bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of BMI and anthropometric measures among South Asian Indians using standard and modified criteria
Authors: Vasudevan Deepa , Stotts Angela L , Mandayam Sreedhar , Omegie L Anabor
Published: January 2011

Objective

To compare the prevalence rates of obesity based on BMI/anthropometric measures, using WHO standard and ethnicity-specific criteria, the National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions, among a migrant South Asian Indian population.

Design

Cross-sectional study conducted in October 2007.

Subjects

A total of 213 participants of South Asian descent over the age of 18 years. Measures included a questionnaire with basic demographic information and self-reported histories of diabetes, coronary artery disease and/or hypercholesterolaemia. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference and blood pressure measurements were obtained.

Setting

Houston and surrounding suburbs.

Results

WHO-modified (WHO-mod) BMI and IDF waist circumference (WC) criteria independently identified higher numbers of overweight/obese participants; however, when the WHO-mod BMI or IDF WC criteria were applied, nearly 75 % of participants were categorized as overweight/obese – a proven risk factor for the future development of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Obesity is likely under-diagnosed using the standard WHO and NCEP-ATPIII guidelines. Stressing the use of modified criteria more universally to classify obesity among South Asian Indians may be optimal to identify obesity and help appropriately risk stratify for intervention to prevent chronic diseases.
Micromorphology of Epicuticular Waxes and Epistomatal Chambers of Pine Species by Electron Microscopy and White Light Scanning Interferometry
Authors: Kim Ki Woo , Lee In Jung , Kim Chang Soo , Lee Don Koo , Park Eun Woo
Published: January 2011

High-resolution imaging and quantitative surface analysis of epicuticular waxes and epistomatal chambers of pine species were performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and white light scanning interferometry. Both juvenile and adult needles were collected from the two-year-old seedlings of Pinus rigida and Pinus densiflora and subjected to surface observations. Epicuticular wax structures developed on the cuticle layer as well as in the epistomatal chambers and appeared to occlude the cavities in the two pine species. The stomata of P. densiflora were characterized by more distinctly raised rings around openings than P. rigida. The most common epicuticular wax structures of the two pine species included tubules with terminal openings and coiled rodlets. Wax platelets were deposited on epistomatal chambers. Either rodlets or tubules seemed to be longer and thicker in P. rigida than those in P. densiflora. White light scanning interferometry revealed quantitative surface profiles, demonstrating more ridged (ca. 4 μm high) stomatal apertures and nearly twofold deeper (ca. 20 μm deep) epistomatal chambers of P. densiflora than those of P. rigida. These results suggest that white light scanning interferometry can be applied to unravel the quantitative surface features of epicuticular sculptures on plant leaves.
Characterization of Mesoporosity in Ceria Particles Using Electron Microscopy
Authors: Shih Shao-Ju , Herrero Pilar Rodrigo , Li Guoqiang , Chen Chin-Yi , Lozano-Perez Sergio
Published: January 2011

The geometry and three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the ceria particles synthesized by spray pyrolysis (SP) from two different precursors—cerium acetate hydrate and cerium nitrate hydrate (CeA and CeN ceria particles)—were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. Results were compared with surface area measurements, confirming that the surface area of CeA ceria particles is twice as large as that of CeN ceria particles. This result was supported by 3D microstructural observations, which have revealed that CeA ceria particles contain open pores (connected to surfaces) and closed pores (embedded in particles), while CeN ceria particles only contained closed pores. This experimental result suggests that the type of porosity is controlled by the precursors and could be related to their melting temperature during the heating process in SP.
Structure and functions of exopolysaccharide produced by gut commensal Lactobacillus reuteri 100-23
Authors: Sims Ian M , Frese Steven A , Walter Jens , Loach Diane , Wilson Michelle , Appleyard Kay , Eason Jocelyn , Livingston Megan , Baird Margaret , Cook Gregory , Tannock Gerald W
Published: January 2011

Lactobacillus reuteri strain 100-23 together with a Lactobacillus-free mouse model, provides a system with which the molecular traits underpinning bacterial commensalism in vertebrates can be studied. A polysaccharide was extracted from sucrose-containing liquid cultures of strain 100-23. Chemical analysis showed that this exopolysaccharide was a levan (β-2, 6-linked fructan). Mutation of the fructosyl transferase (ftf) gene resulted in loss of exopolysaccharide production. The ftf mutant was able to colonise the murine gastrointestinal tract in the absence of competition, but colonisation was impaired in competition with the wild type. Biofilm formation by the mutant on the forestomach epithelial surface was not impaired and the matrix between cells was indistinguishable from that of the wild type in electron micrographs. Colonisation of the mouse gut by the wild-type strain led to increased proportions of regulatory T cells (Foxp3+) in the spleen, whereas colonisation by the ftf mutant did not. Survival of the mutant in sucrose-containing medium was markedly reduced relative to the wild type. Comparison of the genomic ftf loci of strain 100-23 with other L. reuteri strains suggested that the ftf gene was acquired by lateral gene transfer early in the evolution of the species and subsequently diversified at accelerated rates. Levan production by L. reuteri 100-23 may represent a function acquired by the bacterial species for life in moderate to high-sucrose extra-gastrointestinal environments that has subsequently been diverted to novel uses, including immunomodulation, that aid in colonisation of the murine gut.
Marine integrons containing novel integrase genes, attachment sites, attI, and associated gene cassettes in polluted sediments from Suez and Tokyo Bays
Authors: Elsaied Hosam , Stokes Hatch W , Kitamura Keiko , Kurusu Yasurou , Kamagata Yoichi , Maruyama Akihiko
Published: January 2011

In order to understand the structure and biological significance of integrons and associated gene cassettes in marine polluted sediments, metagenomic DNAs were extracted from sites at Suez and Tokyo Bays. PCR amplicons containing new integrase genes, intI, linked with novel gene cassettes, were recovered and had sizes from 1.8 to 2.5 kb. This approach uncovered, for the first time, the structure and diversity of both marine integron attachment site, attI, and the first gene cassette, the most efficiently expressed integron-associated gene cassette. The recovered 13 and 20 intI phylotypes, from Suez and Tokyo Bay samples, respectively, showed a highly divergence, suggesting a difference in integron composition between the sampling sites. Some intI phylotypes showed similarity with that from Geobacter metallireducens, belonging to Deltaproteobacteria, the dominant class in both sampling sites, as determined by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Thirty distinct families of putative attI site, as determined by the presence of an attI-like simple site, were recovered. A total of 146 and 68 gene cassettes represented Suez and Tokyo Bay unsaturated cassette pools, respectively. Gene cassettes, including a first cassette, from both sampling sites encoded two novel families of glyoxalase/bleomycin antibiotic-resistance protein. Gene cassettes from Suez Bay encoded proteins similar to haloacid dehalogenases, protein disulfide isomerases and death-on-curing and plasmid maintenance system killer proteins. First gene cassettes from Tokyo Bay encoded a xenobiotic-degrading protein, cardiolipin synthetase, esterase and WD40-like β propeller protein. Many of the first gene cassettes encoded proteins with no ascribable function but some of them were duplicated and possessed signal functional sites, suggesting efficient adaptive functions to their bacterial sources. Thus, each sampling site had a specific profile of integrons and cassette types consistent with the hypothesis that the environment shapes the genome.
Population‐Based Trends of Pregnancy Outcome in Obese Mothers: What Has Changed Over 15 Years
Authors: Alexandra Palili , Vassilios Bakoulas , Alexandra Veltsista , George Kavadias , Vassiliki Lekea , Chryssa Bakoula
Published: January 2011

Maternal obesity is a growing concern worldwide. We aimed to determine trends of obesity in women of reproductive age over a 15‐year period, the relationship between prepregnancy weight status and pregnancy‐related outcomes, and possible changes over a 15‐year period. Data was derived from two identical, cross‐sectional National Perinatal Surveys (NPSs). Analysis was restricted to the mothers of healthy, full‐term, singleton infants. Overall, the study population consisted of 18,752 mother‐infant pairs (7,208 from the 1st NPS and 11,544 from the 2nd NPS). The prevalence of overweight and obese women prior to pregnancy increased significantly between the two surveys, from 12 to 15.3% and 2.1 to 4.7%, respectively. In both study periods, prepregnancy weight status was positively associated with pre‐eclampsia (P < 0.001) and method of delivery (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, overweight and obese women had higher odds for caesarian section (adjusted (odd ratio) OR = 1.87) and pre‐eclampsia (adjusted OR = 2.59) than normal‐weight women. These associations did not change between the study periods. In conclusion, prepregnancy maternal obesity is steadily increasing over time. The magnitude of the problem underlies the need for public health programs to focus on obesity prevention, particularly among women of reproductive age, and re‐evaluate the guidelines for various perinatal practices.
Comparing Behavioral Weight Loss Modalities: Incremental Cost‐Effectiveness of an Internet‐Based Versus an In‐Person Condition
Authors: Krukowski Rebecca A. , Tilford J. Mick , Harvey‐Berino Jean , West Delia S.
Published: January 2011

The objective of this study was to assess the costs associated with a group behavioral weight loss intervention and compare cost‐effectiveness based on treatment delivery modality (in‐person vs. Internet). A randomized controlled trial examined efficacy of a group behavioral obesity intervention across in‐person and Internet treatment modalities. Participants (N= 323, 93% women, mean BMI = 35.8) from two centers were randomized to treatment modality, and contact time was matched between conditions. Primary outcome was weight loss. Cost‐effectiveness measures calculated life years gained (LYG) from changes in weight at 6 months, based on excess years of life lost (YLL) algorithm and the cost of the two modalities. In‐person participants had significantly greater weight losses (−8.0 ± 6.1 kg) than Internet participants (−5.5 ± 5.6 kg), whereas differences in LYG were insignificant. Estimated LYG was 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.45, 0.71) and 0.47 (95% confidence interval: 0.34, 0.60) for the in‐person and Internet condition, respectively. Total cost of conducting the in‐person condition was $706 per person and the Internet condition was $372 per person with the difference mainly due to increased travel cost of $158 per person. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $2,160 per (discounted) LYG for the Internet modality relative to no intervention/no weight loss and $7,177 per (discounted) LYG for the in‐person modality relative to the Internet modality. Participant time costs are recognized as an important cost of medical and behavioral interventions. When participant time costs are included in an economic evaluation of a behavioral weight loss intervention, Internet‐based weight loss delivery may be a more cost‐effective approach to obesity treatment.
Maize
Authors: Howell Stephen H.
Published: January 2011

Corn has been, and likely will be in the near term, the leading feedstock for biofuels production in the U.S.-both for grain ethanol production and cellulosic ethanol. However, the U.S. Renewable Fuels Standard presents challenges, because historic trends in corn yield are not sufficient to meet government-mandated goals for future biofuels production. Most yield gains in the past during the hybrid corn era have resulted from increased competitiveness for densely planted corn. The ratio of crop yield per unit of applied N fertilizer has also shown an upward trend in the U.S. in the past 30 year due to several factors including increases in yield. Much has been learned recently about the molecular basis for cornstarch biosynthesis presenting opportunities to alter starch structure for more efficient conversion to ethanol. In addition, transgenic technologies have been employed for packaging starch hydrolytic enzymes in corn kernels to improve the starch-to-ethanol conversion process. Corn stover, consisting of cobs, ear husks, stalks and leaves, represents a substantial source of biomass for lignocellulosic biofuel production. Few studies have been conducted on the breeding of corn for biomass production relating to biofuels, but, in general, corn biomass correlates with grain production. The utilization of corn stover for biofuels must be carefully weighed against the benefits of carbon sequestration by leaving crop residues in the field. The sequencing of the maize genome presents many new opportunities to improve corn either through the discovery of natural gene diversity or by altering the genetic content of corn.
Oilseed Rape
Authors: Weightman Richard , Gladders Peter , Berry Pete
Published: January 2011

This chapter assesses the prospects for using the oilseed rape crop as a feedstock for biofuels. Oilseed rape is used principally as a feedstock for biodiesel because its oil comfortably meets the biodiesel standard (EN14214). Currently about 18% of global biodiesel production comes from oilseed rape and this uses about 11% of global oilseed rape production. If oilseed rape continues to provide a similar proportion of biodiesel, and the crop area and yield remain the same, then it is estimated between 30% and 47% of oilseed rape production will be required to meet the greater demand for biodiesel predicted by 2020. It is clear that, with limited scope to expand the cropped area, the yield of oilseed rape together with the proportion of oil in the seed must be increased if this upsurge in demand is to be met. Whilst global yields of oilseed rape have increased gradually since the 1960s, the yield increase in several European countries with the highest yields have slowed or stopped altogether. This does not necessarily mean that the yield potential has been reached for these countries since a recent analysis estimated that the yield potential of the UK (where yields have stagnated) is 6.5 t/ha compared with the current national average of 3 t/ha. It is concluded there must be a sustained effort by plant breeders, crop physiologists & pathologists, agronomists and farmers to increase crop yields towards its high potential. This must be achieved without increasing the requirement for crop inputs, especially nitrogen fertiliser, in order to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing oilseed rape.
Perspectives on Sunflower as an Energy Crop
Authors: Flagella Zina , Monteleone Massimo
Published: January 2011

Sunflower is one of the leading oilseed crops cultivated for the production of oil for human consumption, which is also considered an important crop for biodiesel production. During the period 2003-2007, the average annual world production of sunflower seed was about 28.5 million t from a cultivated area of approximately 22.6 million ha . Sunflower oil accounts for only 5% of global biodiesel production despite it's potential to meet current biodiesel standards. Sunflower high oleic hybrids are suitable for biodiesel production due to the higher oxidative stability of the oil regardless of the cultivation conditions. In contrast, sunflower oil composition from traditional genotypes may be highly affected by the environment, giving the best performance in warmer regions.

Besides biodiesel production, anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are considered with respect to sunflower characteristics in this review.

Whatever the energy conversion process involved, the general purpose should be to significantly enhance the energy yield and the overall efficiency of the process itself. Energy is required to grow crops and convert biomass into biofuel; energy balance is the approach to determine whether alternative fuels provide benefits over the fossil fuels they should displace in term of energy demand and gains. Data on sunflower energy balance related to cultivation and transformation are thus provided. Finally, strategic perspectives concerning sunflower energy exploitation are outlined.
Jatropha curcas: A Source of Energy and Other Applications
Authors: Sharma Satyawati , Kumar Ashwani
Published: January 2011

The environmental pollution associated with the use of fossil fuels has led to worldwide interest in the production of biofuels. The main commodity source for biodiesel can be non-edible oils obtained from plant species such as Jatropha curcas (Ratanjyot), Pongamia pinnata (Karanj) etc. Among all the oil bearing crops, recently, Jatropha a drought resistant, multipurpose, perennial plant living up to 50 years, has emerged as the focal point for the biofuel industry with rapid R&D investments. Primary issues favoring Jatropha over other crops are its non-food nature, reported ability to grow on waste lands and tolerance to high temperatures. Jatropha has also been reported to play an important role in carbon sequestration along with wasteland reclamation. The interest in J. curcas as a feedstock for the production of biodiesel is rapidly growing. It has long been used around the world as a source of lamp oil and soap and also as a hedging plant. Jatropha oil cake is rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus can be used as organic manure. The presence of toxic components in Jatropha seed also provides a use in biopesticide formulations. Nonetheless, all parts of the plant have traditional medicinal uses (both human and veterinary purposes) that are being investigated. Here, the current status of studies on Jatropha worldwide on various aspects such as its taxonomy, botanical description, distribution, ecological requirement, propagation methods, crop improvement applying genetic/molecular approaches, and its potential in the energy sector, wasteland reclamation and for other applications is reviewed and compiled. Detailed information about the presence of various chemicals including toxins in different parts of the plant is summarized. Aspects related to its energy balance and energy flow, environmental effect (CDM) and its economics have also been dealt with.
DevelopingMiscanthusfor Bioenergy
Authors: Brown John Clifton , Renvoize Steve , Chiang Yu-Chung , Ibaragi Yasushi , Flavell Richard , Greef Joerg , Huang Lin , Hsu Tsai Wen , Kim Do-Soon , Hastings Astley , Schwarz Kai , Stampfl Paul , Valentine John , Yamada Toshihiko , Xi Qingguo , Donnison Iain
Published: January 2011

Miscanthus is a C4 perennial rhizomatous grass with origins in Eastern Asia. Several key species and their interspecific hybrids have demonstrated the potential to produce high biomass yields in a wide range of climates. Research on all aspects of Miscanthus has accelerated rapidly in the past 20 years. In this review we present the current state of knowledge on taxonomy, physiology, breeding, cultivation and environmental impact. We draw attention to many practical aspects to be considered in developing Miscanthus for bioenergy purposes including key bottlenecks that define the research themes for the future.
IGF-1 and atherothrombosis: relevance to pathophysiology and therapy
Authors: Conti Elena , Musumeci Maria Beatrice , De Giusti Marco , Dito Eleonora , Mastromarino Vittoria , Autore Camillo , Volpe Massimo
Published: January 2011

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) plays a unique role in the cell protection of multiple systems, where its fine-tuned signal transduction helps to preserve tissues from hypoxia, ischaemia and oxidative stress, thus mediating functional homoeostatic adjustments. In contrast, its deprivation results in apoptosis and dysfunction. Many prospective epidemiological surveys have associated low IGF-1 levels with late mortality, MI (myocardial infarction), HF (heart failure) and diabetes. Interventional studies suggest that IGF-1 has anti-atherogenic actions, owing to its multifaceted impact on cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. The metabolic ability of IGF-1 in coupling vasodilation with improved function plays a key role in these actions. The endothelial-protective, anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activities of IGF-1 exert critical effects in preventing both vascular damage and mechanisms that lead to unstable coronary plaques and syndromes. The pro-survival and anti-inflammatory short-term properties of IGF-1 appear to reduce infarct size and improve LV (left ventricular) remodelling after MI. An immune-modulatory ability, which is able to suppress ‘friendly fire’ and autoreactivity, is a proposed important additional mechanism explaining the anti-thrombotic and anti-remodelling activities of IGF-1. The concern of cancer risk raised by long-term therapy with IGF-1, however, deserves further study. In the present review, we discuss the large body of published evidence and review data on rhIGF-1 (recombinant human IGF-1) administration in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with a focus on dosage and safety issues. Perhaps the time has come for the regenerative properties of IGF-1 to be assessed as a new pharmacological tool in cardiovascular medicine.
Decreased numbers of peripheral blood dendritic cells in patients with coronary artery disease are associated with diminished plasma Flt3 ligand levels and impaired plasmacytoid dendritic cell function
Authors: Van Brussel Ilse , Van Vré Emily A. , De Meyer Guido R.Y. , Vrints Christiaan J. , Bosmans Johan M. , Bult Hidde
Published: January 2011

We investigated whether activation of circulating DCs (dendritic cells) or levels of Flt3L (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand) and GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor), haematopoietic growth factors important for DC differentiation, could account for reduced blood DC numbers in CAD (coronary artery disease) patients. Concentrations of Flt3L and GM-CSF were measured in plasma from CAD patients (n = 15) and controls (n = 12). Frequency and phenotype of mDCs (myeloid dendritic cells) and pDCs (plasmacytoid dendritic cells) were analysed by multicolour flow cytometry in fresh blood, and after overnight incubation with TLR (Toll-like receptor)-4 or -7 ligands LPS (lipopolysaccharide) or IQ (imiquimod). DC function was measured by IL (interleukin)-12 and IFN (interferon)-α secretion. Circulating numbers of CD11c+ mDCs and CD123+ pDCs and frequencies of CD86+ and CCR-7+ (CC chemokine receptor type 7) mDCs, but not pDCs, were declined in CAD. In addition, plasma Flt3L, but not GM-CSF, was lower in patients and positively correlated with blood DC counts. In response to LPS, mDCs up-regulated CD83 and CD86, but CCR-7 expression and IL-12 secretion remained unchanged, similarly in patients and controls. Conversely, pDCs from patients had lower CD83 and CCR-7 expression after overnight incubation and had a weaker IQ-induced up-regulation of CD83 and IFN-α secretion. In conclusion, our results suggest that reduced blood DC counts in CAD are, at least partly, due to impaired DC differentiation from bone marrow progenitors. Decreased levels of mDCs are presumably also explained by activation and subsequent migration to atherosclerotic plaques or lymph nodes. Although mDCs are functioning normally, pDCs from patients appeared to be both numerically and functionally impaired.
Charge density waves in d-wave superconductors
Authors: Voitenko A. I. , Gabovich A. M.
Published: January 2011

A self-consistent theory of charge density waves in partially dielectrically gapped superconductors with d-pairing is proposed. The dependences of the dielectric (Σ) and superconducting (Δ) order parameters on the temperature and other parameters of the problem is examined. The corresponding angular diagrams for the gap distribution over the Fermi surface are constructed for the first time. The theory is used to explain the properties of high-temperature oxides. The effect of the displacement angle between the lobes of the order parameters Σ and Δ on the gap distribution in momentum space and on the reentrance phenomenon for Σ with respect to temperature is analyzed.
Positive quasiclassical magnetoresistance and quantum effects in germanium quantum wells
Authors: Berkutov I. B. , Andrievskii V. V. , Komnik Yu. F. , Mironov O. A.
Published: January 2011

Changes in the conductivity of p-type quantum-well heterostructures of Si0.05Ge0.95 alloy are studied at temperatures ranging from 0.352–7.1K and magnetic fields of up to 11T. The distinctive feature of the sample was asymmetric doping, with layers of Si0.4Ge0.6 with boron impurity concentrations of 2⋅1018 and 8⋅1018cm−3 positioned on opposite sides of the quantum well. Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations were observed clearly against the background of a high quasiclassical positive magnetoresistance. The field dependence of the magnetoresistance is well described by a function of the form ρxx(B)∕ρxx(0)∝B12∕7, as predicted by a theory including the combined effect of both short- and long-range disorder. The contribution to the temperature and magnetic field dependences of the resistance owing to quantum corrections associated with weak localization and charge carrier interactions is determined. Strong spin-orbital scattering of holes on the quantum well is revealed by analyzing these corrections. A study of the variations in the amplitude of the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations with temperature and magnetic field (including the monotonic behavior of the resistance with changing magnetic field) makes it possible to determine the effective mass of the charge carriers, m*=0.17m0 The temperature dependence of the hole-phonon relaxation time was found by studying the overheating of charge carriers by an electric field.
CD34+hematopoietic precursors are present in human decidua and differentiate into natural killer cells upon interaction with stromal cells
Authors: Vacca Paola , Vitale Chiara , Montaldo Elisa , Conte Romana , Cantoni Claudia , Fulcheri Ezio , Darretta Valeria , Moretta Lorenzo , Mingari Maria Cristina
Published: January 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells are the main lymphoid population in the maternal decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy. Decidual NK (dNK) cells display a unique functional profile and play a key role in promoting tissue remodeling, neoangiogenesis, and immune modulation. However, little information exists on their origin and development. Here we discovered CD34+hematopoietic precursors in human decidua (dCD34+). We show that dCD34+cells differ from cord blood- or peripheral blood-derived CD34+precursors. The expression of IL-15/IL-2 receptor common β-chain (CD122), IL-7 receptor α-chain (CD127), and mRNA for E4BP4 and ID2 transcription factors suggested that dCD34+cells are committed to the NK cell lineage. Moreover, they could undergo in vitro differentiation into functional (i.e., IL-8– and IL-22–producing) CD56brightCD16−KIR+/−NK cells in the presence of growth factors or even upon coculture with decidual stromal cells. Their NK cell commitment was further supported by the failure to undergo myeloid differentiation in the presence of GM-CSF. Our findings strongly suggest that decidual NK cells may directly derive from CD34+cell precursors present in the decidua upon specific cellular interactions with components of the decidual microenvironment.
Loss-of-function DNA sequence variant in the
CLCNKA
chloride channel implicates the cardio-renal axis in interindividual heart failure risk variation
Authors: Cappola Thomas P. , Matkovich Scot J. , Wang Wei , van Booven Derek , Li Mingyao , Wang Xuexia , Qu Liming , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Fang James C. , Reilly Muredach P. , Hakonarson Hakon , Nerbonne Jeanne M. , Dorn Gerald W.
Published: January 2011

Common heart failure has a strong undefined heritable component. Two recent independent cardiovascular SNP array studies identified a common SNP at 1p36 in intron 2 of the
HSPB7
gene as being associated with heart failure.
HSPB7
resequencing identified other risk alleles but no functional gene variants. Here, we further show no effect of the
HSPB7
SNP on cardiac HSPB7 mRNA levels or splicing, suggesting that the SNP marks the position of a functional variant in another gene. Accordingly, we used massively parallel platforms to resequence all coding exons of the adjacent
CLCNKA
gene, which encodes the
K
a
renal chloride channel (ClC-
K
a
). Of 51 exonic
CLCNKA
variants identified, one SNP (rs10927887, encoding Arg83Gly) was common, in linkage disequilibrium with the heart failure risk SNP in
HSPB7
, and associated with heart failure in two independent Caucasian referral populations (
n
= 2,606 and 1,168; combined
P
= 2.25 × 10
−6
). Individual genotyping of rs10927887 in the two study populations and a third independent heart failure cohort (combined
n
= 5,489) revealed an additive allele effect on heart failure risk that is independent of age, sex, and prior hypertension (odds ratio = 1.27 per allele copy;
P
= 8.3 × 10
−7
). Functional characterization of recombinant wild-type Arg83 and variant Gly83 ClC-
K
a
chloride channel currents revealed ≈50% loss-of-function of the variant channel. These findings identify a common, functionally significant genetic risk factor for Caucasian heart failure. The variant
CLCNKA
risk allele, telegraphed by linked variants in the adjacent
HSPB7
gene, uncovers a previously overlooked genetic mechanism affecting the cardio-renal axis.
Mutant proteins as cancer-specific biomarkers
Authors: Wang Qing , Chaerkady Raghothama , Wu Jian , Hwang Hee Jung , Papadopoulos Nick , Kopelovich Levy , Maitra Anirban , Matthaei Hanno , Eshleman James R. , Hruban Ralph H. , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Pandey Akhilesh , Vogelstein Bert
Published: January 2011

Cancer biomarkers are currently the subject of intense research because of their potential utility for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. In theory, the gene products resulting from somatic mutations are the ultimate protein biomarkers, being not simply associated with tumors but actually responsible for tumorigenesis. We show here that the altered protein products resulting from somatic mutations can be identified directly and quantified by mass spectrometry. The peptides expressed from normal and mutant alleles were detected by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) of their product ions using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. As a prototypical example of this approach, we demonstrated that it is possible to quantify the number and fraction of mutant Ras protein present in cancer cell lines. There were an average of 1.3 million molecules of Ras protein per cell, and the ratio of mutant to normal Ras proteins ranged from 0.49 to 5.6. Similarly, we found that mutant Ras proteins could be detected and quantified in clinical specimens such as colorectal and pancreatic tumor tissues as well as in premalignant pancreatic cyst fluids. In addition to answering basic questions about the relative levels of genetically abnormal proteins in tumors, this approach could prove useful for diagnostic applications.
Fresh meat packaging: trends for retail and food service.
Authors: Nassu R. T. , Juárez M. , Uttaro B. , Aalhus J. L.
Published: January 2011

Meat packaging implies the extension of shelf-life, by retarding the activity of spoilage bacteria, oxidative processes and changes in sensory properties such as colour and flavour. The use of case-ready meat or centralized packaging of meat in retail food establishments continues to increase. The development of new packaging materials and systems during the last 10 years has been based on consumers' concerns regarding safety, quality and environmental sustainability and industry's need to address ease of distribution and labour requirements. The objective of this review is to examine the current understanding and trends of the most traditional and common packaging systems, such as vacuum packaging and modified-atmosphere packaging, as well as the emerging technologies being used by the meat industry, such as high-pressure processing, irradiation, active packaging and intelligent packaging.
Making the Uncontrollable Seem Controllable: the Role of Action in the Illusion of Control
Authors: Blanco Fernando , Matute Helena , Vadillo Miguel A.
Published: January 2011

It is well known that certain variables can bias judgements about the perceived contingency between an action and an outcome, making them depart from the normative predictions. For instance, previous studies have proven that the activity level or probability of responding, P(R), is a crucial variable that can affect these judgements in objectively noncontingent situations. A possible account for the P(R) effect is based on the differential exposure to actual contingencies during the training phase, which is in turn presumably produced by individual differences in participants' P(R). The current two experiments replicate the P(R) effect in a free-response paradigm, and show that participants' judgements are better predicted by P(R) than by the actual contingency to which they expose themselves. Besides, both experiments converge with previous empirical data, showing a persistent bias that does not vanish as training proceeds. These findings contrast with the preasymptotic and transitory effect predicted by several theoretical models.
Subjective Time: Cognitive and Physical Secondary Tasks Affect Timing Differently
Authors: Molet Mikaël , Alessandri Jérôme , Zentall Thomas R.
Published: January 2011

Humans were trained on a temporal discrimination to make one response when the stimulus duration was short (2 s) and a different response when the stimulus duration was long (8 s). They were then tested with stimulus durations in between to determine the bisection point. In Experiment 1, we examined the effect of a secondary cognitive task (counting backwards by threes) on the bisection point when participants were trained without a cognitive load and were tested with a cognitive load or the reverse (relative to appropriate controls). When the cognitive load increased from training, the psychophysical function plotting long responses against the increase in stimulus duration shifted to the right (as if the internal clock slowed down), and when the cognitive load decreased from training the psychophysical function shifted to the left (as if the internal clock speeded up). In Experiment 2, when the secondary task consisted of exerting continuous force on a transducer (a physically effortful task), it had the opposite effect. When the required force increased from training, the psychophysical function shifted to the left (as if the internal clock speeded up), and when the required force decreased from training, the psychophysical function shifted to the right (as if the internal clock slowed down). The results support an attentional view of the subjective passage of time. A cognitive secondary task appears to decrease attention to temporal cues, resulting in the underestimation of the passage of time, whereas a force requirement appears to increase attention to temporal cues, resulting in the overestimation of the passage of time.
Embodied representation of the body contains veridical spatial information
Authors: Struiksma Marijn E. , Noordzij Matthijs L. , Postma Albert
Published: January 2011

In two experiments, the extent to which mental body representations contain spatial information was examined. Participants were asked to compare distances between various body parts. Similar to what happens when people compare distances on a real visual stimulus, they were faster as the distance differences between body parts became larger (Experiment 1), and this effect could not (only) be explained by the crossing of major bodily categories (umbilicus to knee vs. knee to ankle; Experiment 2). In addition, participants also performed simple animate/inanimate verification on a set of nouns. The nouns describing animate items were names of body parts. A spatial priming effect was found: Verification was faster for body part items preceded by body parts in close spatial proximity. This suggests automatic activation of spatial body information. Taken together, results from the distance comparison task and the property verification task showed that mental body representations contain both categorical and more metric spatial information. These findings are further discussed in terms of recent embodied cognition theories.
Irregular primes to 163 million
Authors: Buhler J. , Harvey D.
Published: January 2011

We compute all irregular primes less than 163 577 856. For all of these primes we verify that the Kummer–Vandiver conjecture holds and that the

λ
\lambda

-invariant is equal to the index of irregularity.
Yeast homologues of lethal giant larvae and type V myosin cooperate in the regulation of Rab-dependent vesicle clustering and polarized exocytosis
Authors: Rossi Guendalina , Brennwald Patrick
Published: January 2011

Lgl family members play an important role in the regulation of cell polarity in eukaryotic cells. The yeast homologues Sro7 and Sro77 are thought to act downstream of the Rab GTPase Sec4 to promote soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor adaptor protein receptor (SNARE) function in post-Golgi transport. In this article, we characterize the interaction between Sro7 and the type V myosin Myo2 and show that this interaction is important for two distinct aspects of Sro7 function. First, we show that this interaction plays a positive role in promoting the polarized localization of Sro7 to sites of active growth. Second, we find evidence that Myo2 negatively regulates Sro7 function in vesicle clustering. Mutants in either Myo2 or Sro7 that are defective for this interaction show hypersensitivity to Sro7 overexpression, which results in Sec4-dependent accumulation of large groups of vesicles in the cytoplasm. This suggests that Myo2 serves a dual function, to both recruit Sro7 to secretory vesicles and inhibit its Rab-dependent tethering activity until vesicles reach the plasma membrane. Thus Sro7 appears to coordinate the spatial and temporal nature of both Rab-dependent tethering and SNARE-dependent membrane fusion of exocytic vesicles with the plasma membrane.
Resurrection of a functional phosphatidylinositol transfer protein from a pseudo-Sec14 scaffold by directed evolution
Authors: Schaaf Gabriel , Dynowski Marek , Mousley Carl J. , Shah Sweety D. , Yuan Peihua , Winklbauer Eva M. , de Campos Marília K. F. , Trettin Kyle , Quinones Mary-Chely , Smirnova Tatyana I. , Yanagisawa Lora L. , Ortlund Eric A. , Bankaitis Vytas A.
Published: January 2011

Sec14-superfamily proteins integrate the lipid metabolome with phosphoinositide synthesis and signaling via primed presentation of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) to PtdIns kinases. Sec14 action as a PtdIns-presentation scaffold requires heterotypic exchange of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) for PtdIns, or vice versa, in a poorly understood progression of regulated conformational transitions. We identify mutations that confer Sec14-like activities to a functionally inert pseudo-Sec14 (Sfh1), which seemingly conserves all of the structural requirements for Sec14 function. Unexpectedly, the “activation” phenotype results from alteration of residues conserved between Sfh1 and Sec14. Using biochemical and biophysical, structural, and computational approaches, we find the activation mechanism reconfigures atomic interactions between amino acid side chains and internal water in an unusual hydrophilic microenvironment within the hydrophobic Sfh1 ligand-binding cavity. These altered dynamics reconstitute a functional “gating module” that propagates conformational energy from within the hydrophobic pocket to the helical unit that gates pocket access. The net effect is enhanced rates of phospholipid-cycling into and out of the Sfh1* hydrophobic pocket. Taken together, the directed evolution approach reveals an unexpectedly flexible functional engineering of a Sec14-like PtdIns transfer protein—an engineering invisible to standard bioinformatic, crystallographic, and rational mutagenesis approaches.
Overexpression of Sinapine Esterase BnSCE3 in Oilseed Rape Seeds Triggers Global Changes in Seed Metabolism
Authors: Clauß Kathleen , von Roepenack-Lahaye Edda , Böttcher Christoph , Roth Mary R. , Welti Ruth , Erban Alexander , Kopka Joachim , Scheel Dierk , Milkowski Carsten , Strack Dieter
Published: January 2011

Sinapine (O-sinapoylcholine) is the predominant phenolic compound in a complex group of sinapate esters in seeds of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Sinapine has antinutritive activity and prevents the use of seed protein for food and feed. A strategy was developed to lower its content in seeds by expressing an enzyme that hydrolyzes sinapine in developing rape seeds. During early stages of seedling development, a sinapine esterase (BnSCE3) hydrolyzes sinapine, releasing choline and sinapate. A portion of choline enters the phospholipid metabolism, and sinapate is routed via 1-O-sinapoyl-β-glucose into sinapoylmalate. Transgenic oilseed rape lines were generated expressing BnSCE3 under the control of a seed-specific promoter. Two distinct single-copy transgene insertion lines were isolated and propagated to generate homozygous lines, which were subjected to comprehensive phenotyping. Sinapine levels of transgenic seeds were less than 5% of wild-type levels, whereas choline levels were increased. Weight, size, and water content of transgenic seeds were significantly higher than those of wild-type seeds. Seed quality parameters, such as fiber and glucosinolate levels, and agronomically important traits, such as oil and protein contents, differed only slightly, except that amounts of hemicellulose and cellulose were about 30% higher in transgenic compared with wild-type seeds. Electron microscopic examination revealed that a fraction of the transgenic seeds had morphological alterations, characterized by large cavities near the embryonic tissue. Transgenic seedlings were larger than wild-type seedlings, and young seedlings exhibited longer hypocotyls. Examination of metabolic profiles of transgenic seeds indicated that besides suppression of sinapine accumulation, there were other dramatic differences in primary and secondary metabolism. Mapping of these changes onto metabolic pathways revealed global effects of the transgenic BnSCE3 expression on seed metabolism.
Personal practice: How we manage the risk of bleeding and thrombosis in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Astwood Emma , Vora Ajay
Published: January 2011

Bleeding and thrombosis are not infrequent problems in children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The exact frequency varies with age, co‐morbidity and treatment schedule, but the risk is highest in the first few weeks of treatment when disease and treatment‐related haemostatic abnormalities prevail. Recommendations for prevention and management are lacking due to a weak evidence base, resulting in considerable variation in practice. This article describes our personal practice in this area with reference to the available literature on the subject.
Altered distribution of caveolin‐1 in early liver steatosis
Authors: Mastrodonato Maria , Calamita Giuseppe , Rossi Roberta , Mentino Donatella , Bonfrate Leonilde , Portincasa Piero , Ferri Domenico , Liquori Giuseppa E.
Published: January 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 642–651

Background  Caveolin‐1, the main structural protein of caveolae, is involved in cholesterol homoeostasis, transcytosis, endocytosis and signal transduction and thought to play an important role in lipidogenesis. Little is known about the pathophysiological role of caveolin‐1 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome and characterized by abnormal accumulation of intrahepatic triglycerides with a potentially harmful risk of evolution to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Materials and methods  Liver steatosis (micro/macrovesicular) was induced in adult rats fed a choline‐deficient diet for 14 days and compared with a control normal diet. The expression and subcellular distribution of caveolin‐1 was assessed using light and electron microscopy by immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical techniques and by Western blotting.

Results  Caveolin‐1 was mainly associated with the hepatocyte basolateral plasma membrane. Fatty hepatocytes were characterized by a significant increase in the expression of caveolin‐1 around and within the lipid droplets as well as in the inner membrane of mitochondria.

Conclusions  Our data suggest the involvement of caveolin‐1 in the case of abnormal lipogenesis and mitochondrial function typical of steatotic hepatocytes in NAFLD. Addressing the role played by caveolin‐1 in liver membranes in NAFLD may help future therapeutic choices in a frequent metabolic liver disease.
Sapphires from Sri Lanka
Authors: Waltham Tony
Published: January 2011

A rural industry of small‐scale mining, for sapphires and a host of other gemstones, is alive and thriving at Ratnapura in Sri Lanka. The minerals are extracted from alluvial gravels and colluvium, and most are then cut and polished locally for use in jewellery.
Unawareness of HBV infection among inpatients in a Southern Italian hospital
Authors: Ippolito A. M. , Niro G. A. , Fontana R. , Lotti G. , Gioffreda D. , Valvano M. R. , Iacobellis A. , Di Mauro L. , Stroffolini T. , Andriulli A.
Published: January 2011

Summary.  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may run undetected. Unawareness of an ongoing infection delays the diagnosis of HBV‐related liver disease and favours the spread of the virus. We have evaluated among hepatitis B surface antigen–positive (HBsAg) inpatients admitted to a Southern Italian hospital the proportion of those aware of their carrier status and correlated the status to signs of liver disease. All patients admitted to the San Giovanni Rotondo Hospital from March 2008 to July 2009 were tested for HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers, and those positive for HBsAg were interviewed and underwent examinations for liver function and abdominal ultrasound. Overall, of 25 000 patients admitted during the observation period 311 (1.2%) were positive for HBsAg, most of them (98%) being anti‐HBe positive. HCV and HDV co‐infections were ascertained in 2.9% and 0.6% of cases, respectively. Two hundred and fifty‐three subjects (81%) agreed to undergo further investigation, 132 of them (52%) were HBV‐DNA positive. One hundred and two patients (40.3%) were unaware of their infection; this was encountered among 29% of HBV‐DNA‐positive and 52% of HBV‐DNA‐negative subjects (P < 0.01). Subjects already aware of their infection were more likely to present with abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (27%vs 15%), serological presence of HBV‐DNA (63.6%vs 36%) and liver cirrhosis (30%vs 13%). A high proportion of HBsAg‐positive patients (40.3%) were unaware of their infection, which had evolved to the stage of liver cirrhosis in a consistent percentage of them.