomes of two closely related species of East Asian cyprinid directly using magnetic separation
Authors: Tong Chaobo , Guo Baocheng , He Shunping 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Short and long interspersed elements (SINEs and LINEs, respectively), two types of retroposons, are active in shaping the architecture of genomes and powerful tools for studies of phylogeny and population biology. Here we developed special protocol to apply biotin-streptavidin bead system into isolation of interspersed repeated sequences rapidly and efficiently, in which SINEs and LINEs were captured directly from digested genomic DNA by hybridization to bead-probe complex in solution instead of traditional strategy including genomic library construction and screening.

Results
A new couple of SINEs and LINEs that shared an almost identical 3'tail was isolated and characterized in silver carp and bighead carp of two closely related species. These SINEs (34 members), designated HAmo SINE family, were little divergent in sequence and flanked by obvious TSD indicated that HAmo SINE was very young family. The copy numbers of this family was estimated to 2 × 105 and 1.7 × 105 per haploid genome by Real-Time qPCR, respectively. The LINEs, identified as the homologs of LINE2 in other fishes, had a conserved primary sequence and secondary structures of the 3'tail region that was almost identical to that of HAmo SINE. These evidences suggest that HAmo SINEs are active and amplified recently utilizing the enzymatic machinery for retroposition of HAmoL2 through the recognition of higher-order structures of the conserved 42-tail region. We analyzed the possible structures of HAmo SINE that lead to successful amplification in genome and then deduced that HAmo SINE, SmaI SINE and FokI SINE that were similar in sequence each other, were probably generated independently and created by LINE family within the same lineage of a LINE phylogeny in the genomes of different hosts.

Conclusion
The presented results show the advantage of the novel method for retroposons isolation and a pair of young SINE family and its partner LINE family in two carp fishes, which strengthened the hypotheses containing the slippage model for initiation of reverse transcription, retropositional parasitism of SINEs on LINEs, the formation of the stem loop structure in 3'tail region of some SINEs and LINEs and the mechanism of template switching in generating new SINE family.
Protein secretion systems in bacterial-host associations, and their description in the Gene Ontology
Authors: Tseng Tsai-Tien , Tyler Brett M , Setubal João C 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Protein secretion plays a central role in modulating the interactions of bacteria with their environments. This is particularly the case when symbiotic bacteria (whether pathogenic, commensal or mutualistic) are interacting with larger host organisms. In the case of Gram-negative bacteria, secretion requires translocation across the outer as well as the inner membrane, and a diversity of molecular machines have been elaborated for this purpose. A number of secreted proteins are destined to enter the host cell (effectors and toxins), and thus several secretion systems include apparatus to translocate proteins across the plasma membrane of the host also. The Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) Consortium has been developing standardized terms for describing biological processes and cellular components that play important roles in the interactions of microbes with plant and animal hosts, including the processes of bacterial secretion. Here we survey bacterial secretion systems known to modulate interactions with host organisms and describe Gene Ontology terms useful for describing the components and functions of these systems, and for capturing the similarities among the diverse systems.
Common and contrasting themes in host cell-targeted effectors from bacterial, fungal, oomycete and nematode plant symbionts described using the Gene Ontology
Authors: Torto-Alalibo Trudy , Collmer Candace W , Lindeberg Magdalen , Bird David , Collmer Alan , Tyler Brett M 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
A wide diversity of plant-associated symbionts, including microbes, produce proteins that can enter host cells, or are injected into host cells in order to modify the physiology of the host to promote colonization. These molecules, termed effectors, commonly target the host defense signaling pathways in order to suppress the defense response. Others target the gene expression machinery or trigger specific modifications to host morphology or physiology that promote the nutrition and proliferation of the symbiont. When recognized by the host's surveillance machinery, which includes cognate resistance (R) gene products, defense responses are engaged to restrict pathogen proliferation. Effectors from diverse symbionts may be delivered into plant cells via varied mechanisms, including whole organism cellular entry (viruses, some bacteria and fungi), type III and IV secretion (in bacteria), physical injection (nematodes and insects) and protein translocation signal sequences (oomycetes and fungi). This mini-review will summarize both similarities and differences in effectors and effector delivery systems found in diverse plant-associated symbionts as well as how these are described with Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) terms.
Association between TCF7L2gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a large Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tong Yu , Lin Ying , Zhang Yuan , Yang Jiyun , Zhang Yawei , Liu Hengchuan , Zhang Ben 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundTranscription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) has been shown to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) in multiple ethnic groups in the past two years, but, contradictory results were reported for Chinese and Pima Indian populations. The authors then performed a large meta-analysis of 36 studies examining the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with polymorphisms in theTCF7L2gene in various ethnicities, containing rs7903146 C-to-T (IVS3C>T), rs7901695 T-to-C (IVS3T>C), a rs12255372 G-to-T (IVS4G>T), and rs11196205 G-to-C (IVS4G>C) polymorphisms and to evaluate the size of gene effect and the possible genetic mode of action.MethodsLiterature-based searching was conducted to collect data and three methods, that is, fixed-effects, random-effects and Bayesian multivariate mete-analysis, were performed to pool the odds ratio (OR). Publication bias and study-between heterogeneity were also examined.ResultsThe studies included 35,843 cases of T2DM and 39,123 controls, using mainly primary data. For T2DM and IVS3C>T polymorphism, the BayesianORfor TT homozygotes and TC heterozygotes versus CC homozygote was 1.968 (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.790, 2.157), 1.406 (95%CrI: 1.341, 1.476), respectively, and the population attributable risk (PAR) for the TT/TC genotypes of this variant is 16.9% for overall. For T2DM and IVS4G>T polymorphism, TT homozygotes and TG heterozygotes versus GG homozygote was 1.885 (95%CrI: 1.698, 2.088), 1.360 (95%CrI: 1.291, 1.433), respectively. FourORs among these two polymorphisms all yielded significant between-study heterogeneity (P < 0.05) and the main source of heterogeneity was ethnic differences. Data also showed significant associations between T2DM and the other two polymorphisms, but with low heterogeneity (P> 0.10). PooledORs fit a codominant, multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms ofTCF7L2gene, and this model was also confirmed in different ethnic populations when stratification of IVS3C>T and IVS4G>T polymorphisms except for Africans, where a dominant, additive genetic mode is suggested for IVS3C>T polymorphism.ConclusionThis meta-analysis demonstrates that four variants ofTCF7L2gene are all associated with T2DM, and indicates a multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms, as well as suggests theTCF7L2gene involved in near 1/5 of all T2MD. Potential gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions by which common variants in theTCF7L2gene influence the risk of T2MD need further exploration.
Community based yoga classes for type 2 diabetes: an exploratory randomised controlled trial
Authors: Skoro-Kondza Lana , Tai Sharon See , Gadelrab Ramona , Drincevic Desanka , Greenhalgh Trisha 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundYoga is a popular therapy for diabetes but its efficacy is contested. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of researching community based yoga classes in Type 2 diabetes with a view to informing the design of a definitive, multi-centre trialMethodsThe study design was an exploratory randomised controlled trial with in-depth process evaluation. The setting was two multi-ethnic boroughs in London, UK; one with average and one with low mean socio-economic deprivation score. Classes were held at a sports centre or GP surgery. Participants were 59 people with Type 2 diabetes not taking insulin, recruited from general practice lists or opportunistically by general practice staff. The intervention group were offered 12 weeks of a twice-weekly 90-minute yoga class; the control group was a waiting list for the yoga classes. Both groups received advice and leaflets on healthy lifestyle and were encouraged to exercise.Primary outcome measure was HbA1c. Secondary outcome measures included attendance, weight, waist circumference, lipid levels, blood pressure, UKPDS cardiovascular risk score, diabetes-related quality of life (ADDQoL), and self-efficacy. Process measures were attendance at yoga sessions, self-reported frequency of practice between taught sessions, and qualitative data (interviews with patients and therapists, ethnographic observation of the yoga classes, and analysis of documents including minutes of meetings, correspondence, and exercise plans).ResultsDespite broad inclusion criteria, around two-thirds of the patients on GP diabetic registers proved ineligible, and 90% of the remainder declined to participate. Mean age of participants was 60 +/- 10 years. Attendance at yoga classes was around 50%. Nobody did the exercises regularly at home. Yoga teachers felt that most participants were unsuitable for 'standard' yoga exercises because of limited flexibility, lack of basic fitness, co-morbidity, and lack of confidence. There was a small fall in HbA1c in the yoga group which was not statistically significant and which was not sustained six months later, and no significant change in other outcome measures.ConclusionThe benefits of yoga in type 2 diabetes suggested in some previous studies were not confirmed. Possible explanations (apart from lack of efficacy) include recruitment challenges; practical and motivational barriers to class attendance; physical and motivational barriers to engaging in the exercises; inadequate intensity and/or duration of yoga intervention; and insufficient personalisation of exercises to individual needs. All these factors should be considered when designing future trials.Trial registrationNational Research Register (1410) and Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN63637211).