bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐28B polymorphisms are associated with hepatitis C virus clearance and viral load in a HIV‐1‐infected cohort
Authors: Clausen L. N. , Weis N. , Astvad K. , Schønning K. , Fenger M. , Krarup H. , Bukh J. , Benfield T.
Published: November 2010

Summary.  Twenty‐five per cent of individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are able to clear HCV spontaneously. Differences in host genetics are believed to affect the outcome of HCV infection. We analysed an exonic, a promoter and an intronic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the interferon‐λ3 coding interleukin (IL)‐28B gene to study the relationship between IL28B SNPs and outcome of HCV infection. Among 206 HIV‐1‐infected Europeans with evidence of HCV infection, 47 (23%) individuals had cleared HCV and 159 (77%) had developed chronic infection. The exonic rs8103142 CT, the promoter rs12979860 CT and the intronic rs11881222 AG genotypes were associated with a decreased HCV clearance rate with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 0.3 (95% CI, 0.1–0.7), 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2–0.8) and 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2–0.8), respectively. The haplotype block TCG CTA was associated with a decreased HCV clearance rate (aOR 0.4, 95% CI, 0.2–0.8). Further, we found significant differences in HCV RNA levels among individuals chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 for rs8103142 and rs12979860 (P ≤ 0.05). Chronically infected individuals with HCV genotype 3 and with the favourable haplotype block CTA CTA had higher median HCV RNA levels than individuals with unfavourable haplotype blocks (P ≤ 0.05). Our findings suggest that IL28B may account for some differences in HCV outcome but that other factors including the viral genotype, host genetics and the host–virus interaction are likely to influence the outcome of HCV infection.
Dynamics of auxin‐dependent Ca2+ and pH signaling in root growth revealed by integrating high‐resolution imaging with automated computer vision‐based analysis
Authors: Monshausen Gabriele B. , Miller Nathan D. , Murphy Angus S. , Gilroy Simon
Published: November 2010

Plants adapt to a changing environment by entraining their growth and development to prevailing conditions. Such ‘plastic’ development requires a highly dynamic integration of growth phenomena with signal perception and transduction systems, such as occurs during tropic growth. The plant hormone auxin has been shown to play a key role in regulating these directional growth responses of plant organs to environmental cues. However, we are still lacking a cellular and molecular understanding of how auxin‐dependent signaling cascades link stimulus perception to the rapid modulation of growth patterns. Here, we report that in root gravitropism of Arabidopsis thaliana, auxin regulates root curvature and associated apoplastic, growth‐related pH changes through a Ca2+‐dependent signaling pathway. Using an approach that integrates confocal microscopy and automated computer vision‐based image analysis, we demonstrate highly dynamic root surface pH patterns during vertical growth and after gravistimulation. These pH dynamics are shown to be dependent on auxin, and specifically on auxin transport mediated by the auxin influx carrier AUX1 in cells of the lateral root cap and root epidermis. Our results further indicate that these pH responses require auxin‐dependent changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels that operate independently of the TIR1 auxin perception system. These results demonstrate a methodology that can be used to visualize vectorial auxin responses in a manner that can be integrated with the rapid plant growth responses to environmental stimuli.
The Arabidopsis bHLH25 and bHLH27 transcription factors contribute to susceptibility to the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Jin Jing , Hewezi Tarek , Baum Thomas J.
Published: November 2010

Successful cyst nematode parasitism depends on the formation and maintenance of feeding sites (syncytia) in host roots, and these processes are highly regulated by the interaction between the cyst nematode and the host. Using an integrated research approach and the Arabidopsis–Beta vulgaris (sugar beet) cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) pathosystem, we have determined that the two Arabidopsis basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors bHLH25 and bHLH27 positively influence cyst nematode parasitism. Promoter studies indicated that as early as 1 day post‐inoculation, both transcription factor genes were upregulated in developing syncytia, whereas in non‐infected plants, these two promoters were not found to be active in the same cells. By using yeast two‐hybrid analyses and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we documented that the two bHLH transcription factors can dimerize in planta. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing either one or both of the bHLH genes exhibited altered morphology of roots and shoots, as well as an increased susceptibility to H. schachtii. bhlh25 or bhlh27 single mutants were without strong phenotypes, presumably because of functional redundancies in this gene family. However, the bhlh25 bhlh27 double mutant was less susceptible to H. schachtii, confirming an important conducive role of the co‐expression of both transcription factor genes for cyst nematode parasitism. Our results document an example of pathogen‐induced ectopic co‐expression of two regulatory genes to enhance pathogen success, although these transcription factors apparently do not function in concert in non‐infected plants. This is an intriguing biological phenomenon that highlights the complexity of obligate biotrophic plant–pathogen interactions, like those of cyst nematodes.
Localization Error and Search Costs during Mate Choice in Túngara Frogs, Physalaemus pustulosus
Authors: Bonachea Luis A. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: November 2010

Search costs can have profound influences on female choice, causing females to become less choosy or sample less of the diversity of available mates. Predator foraging strategies, however, determine exactly how search time affects predator encounter rates. Ambush predators are more likely to be encountered by females traveling longer distances to evaluate males, but evaluation time is unlikely to influence encounter‐rate with this type of predator. Actively searching predators, however, may be more likely to be encountered by females employing longer travel times and evaluation times. In this study, we examine the effects of perceived search costs on both temporal and spatial aspects of the search behavior of female túngara frogs, Physalaemus pustulosus. Females were collected from natural choruses and presented with conspecific calls at a distance of 50, 115, or 180 cm from their release point. Assays were conducted in either darkness or simulated full moon light levels. Longer starting distances caused longer choice latencies, but choice latency was considerably lowered under higher light conditions. Females spent considerably less time moving under higher light conditions; however, light levels did not affect path length. Females were more likely to leave the release point with more accurate orientation to the sound source under higher light conditions. We demonstrate that females can respond to perceived search costs by altering spatial and temporal aspects of female search behavior. The overall emphasis of females on reducing time spent moving and increasing movement speed indicates that predation by actively searching predators represents a stronger cost to females than ambush predators.
The diagnostic accuracy of chromoendoscopy for dysplasia in ulcerative colitis: meta‐analysis of six randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu L. , Li P. , Wu J. , Cao Y. , Gao F.
Published: November 2010

Aim  The diagnostic accuracy of chromoendoscopy for dysplasia in ulcerative colitis (UC) was systematically evaluated.

Method  Original studies in any language were searched from PubMed and Embase. Meta‐analysis of prospective studies that compared chromoendoscopy with histological diagnosis was carried out. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated for each study and pooled together; summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and subgroup analyses were performed, while the quality of the study and heterogeneity were assessed.

Results  Six randomized controlled trials were included, which used methylene blue or indigo carmine dye spray. The meta‐analysis demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 83.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 35.9–99.6%), specificity of 91.3% (95% CI, 43.8–100%), and DOR of 17.544 (95% CI, 1.245–247.14). Subgroup analyses revealed that both the methylene blue dye spray subgroup and the unspecified endoscopist subgroup include the same studies, and their pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.737 and 0.917, respectively. The other subgroup, which used indigo carmine dye spray, had overall higher sensitivity (0.930) and lower specificity (0.910).

Conclusion  Chromoendoscopy has medium to high sensitivity and a high diagnostic accuracy for dysplastic lesions in UC.
Changing trends in polypoid colorectal cancer diagnosed by colonoscopy
Authors: Lorenzo‐Zúñiga V. , Moreno de Vega V. , Boix J.
Published: November 2010

Aim  This study analysed trends in polypoid colorectal cancer (PCRC) diagnosed by colonoscopy during the period 1995–2008 and compared the patterns observed in the years 2005–2008 with 1995–1998.

Method  In the period 1995–2008, 24 245 colonoscopies were performed and 1041 patients with PCRC were diagnosed: pediculated (n = 220) or sessile (n = 821).

Results  The mean age at diagnosis was 68.3 ± 11.6 years. Males were more likely to have PCRC (males 62.6%vs females 37.4%; P < 0.0001). Significantly more pediculated PCRCs were located in the distal colon (P < 0.001). In the 2005–2008 period the prevalence of PCRC among patients undegoing colonoscopy decreased, the number of polypectomies increased significantly (P < 0.0001) and the pediculated PCRC location changed, with a significant increase in right‐sided lesions.

Conclusion  The prevalence of PCRC in patients undergoing colonoscopy decreased, with a significant increase in the number of polypectomies in the last decade. Pediculated PCRCs were more often located in the left colon and sessile PCRCs in the right colon. From the period 1995–1998 to 2005–2008 the location of pediculated PCRCs changed, with an increase in right‐sided lesions.
Tracking and quantifying objects and non‐cohesive substances
Authors: vanMarle Kristy , Wynn Karen
Published: November 2010

The present study tested infants’ ability to assess and compare quantities of a food substance. Contrary to previous findings, the results suggest that by 10 months of age infants can quantify non‐cohesive substances, and that this ability is different in important ways from their ability to quantify discrete objects: (1) In contrast to even much younger infants’ ability to discriminate discrete quantities that differ by a 1:2 ratio, infants here required a 1:4 ratio in order to reliably select the larger of two substance quantities. And (2), unlike with objects, infants required multiple cues in order to determine which of two quantities of substance was larger. Moreover, (3) although 14.5‐month‐olds were able to compare amounts of substance in memory, 10‐ to 12‐month‐olds were limited to comparing visible amounts of substance. These findings are discussed in light of the mechanisms that may underlie infants’ quantification of objects and substances.
Extreme weather events and related disasters in the Philippines, 2004–08: a sign of what climate change will mean?
Authors: Yumul Graciano P. , Cruz Nathaniel A. , Servando Nathaniel T. , Dimalanta Carla B.
Published: November 2010

Being an archipelagic nation, the Philippines is susceptible and vulnerable to the ill‐effects of weather‐related hazards. Extreme weather events, which include tropical cyclones, monsoon rains and dry spells, have triggered hazards (such as floods and landslides) that have turned into disasters. Financial resources that were meant for development and social services have had to be diverted in response, addressing the destruction caused by calamities that beset different regions of the country. Changing climatic patterns and weather‐related occurrences over the past five years (2004–08) may serve as an indicator of what climate change will mean for the country. Early recognition of this possibility and the implementation of appropriate action and measures, through disaster risk management, are important if loss of life and property is to be minimised, if not totally eradicated. This is a matter of urgent concern given the geographical location and geological characteristics of the Philippines.
Perceiving External Things and the Time‐Lag Argument
Authors: Power Sean Enda
Published: November 2010

Abstract:We seem to directly perceive external things. But can we? According to the time‐lag argument, we cannot. What we directly perceive happens now. There is a time‐lag between our perceptions and the external things we seem to directly perceive; these external things happen in the past; thus, what we directly perceive must be something else, for example, sense‐data, and we can only at best indirectly perceive other things.

This paper examines the time‐lag argument given contemporary metaphysics. I argue that this argument is not as compelling as it may initially seem. First, it denies that what we directly perceive can ever be what it seems to be; second, it conflicts with the current physical conception of time, relativity theory. This latter point leads to a more general one: the argument's force depends on a particular metaphysical conception on time, presentism, which is controversial in contemporary metaphysics of time. Given the alternative conception, eternalism, the argument is much less compelling. The overall argument of this paper, then, is that, if one wishes to hold that we directly perceive external things, we should subscribe to the latter view of time, i.e., eternalism.
Brief parent training in pivotal response treatment for preschoolers with autism
Authors: Coolican Jamesie , Smith Isabel M. , Bryson Susan E.
Published: November 2010

Background:  Evidence of improved outcomes with early behavioural intervention has placed the early treatment of autism as a health priority. However, long waiting lists for treatment often preclude timely access, raising the question of whether parents could be trained in the interim. Parent training in pivotal response treatment (PRT) has been shown to enhance the communication skills of children with autism. This is typically provided within a 25‐hour programme, although less intensive parent training may also be effective. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of brief training in PRT for parents of preschoolers with autism, who were awaiting, or unable to access, more comprehensive treatment.

Method:  Eight preschoolers with autism and their parents participated in the study. A non‐concurrent multiple (across‐participants) baseline design was used, in which parents were seen individually for three 2‐hour training sessions on PRT. Child and parent outcomes were assessed before, immediately after, and 2 to 4 months following training using standardised tests, questionnaires and behaviour coded directly from video recordings.

Results:  Overall, children’s communication skills, namely functional utterances, increased following training. Parents’ fidelity in implementing PRT techniques also improved after training, and generally these changes were maintained at follow‐up. A moderate to strong relationship was found between parents’ increased ability to implement PRT techniques and improvement in the children’s communication skills.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that brief parent training in PRT promises to provide an immediate, cost‐effective intervention that could be adopted widely.
Electrocortical evidence for vigilance‐avoidance in Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Weinberg Anna , Hajcak Greg
Published: November 2010

Both exaggerated and attenuated responses to emotional stimuli have been documented in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Event‐related potentials are well‐suited for examining the time‐course of neural activity during emotional processing; early components (e.g., the P1) appear to index relatively automatic attention to emotional stimuli, whereas later positivities (e.g., the late positive potential or LPP) index dynamic allocation of attention to emotional stimuli. Twenty‐one individuals with GAD and 25 healthy controls (HC) passively viewed emotional and neutral images while ERPs were recorded. An enhanced P1 for unpleasant compared to neutral images was larger in GAD. In addition, the increased LPP to unpleasant compared to neutral images was diminished in the GAD group. These data provide evidence for early hypervigilance for emotional stimuli, followed by failure to engage in elaborative processing, in GAD.
Soil organic carbon and nutrient content in aggregate‐size fractions of a subtropical rice soil under variable tillage
Authors: Jiang X. , Hu Y. , Bedell J. H. , Xie D. , Wright A. L.
Published: November 2010

The effects of tillage on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient content of soil aggregates can vary spatially and temporally, and for different soil types and cropping systems. We assessed SOC and nutrient levels within water‐stable aggregates in ridges with no tillage (RNT) and also under conventional tillage (CT) for a subtropical rice soil in order to determine relationships between tillage, cation concentrations and soil organic matter. Surface soil (0–15 cm) was fractionated into aggregate sizes (>4.76 mm, 4.76–2.00 mm, 2.00–1.00 mm, 1.00–0.25 mm, 0.25–0.053 mm, <0.053 mm) under two tillage regimes. Tillage significantly reduced the proportion of macroaggregate fractions (>2.00 mm) and thus aggregate stability was reduced by 35% compared with RNT, indicating that tillage practices led to soil structural change for this subtropical soil. The patterns in SOC, total N, exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+and total exchangeable bases (TEB) were similar between tillage regimes, but concentrations were significantly higher under RNT than CT. This suggests that RNT in subtropical rice soils may be a better way to enhance soil productivity and improve soil C sequestration potential than CT. The highest SOC was in the 1.00–0.25 mm fraction (35.7 and 30.4 mg/kg for RNT and CT, respectively), while the lowest SOC was in microaggregate (<0.025 mm) and silt + clay (<0.053 mm) fractions (19.5 and 15.7 mg/kg for RNT and CT, respectively). Tillage did not influence the patterns in SOC across aggregates but did change the aggregate‐size distribution, indicating that tillage affected soil fertility primarily by changing soil structure.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans Arising in the Context of Shwachman‐Diamond Syndrome
Authors: Sack Jason E. , Kuchnir Louis , Demierre Marie‐France
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon malignant spindle‐cell tumor usually presenting in adulthood. The epidemiology of DFSP has recently been reviewed, and there have been 152 reported cases of DFSP in patients below the age of sixteen. We present the case of a DFSP arising in a young patient with Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Payback for Lightweighted Vehicles Using Aluminum and High‐Strength Steel
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Ju , McMillan Colin , Keoleian Gregory A. , Skerlos Steven J.
Published: November 2010

In this article we consider interactions between life cycle emissions and materials flows associated with lightweighting (LW) automobiles. Both aluminum and high‐strength steel (HSS) lightweighting are considered, with LW ranging from 6% to 23% on the basis of literature references and input from industry experts. We compare the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with producing lightweight vehicles with the saved emissions during vehicle use. This yields a calculation of how many years of vehicle use are required to offset the added GHG emissions from the production stage. Payback periods for HSS are shorter than for aluminum. Nevertheless, achieving significant LW with HSS comparable to aluminum‐intensive vehicles requires not only material substitution but also the achievement of secondary LW by downsizing of other vehicle components in addition to the vehicle structure. GHG savings for aluminum LW varies strongly with location where the aluminum is produced and whether secondary aluminum can be utilized instead of primary. HSS is less sensitive to these parameters. In principle, payback times for vehicles lightweighted with aluminum can be shortened by closed‐loop recycling of wrought aluminum (i.e., use of secondary wrought aluminum). Over a 15‐year time horizon, however, it is unlikely that this could significantly reduce emissions from the automotive industry, given the challenges involved with enabling a closed‐loop aluminum infrastructure without downcycling automotive body structures.
Impact of Power Generation Mix on Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint Greenhouse Gas Results
Authors: Marriott Joe , Matthews H. Scott , Hendrickson Chris T.
Published: November 2010

The mix of electricity consumed in any stage in the life cycle of a product, process, or industrial sector has a significant effect on the associated inventory of emissions and environmental impacts because of large differences in the power generation method used. Fossil‐fuel‐fired or nuclear‐centralized steam generators; large‐scale and small‐scale hydroelectric power; and renewable options, such as geothermal, wind, and solar power, each have a unique set of issues that can change the results of a life cycle assessment. This article shows greenhouse gas emissions estimates for electricity purchase for different scenarios using U.S. average electricity mix, state mixes, state mixes including imports, and a sector‐specific mix to show how different these results can be. We find that greenhouse gases for certain sectors and scenarios can change by more than 100%. Knowing this, practitioners should exercise caution or at least account for the uncertainty associated with mix choice.
Materializing piety: Gendered anxieties about faithful consumption in contemporary urban Indonesia
Authors: JONES CARLA
Published: November 2010

Islamic consumption promises to correct the ills of consumption yet relies on the logic of consumption for its appeal. Fashionably pious women in Indonesia have become figures of concern, suspected of being more invested in the material, and hence superficial, world than their virtuous appearances suggest. Arguing that consumption and religion are interdependent systems of faith, I show that women bear unusual semiotic burdens at the borders of materiality and piety. This approach reveals how pious Indonesian women must frame acts of pious consumption as disavowals of consumption and as expressions of beauty and modesty.
States, secrecy, subversives: APRA and political fantasy in mid‐20th‐century Peru
Authors: NUGENT DAVID
Published: November 2010

During the regime of Manuel Odría (1948–56), state officials in the northern Peruvian Andes came to believe that their efforts to govern were being systematically thwarted by APRA, an outlawed political party forced underground by government repression. Officials concluded that the party had elaborated a subterranean political apparatus of remarkable scope and power, one that was largely invisible to the naked eye. I draw on officials’ fears of a dark and dangerous counterstate to cross‐examine the literature on state formation. State theory has been predicated on the inevitability of state power, which makes it difficult to account for state crisis and also to grasp the highly contingent nature of successful efforts to rule. Much can be learned about state formation by examining moments in which political rule falters or fails, for it is then that the lineaments of power and control that otherwise remain masked become visible.
Being seen like the state: Emulations of legal culture in customary labor and land tenure arrangements in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: TIMMER JAAP
Published: November 2010

In this article, I analyze emulations of state legal culture in local labor and land tenure arrangements among Bugis migrants in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, to challenge the assumptions of a World Bank report on nonstate justice in Indonesia. I focus, in particular, on how and why nonstate actors emulate aspects of the governmentality of the state to construct a new realm of participation in the region and the state as well as of rights and citizenship. In contrast to conclusions reached by the World Bank, I find that this tendency may increase rather than reduce legal pluralism and does not guarantee that those involved acknowledge the state's ideal of the rule of law.
Negotiating power: Elections and the constitution of indigenous Taiwan
Authors: SIMON SCOTT
Published: November 2010

In this article, I look at state–indigenous relations in local elections in Taiwan. In studying elections, one learns about the dialogic relationship between indigenous groups and the state as well as about the minideals that constitute the social contract. Elections have become a part of indigenous life, even as they introduce new forms of political actors to a formerly egalitarian society. Repeated elections permit parties and state actors to negotiate deals with local individuals, groups, and factions. The electoral system, however, does not contribute to indigenous nationalism. It may even detract from its legitimacy if voters perceive indigenism as merely a campaign strategy.
Enhanced core formation rate in a turbulent cloud by self-gravity
Authors: Cho Wankee , Kim Jongsoo
Published: November 2010

We performed a numerical experiment designed for core formation in a self-gravitating, magnetically supercritical, supersonically turbulent, isothermal cloud. A density probability distribution function (PDF) averaged over a converged turbulent state before turning self-gravity on is well fitted with a lognormal distribution. However, after turning self-gravity on, the volume fractions of density PDFs at a high density tail, compared with the lognormal distribution, increase as time goes on. In order to see the effect of self-gravity on core formation rates, we compared the core formation rate per free-fall time (CFRff) from the theory based on the lognormal distribution and the one from our numerical experiment. For our fiducial value of a critical density, 100, normalized with an initial value, the latter CFRff is about 30 times larger the former one. Therefore, self-gravity plays an important role in significantly increasing CFRff. This result implies that core (star) formation rates or core (stellar) mass functions predicted from theories based on the lognormal density PDF need some modifications. Our result of the increased volume fraction of density PDFs after turning self-gravity on is consistent with power law like tails commonly observed at higher ends of visual extinction PDFs of active star-forming clouds.
Association of preoperative vitreous IL‐8 and VEGF levels with visual acuity after vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Petrovič Mojca Globočnik , Korošec Peter , Košnik Mitja , Hawlina Marko
Published: November 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e311–e316

Purpose:  To determine whether the vitreous levels of interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were associated with poor visual acuity after vitrectomy.

Methods:  Observational cross‐sectional study. Patient clinical characteristics and preoperative eye characteristics (63 eyes): visual acuity, iris neovascularization, vitreous haemorrhage, macular detachment, macular oedema, active retinal neovascularization, neovascularization of the disc, burned out PDR (defined as natural end stage of PDR with inactive membranes without previously performed laser photocoagulation) and panretinal photocoagulation were registered prior to vitrectomy for each patient. Vitreous VEGF and IL‐8 levels were measured using the cytometric bead array method. Poor postoperative visual acuity was defined as visual acuity of <20/200 and was checked 2 years after vitrectomy.

Results:  Twenty‐one of the 63 eyes (33.3%) had poor visual acuity after vitrectomy. Univariate analysis showed that vitreous levels of IL‐8, the absence of panretinal photocoagulation, preoperative macular detachment and poor preoperative visual acuity were significantly associated with poor final visual acuity after vitrectomy. A stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis showed that elevated vitreous levels of IL‐8 (p < 0.0001), macular detachment (p = 0.011) and the absence of panretinal photocoagulation (p = 0.03) were independent predictors for poor visual outcome.

Conclusions:  Elevated vitreous IL‐8 level could either be a marker of ischaemic inflammatory reaction, or it could play a role in deteriorating visual acuity by DR progression or both. Further studies are needed to provide better understanding of IL‐8 and inflammation involvement in visual prognosis in PDR.
Justice, Peace and Care for Creation: What is at stake? Some South African perspectives
Authors: Conradie Ernst M.
Published: November 2010

This article explores the relationship between the three aspects of the social agenda of the ecumenical movement captured in the motto of “Justice, peace and care for creation”. It investigates the moral, spiritual and theological issues that are at stake from a South African perspective, drawing especially on a recent document entitled “Climate Change – A challenge to the churches in South Africa” (2009), published and endorsed by the South African Council of Churches. It examines the underlying tensions between these concepts and the ways in which one is sometimes prioritized over the other. It concludes that the themes of justice, peace and sustainability may be associated with different aspects of God's work on earth and that this can only be dealt with on the basis of a deeper theological assessment of the whole of God's work.
Fabrication and field emission of carbon nanotubes/TiO2/Ti composite nanostructures
Authors: Chen Jian-Biao , Wang Cheng-Wei , Guo Rui-Sheng , Wang Lin-Qing , Zhu Wei-Dong , Zhou Feng , Liu Wei-Min
Published: November 2010

Well-aligned TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation, then carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown into TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays to form CNTs/TiO2/Ti composite nanostructures by catalytic chemical-vapor deposition for different deposition times. The morphology and quality of samples were assessed by field-emission scanning-electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The field emission (FE) results indicate that the FE properties of CNTs/TiO2/Ti composite nanostructures were dramatically improved compared with bare TiO2/Ti nanotube arrays, and when the growth time of CNTs was 60 min, the composite nanostructures possessed the lowest turn-on field of 1.3 V/μm, the highest emission-current density of 10 mA/cm2 was easily gained at 5.6 V/μm, and there was good FE stability.
Study of transport properties in graphene monolayer flakes on SiO2 substrates
Authors: Tirado J. M. , Nezich D. , Zhao X. , Chung J. W. , Kong J. , Palacios T.
Published: November 2010

This work studies the transport properties of field effect transistors fabricated on graphene single monolayer flakes. In particular, carrier mobilities in graphene for electrons and holes as a function of the vertical electric field are presented and compared with universal mobility curves in silicon. The graphene device shows excellent transport properties, especially at low electric fields due to the lack of Coulomb scattering. At higher electric fields, the phonon scattering dominates and makes the electron mobility similar to the one in silicon. The effect of defects and traps by charged impurities in the transport properties has also been studied, and it has been shown that an initial high temperature annealing significantly improves the transport properties and stability of these devices.
How Cats Lap: Water Uptake by
Felis catus
Authors: Reis Pedro M. , Jung Sunghwan , Aristoff Jeffrey M. , Stocker Roman
Published: November 2010

Lap Cats

We all know that domestic cats lap milk, but perhaps fewer of us have thought about how they do this.

Reis
et al.

(p.
1231
, published online 11 November; see the cover) have discovered that cats curl their tongues so that the top surface touches the water. Then, by lifting their tongues rapidly, a column of liquid grows by inertia until gravity induces its breakage and the cats close their jaws to capture the liquid. Lapping frequency is tuned to maximize the volume ingested, depending on the animal's mass; a relationship that holds as true for tabby cats as it does for lions.
Electroanalysis of some catecholamines at a single-wall nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Jemelková Zuzana , Zima Jiří , Barek Jiří
Published: November 2010

Catecholamines (CAs) are important neurotransmitters and hormones in mammalian species. They are highly reactive and are readily oxidized to aminochromes. That enables the use of electrochemical method for their determination. In this paper, differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) determination and HPLC with amperometric detection of dopamine (D), epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) andL-Dopa (DOPA) is developed and optimized. The carbon paste electrode (CPE) prepared of carbon powder CR2 and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) (50:50 m/m) was used. The miniaturized body for CPE was used to reduce consumption of all chemicals. In Britton–Robinson buffer solution pH 6, the limits of detection 1 × 10–6, 2 × 10–6, 2 × 10–6and 8 × 10–6mol dm–3have been found for DPV determination of D, E, NE and DOPA, respectively. HPLC was carried out using 0.1Mphosphate buffer pH 3:methanol (95:5) mobile phase containing 10 mMEDTA. The above described CPE in a wall-jet arrangement was used for amperometric detection. The limit of detection of each analyte in a mixture was 2 × 10–6mol dm–3. Practical application of this method on spiked urine samples was verified.
Public attitudes to the use in research of personal health information from general practitioners' records: a survey of the Irish general public
Authors: Buckley Brian S , Murphy Andrew W , MacFarlane Anne E
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Understanding the views of the public is essential if generally acceptable policies are to be devised that balance research access to general practice patient records with protection of patients' privacy. However, few large studies have been conducted about public attitudes to research access to personal health information.

Methods

A mixed methods study was performed. Informed by focus groups and literature review, a questionnaire was designed which assessed attitudes to research access to personal health information and factors that influence these. A postal survey was conducted of an electoral roll-based sample of the adult population of Ireland.

Results

Completed questionnaires were returned by 1575 (40.6%). Among the respondents, 67.5% were unwilling to allow GPs to decide when researchers could access identifiable personal health information. However, 89.5% said they would agree to ongoing consent arrangements, allowing the sharing by GPs of anonymous personal health information with researchers without the need for consent on a study-by-study basis. Increasing age (by each 10-year increment), being retired and primary level education only were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of agreeing that any personal health information could be shared on an ongoing basis: OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.63), 2.00 (95% CI 1.22 to 3.29) and 3.91 (95% CI 1.95 to 7.85), respectively.

Conclusions

Although survey data can be prone to response biases, this study suggests that prior consent agreements allowing the supply by GPs of anonymous personal health information to researchers may be widely supported, and that populations willing to opt in to such arrangements may be sufficiently representative to facilitate valid and robust consent-dependent observational research.
A prospective cohort study on severe pain as a risk factor for long-term sickness absence in blue- and white-collar workers: Table 1
Authors: Andersen Lars Louis , Mortensen Ole Steen , Hansen Jørgen Vinsløv , Burr Hermann
Published: November 2010

Objective

To estimate the impact of pain in different body regions on future long-term sickness absence (LTSA) among blue- and white-collar workers.

Method

Prospective cohort study in a representative sample of 5603 employees (the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study) interviewed in 2000, and followed in 2001–2002 in a national sickness absence register. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the risk estimates of mutually adjusted severe pain in the neck/shoulder, low back, hand/wrist and knees for onset of LTSA, defined as receiving sickness absence compensation for at least 3 consecutive weeks. Age, gender, body mass index, smoking and diagnosed disease were controlled for.

Results

In 2000 the prevalence among blue- and white-collar workers, respectively, of severe pain was 33% and 29% (neck/shoulder), 33% and 25% (low back), 16% and 11% (hand/wrists), and 16% and 12% (knees). During 2001–2002, the prevalence of LTSA among blue- and white-collar workers was 18% and 12%, respectively. Hand/wrist pain (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.81) and low back pain (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.53) were significant risk factors among the total cohort. Neck/shoulder pain was a significant risk factor among white-collar workers only (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.85). Knee pain was not a significant risk factor.

Conclusion

While hand/wrist pain and low back pain are general risk factors for LTSA, neck/shoulder pain is a specific risk factor among white-collar workers. This study suggests the potential for preventing future LTSA through interventions to manage or reduce musculoskeletal pain.
Analysis of yield and oil from a series of canola breeding trials. Part I. Fitting factor analytic mixed models with pedigree informationThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Beeck C. P. , Cowling W. A. , Smith A. B. , Cullis B. R.
Published: November 2010

In this paper multiplicative mixed models have been used for the analysis of multi-environment trial (MET) data for canola oil and grain yield. Information on pedigrees has been included to allow for the modelling of additive and nonadditive genetic effects. The MET data set included a total of 19 trials (synonymous with sites or environments), which were sown across southern Australia in 2007 and 2008. Each trial was designed as a p-rep design using DiGGeR with the default prespecified spatial model. Lines in their first year of testing were unreplicated, whereas there were two or three replications of advanced lines or varieties. Pedigree information on a total of 578 entries was available, and there were 69 entries that had unknown pedigrees. The degree of inbreeding varied from 0 (55 entries) to nearly fully inbred (337 entries). Subsamples of 2 g harvested grain were taken from each plot for determination of seed oil percentage by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The MET analysis for both yield and oil modelled genetic effects in different trials using factor analytic models and the residual plot effects for each trial were modelled using spatial techniques. Models in which pedigree information was included provided significantly better fits to both yield and oil data.
Regional association analysis delineates a sequenced chromosome region influencing antinutritive seed meal compounds in oilseed rapeThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Snowdon R. J. , Wittkop B. , Rezaidad A. , Hasan M. , Lipsa F. , Stein A. , Friedt W.
Published: November 2010

This study describes the use of regional association analyses to delineate a sequenced region of a Brassica napus chromosome with a significant effect on antinutritive seed meal compounds in oilseed rape. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) influencing seed colour, fibre content, and phenolic compounds was mapped to the same position on B. napus chromosome A9 in biparental mapping populations from two different yellow-seeded × black-seeded B. napus crosses. Sequences of markers spanning the QTL region identified synteny to a sequence contig from the corresponding chromosome A9 in Brassica rapa . Remapping of sequence-derived markers originating from the B. rapa sequence contig confirmed their position within the QTL. One of these markers also mapped to a seed colour and fibre QTL on the same chromosome in a black-seeded × black-seeded B. napus cross. Consequently, regional association analysis was performed in a genetically diverse panel of dark-seeded, winter-type oilseed rape accessions. For this we used closely spaced simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers spanning the sequence contig covering the QTL region. Correction for population structure was performed using a set of genome-wide SSR markers. The identification of QTL-derived markers with significant associations to seed colour, fibre content, and phenolic compounds in the association panel enabled the identification of positional and functional candidate genes for B. napus seed meal quality within a small segment of the B. rapa genome sequence.
Towards unambiguous transcript mapping in the allotetraploid Brassica napusThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Parkin Isobel A.P. , Clarke Wayne E. , Sidebottom Christine , Zhang Wentao , Robinson Stephen J. , Links Matthew G. , Karcz Steve , Higgins Erin E. , Fobert Pierre , Sharpe Andrew G.
Published: November 2010

The architecture of the Brassica napus genome is marked by its evolutionary origins. The genome of B. napus was formed from the hybridization of two closely related diploid Brassica species, both of which evolved from an hexaploid ancestor. The extensive whole genome duplication events in its near and distant past result in the allotetraploid genome of B. napus maintaining multiple copies of most genes, which predicts a highly complex and redundant transcriptome that can confound any expression analyses. A stringent assembly of 142 399 B. napus expressed sequence tags allowed the development of a well-differentiated set of reference transcripts, which were used as a foundation to assess the efficacy of available tools for identifying and distinguishing transcripts in B. napus ; including microarray hybridization and 3′ anchored sequence tag capture. Microarray platforms cannot distinguish transcripts derived from the two progenitors or close homologues, although observed differential expression appeared to be biased towards unique transcripts. The use of 3′ capture enhanced the ability to unambiguously identify homologues within the B. napus transcriptome but was limited by tag length. The ability to comprehensively catalogue gene expression in polyploid species could be transformed by the application of cost-efficient next generation sequencing technologies that will capture millions of long sequence tags.
Genome-wide association and genomic selection in animal breedingThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Hayes Ben , Goddard Mike
Published: November 2010

Results from genome-wide association studies in livestock, and humans, has lead to the conclusion that the effect of individual quantitative trait loci (QTL) on complex traits, such as yield, are likely to be small; therefore, a large number of QTL are necessary to explain genetic variation in these traits. Given this genetic architecture, gains from marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs using only a small number of DNA markers to trace a limited number of QTL is likely to be small. This has lead to the development of alternative technology for using the available dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information, called genomic selection. Genomic selection uses a genome-wide panel of dense markers so that all QTL are likely to be in linkage disequilibrium with at least one SNP. The genomic breeding values are predicted to be the sum of the effect of these SNPs across the entire genome. In dairy cattle breeding, the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) that can be achieved and the fact that these are available early in life have lead to rapid adoption of the technology. Here, we discuss the design of experiments necessary to achieve accurate prediction of GEBV in future generations in terms of the number of markers necessary and the size of the reference population where marker effects are estimated. We also present a simple method for implementing genomic selection using a genomic relationship matrix. Future challenges discussed include using whole genome sequence data to improve the accuracy of genomic selection and management of inbreeding through genomic relationships.
Whole-genome association mapping in elite inbred crop varietiesThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Waugh Robbie , Marshall David , Thomas Bill , Comadran Jordi , Russell Joanne , Close Tim , Stein Nils , Hayes Pat , Muehlbauer Gary , Cockram James , O’Sullivan Donal , Mackay Ian , Flavell Andrew , AGOUEB  , BarleyCAP  , Ramsay Luke
Published: November 2010

We have previously shown that linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the elite cultivated barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) gene pool extends, on average, for <1–5 cM. Based on this information, we have developed a platform for whole genome association studies that comprises a collection of elite lines that we have characterized at 3060 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker loci. Interrogating this data set shows that significant population substructure is present within the elite gene pool and that diversity and LD vary considerably across each of the seven barley chromosomes. However, we also show that a subpopulation comprised of only the two-rowed spring germplasm is less structured and well suited to whole genome association studies without the need for extensive statistical intervention to account for structure. At the current marker density, the two-rowed spring population is suited for fine mapping simple traits that are located outside of the genetic centromeres with a resolution that is sufficient for candidate gene identification by exploiting conservation of synteny with fully sequenced model genomes and the emerging barley physical map.