bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estádio de maturação e qualidade de sementes após repouso de frutos de maracujá amarelo
Authors: Araújo Erneida Coelho de , Silva Roberto Ferreira da , Viana Alexandre Pio , Silva Marcos Vinícius da
Published: February 2008

Investigações sobre o efeito do repouso de frutos na qualidade das sementes evidenciam que há uma relação direta entre este repouso e o aumento da germinação e vigor das sementes avaliadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do estádio de maturação e do armazenamento de frutos na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de maracujá amarelo. Os frutos foram obtidos a partir de polinização manual, sendo que a colheita dos frutos foi realizada em três estádios de maturação: 55, 60 e 65 dias após a antese e armazenados às temperaturas de 8 ºC e 25 ºC, por 7, 14 e 21 dias de repouso. Para avaliação da qualidade das sementes, as características utilizadas foram: teor de água, massa seca das sementes, germinação e vigor. As sementes de maracujá amarelo provenientes dos frutos com 65 dias de idade e submetidos ao repouso por sete dias, tanto em ambiente refrigerado quanto natural, tem maior qualidade fisiológica; frutos colhidos aos 65 dias de idade após a antese e armazenados por sete dias às temperaturas de 8ºC e 25ºC apresenta também maior acúmulo de matéria seca.
Detecção de Mycoplasma spp. e Ureaplasma diversum em vacas com distúrbios reprodutivos
Authors: Buzinhani M. , Metiffogo E. , Timenetsky J.
Published: February 2008

Foram utilizadas 112 amostras de muco vulvovaginal, coletados de vacas com distúrbios reprodutivos, para pesquisa de Mycoplasma e Ureaplasma. Para isolamentos, foram usados meios específicos para micoplasmas (SP-4) e para ureaplasmas. PCR genérica, PCR específica para Mycoplasma bovis e nested-PCR em tubo único para Ureaplasma diversum foram realizados com os DNAs extraídos das amostras. Mycoplasma spp. e U. diversum foram detectados em 12,5 e 25,0%, respectivamente. A PCR genérica resultou em reações positivas em 63,4% das amostras transportadas em SP-4 e em 69,6% das transportadas em meio de ureaplasma. M. bovis foi detectado, na PCR específica, em 9,8% das amostras e U. diversum, na nested-PCR, em 37,5%. Houve maior sensibilidade na metodologia da PCR quando comparada à técnica de cultivo para Mycoplasma e Ureaplasma.
Consumo, produção de leite e estresse térmico em vacas da raça Pardo-Suíça alimentadas com castanha de caju
Authors: Pimentel P.G. , Moura A.A.A.N. , Neiva J.N.M. , Araújo A.A. , Tair R.F.L.
Published: February 2008

Avaliaram-se o consumo de matéria seca, a produção de leite e os indicadores de estresse térmico de vacas Pardo-Suíça alimentadas com castanha de caju no semi-árido do Nordeste do Brasil. Doze animais foram distribuídos em um ensaio de reversão, com quatro tratamentos: 0, 8, 16 e 24% de castanha no concentrado. As vacas receberam cana-de-açúcar à vontade e sete quilos de concentrado por dia. Maior consumo de matéria seca de cana-de-açúcar foi observado no tratamento com concentrado sem castanha (7,70kgMS/dia) em relação aos tratamentos com 16% e 24% de castanha (7,35 e 7,05kgMS/dia, respectivamente). O consumo no tratamento com concentrado sem castanha não diferiu do consumo no tratamento com 8% (7,59kgMS/dia). Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre a produção de leite e sobre as variáveis indicativas de estresse térmico (P>0,05).
Qualitative feed restriction on productive performance and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens
Authors: Cornejo S. , Gadelha A.C. , Pokniak J. , Villouta G.
Published: February 2008

A trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of qualitative restriction at different rearing phases on liver fatness and plasma triglycerides without impairing the productive performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and seventy-six male chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments and reared in battery brooders (16 pens with 11 birds each) from 1 to 49-day-old. In the control group, chicks were fed a starter diet (1 to 28-day-old) with 3,300kcal ME/kg of diet and 22.5% CP; grower diet (29 to 42-day-old) 3,300kcal ME/kg of diet and 18.2% CP; and the finisher diet (43 to 49-day-old) 3,300kcal ME/kg and 18.2% CP. Three restrict groups were fed a low 2,800kcal ME/kg of diet and 24% CP from 7 to 14-day-old (treatment 1); from 7 to 21-day-old (treatment 2); and from 22 to 35-day-old (treatment 3). All treatments were fed control diet before and after the feed restriction period. Feed intake was not affected during the feed restriction period; nevertheless, weight gain was lower (P<0.05) for chicks fed restricted diet from 7 to 21 and from 21 to 35-day-old. At the end of each restriction period, scores of liver for fatty infiltration were higher in restricted birds compared to control birds, although no changes were detected in plasma triglyceride levels. On the 49th day of age, less intracellular fatty infiltration was observed in the liver of previously restricted birds compared to control birds, and weight gain was also lower in the restricted groups. Moreover, triglyceride plasma levels were similar among treatments, but decreased in 12-hour-fasted broilers compared to non-fasted birds. The low energy:protein ratio diet affected weight gain and fatty infiltration in the liver, but had no effect on plasma levels of triglycerides.
Revisitando questões sobre lei, transgressão e família em suas interações com a psicologia, a psicanálise, o direito e a interdisciplinaridade possível
Authors: Bucher-Maluschke Júlia Sursis Nobre Ferro
Published: February 2008

Neste ensaio são apresentados os principais desenvolvimentos ocorridos após a publicação do artigo "Leis, transgressões, famílias e instituições: elementos para uma reflexão sistêmica", de minha autoria, publicado em 1983, no que concerne às leis e as novas configurações familiares. São apresentados resultados da percepção de segmentos da população acerca do significado da lei à luz dos resultados da pesquisa realizada há 14 anos. Discorremos sobre as transformações das interações da Psicologia e da Psicanálise com o Direito, assim como as contribuições da Teoria Sistêmica. Ilustramos a mediação de conflitos, uma nova área multidisciplinar, como a mais recente contribuição prática integrando Psicologia, Direito e outras áreas do conhecimento.
Notas sobre a formação social do Nordeste
Authors: Bernardes Denis de Mendonça
Published: February 2008

Este trabalho examina o processo de formação da região Nordeste do Brasil, situando-o em uma longa temporalidade, desde o período colonial até os dias atuais. No entanto, está em desacordo com duas principais visões sobre aquele processo. A primeira percebe a região como um ente histórico existente desde as origens coloniais do Brasil e a segunda reduz a região a uma criação de suas oligarquias para assegurar seus privilégios, domínio e perpetuação no poder. Situado entre essas visões, este trabalho propõe uma outra via de interpretação da formação regional do Nordeste, colocando-a no plano da história. Assim, a formação da região somente alcança pleno sentido quando inserida em uma cronologia política que é, também, a cronologia política da formação da Nação brasileira.
Percepções de pesquisadores sobre atividades cooperativas de P&D: uma análise com base na teoria institucional
Authors: Aguiar Afrânio Carvalho
Published: February 2008

Estudo visando captar as percepções de pesquisadores de Minas Gerais, experientes em pesquisa cooperativa, quanto a: i) motivação para parcerias em P&D; ii) dinâmica e estabilidade de alianças; iii) consecução de objetivos fixados para as atividades compartilhadas. Foram analisadas 47 questões, definidas a partir de literatura sobre redes organizacionais e sobre redes cooperativas de pesquisa, respondidas por 305 pesquisadores, de um público-alvo de 673 cientistas. Aplicou-se o método de Analise Fatorial às questões, que então gerou 11 fatores, que se agruparam nas dimensões Criação de Redes, Operação e Resultados. A aplicação da Teoria Institucional revelou alto isomorfismo na percepção dos pesquisadores quanto aos conteúdos das questões, fato revelado pelas técnicas estatísticas empregadas. Foram identificadas pressões coercitivas exercidas pelas Agências de Fomento à Pesquisa, que parecem cultivar mitos racionalizados relativos à eficiência das atividades cooperativas. Aspectos diversos levantados na investigação indicam que o mecanismo de redes cooperativas, para o desenvolvimento das atividades de P&D, se encontra, no Brasil, em fase de pré-institucionalização.
Dose absorbed by technologists in positron emission tomography procedures with FDG
Authors: Amaral Ademir , Itié Christian , Bok Bernard
Published: February 2008

The objective of this work was to evaluate radiation doses delivered to technologists engaged in different tasks involving positron emission tomography (PET) studies with FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). This investigation was performed in two French nuclear medicine departments, which presented significant differences in their arrangements and radiation safety conditions. Both centers administered about 300 MBq per PET/CT study, although only one of them is a dedicated clinical PET center. Dose equivalent Hp(10) and skin dose Hp(0.07) were measured using Siemens electronic personnel dosimeters. For assessment dose absorbed by hands during drawing up of tracer and injection into the patient, a Polimaster wristwatch gamma dosimeter was employed. Absorbed dose and the time spent during each investigated task were recorded for a total of 180 whole-body PET studies. In this report, the methodology employed, the results and their radioprotection issues are presented as well as discussed.
Caracterização da variabilidade de freqüência cardíaca e sensibilidade do barorreflexo em indivíduos sedentários e atletas do sexo masculino
Authors: Kawaguchi Leandro Yukio A. , Nascimento Aline C.P. , Lima Márcio S. , Frigo Lúcio , Paula Júnior Alderico Rodrigues de , Tierra-Criollo Carlos Júlio , Lopes-Martins Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão
Published: February 2008

INTRODUÇÃO: A capacidade de variar a freqüência cardíaca representa importante papel fisiológico na vida diária. As variações dos intervalos RR estão na dependência de moduladores biológicos, como o sistema nervoso autônomo. Essas variações constituem a variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC). MÉTODOS: 10 indivíduos atletas (Atl) e 10 sedentários (Sed) (20-35 anos) foram submetidos a eletrocardiografia digital, em repouso, antes, durante e após a manobra. Os valores de RR foram tratados (software Matlab 6.1), no domínio do tempo. RESULTADOS: Os grupos Sed e Atl apresentaram freqüência cardíaca média igual a 73,59bpm ± 2,5 e 51,01bpm ± 2,4, respectivamente. Quanto aos intervalos RR, o grupo de Sed apresentou média de 826,58ms ± 5,3 e o grupo Atl, 1.189,18 ± 6,9. O tempo de retorno simpático após a manobra 72 ± 12s (Sed) 37 ± 6s (Atl). O tempo de retorno parassimpático foi de 80 ± 11s (Sed) 40 ± 8s (Atl). O pNN50 foi de 10 ± 3,3 (Sed) e 42,10 ± 6,9 (Atl). O valor da variação dos RR acima da média de todo o sinal foi de 343 ± 40ms (Sed) e 175 ± 39ms (Atl). A variação abaixo da média de todo o sinal foi de 281 ± 27ms (Sed) e 425 ± 26ms (Atl). CONCLUSÕES: A análise da VFC associada à manobra de Valsalva pode representar uma ferramenta simples, mas importante, para possíveis inferências sobre aptidão física.
O enigma da inclusão: das intenções às práticas pedagógicas
Authors: Ferreira Maria Elisa Caputo
Published: February 2008

Essa pesquisa buscou tecer uma rede, utilizando teorias e vivências, com o propósito de formular conhecimentos a respeito da inclusão escolar. Sob a égide da abordagem qualitativa e a partir da fundamentação no/do cotidiano, a investigação teve seu foco direcionado para um Centro de Atenção Integral à Criança - CAIC - na cidade de Juiz de Fora-MG, durante todo um ano letivo. O objetivo dessa investigação foi verificar os procedimentos adotados, adaptados ou transformados pela Instituição ao buscar inserir crianças e adolescentes com deficiência no ensino regular. Foram feitas observações em diferentes momentos: entrada, recreio e saída dos alunos; em vários ambientes: salas de aula, salas dos professores, pátio; em diversas ocasiões: aula, conselhos de classe, reuniões pedagógicas e festas em datas comemorativas. Também foram realizadas 34 entrevistas com o quadro docente, administrativo, técnico e alguns estudantes diretamente envolvidos no estudo e suas mães. Acompanhou-se o dia-a-dia de sete alunos com deficiência em turmas de Educação Infantil e Ensino Fundamental. A pesquisa possibilitou concluir que trabalhar, inovar e ousar implementar uma educação inclusiva, que atenda a todos os alunos, com e sem deficiência, indistintamente, no ensino regular não é missão impossível, mas desafio superável. É uma questão de pensar e querer, pensar e fazer uma escola que inspire a troca entre os alunos, confronte formas desiguais de pensamento e de estilo de vida, busque metodologias interativas e faça do reconhecimento das diversidades estratégias para uma nova aprendizagem, enfim, uma escola que reconheça as diferenças e, respeitando-as, com elas conviva.
Technology Lite: Advice and Reflections for the Technologically Unsavvy
Authors: McVee Mary B. , Bailey Nancy M. , Shanahan Lynn E.
Published: February 2008

Teachers often wonder how to integrate technology in their classroom. The journey toward a new literacies framework can be frustrating. Teachers must be flexible, collaborate with others, and recognize frustration as a sign of growth. Often, they must address issues of design, redesign, and multimodality in relation to technology and literacy teaching. Teachers that make the journey, however, will come to realize that technology integration, like teaching, is challenging but rewarding.
Engaging Aliterate Students: A Literacy/Theatre Project Helps Students Comprehend, Visualize, and Enjoy Literature
Authors: Brinda Wayne
Published: February 2008

Two diverse groups of urban and suburban adolescent reluctant readers enthusiastically discussed a performance of A Wrinkle in Time. For many of these students, it was their first experience with the theatre. What was even more important than sharing their first theatrical experience, however, was that this was the first time they completed, comprehended, and enjoyed a book assigned in school.

The program that created those results investigated how collaboration with a teacher and a theatre director can address the needs of reluctant readers to comprehend, visualize, discuss, and enjoy literature. A significant difference between this study and studies that use drama is how theatre creates multisensory, imaginative experiences that transport audiences into deeply personal interpretations of the printed word. By combining reading with theatre, students found ways to immerse themselves in the actions, thoughts, and dialogue of characters, as well as the settings, sounds, and symbols in the literature.
Using the Concept Attainment Strategy to Enhance Reading Comprehension
Authors: Boulware Beverly J. , Crow Mary Lynn
Published: February 2008

The Concept Attainment Strategy is an instructional technique proposed by Jerome Bruner that targets the “big idea” or concept underlining concrete or abstract examples. This strategy focuses on the developing comprehension of words and ideas associated with a concept rather than on its name or what the concept is called. Specifically it develops children's thinking and reasoning as they examine concepts from narrative and expository texts. Students are given the specific steps or structure to scaffold their thinking. Viewing examples compared to nonexamples of a concept enables students to inductively increase their understanding of the many facets of the concept. This allows learners to generalize to other similar examples and to differentiate the concept from other nonsimilar examples before the concept is named. Finally, applications are made to real‐life situations.
A Closer Look at Interactive Writing
Authors: Patterson Elizabeth , Schaller Megan , Clemens Jeannine
Published: February 2008

Interactive writing is a powerful tool to help students of all ages master writing skills in a purposeful way. During this process, students deepen their understanding of language, conventions of print, and how words work. Interactive writing helps teachers and students collaborate in the construction of text, and meaningful writing is created in a comfortable learning environment.
Estimating volume fraction of bound water in Portland cement concrete during hydration based on dielectric constant measurement
Authors: Sun Z. J.
Published: February 2008

A study was conducted to estimate the volume fraction of bound water in Portland cement concrete (PCC) during hydration by monitoring changes of its dielectric constant using time–domain reflectometry (TDR). The travel time of an electrical pulse along the embedded probe was measured and the apparent dielectric constant K of PCC was determined. The experiment lasted for 206 days. The results showed that the decrease in dielectric constant was fast immediately after mixing with water. At day 28 the decrease was still significant. Only after 180 days did the decline become negligible. The decrease of K during hydration is the result of the transform of free water to bound water. Based on the dielectric mixing model, the dielectric constant of bound water (Kb) and its volume fraction at a different stage of hydration were estimated. TDR is a promising powerful tool to study small changes in dielectric properties of PCC during hydration.
Modeling Multiphase Organic Spills in Coastal Sites with TMVOC V.2.0
Authors: Battistelli Alfredo
Published: February 2008

Contaminant spills are frequently encountered in coastal sites where many industrial plants are located. Refineries and petrochemical plants are often built close to the sea for easy transport of crude oil and final by‐products. The migration of organic compounds spilled in the subsurface of coastal sites can be influenced by the effects of seawater intrusion in the aquifers discharging to the sea. An improved version of TMVOC, belonging to the TOUGH2 family of numerical reservoir simulators, can model the migration of multicomponent organic mixtures under multiphase conditions accounting for the effects of sodium chloride dissolved in the aqueous phase. The thermophysical properties of groundwater as a function of temperature, pressure, and salinity are evaluated following the basic approach used for saline brines in EWASG, a specialized thermodynamic module of TOUGH2 originally developed to model geothermal reservoirs. Simulations of a multicomponent organic spill using a two‐dimensional vertical numerical model show the effects of seawater intrusion on the distribution of contaminants within the aquifer. The effects of the construction of an impervious wall on the nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) plume migration, as a means to contain the spreading of plume toward the sea, are also investigated.
Calibration of a Vadose Zone Model Using Water Injection Monitored by GPR and Electrical Resistance Tomography
Authors: Deiana Rita , Cassiani Giorgio , Villa Alberto , Bagliani Andrea , Bruno Vittorio
Published: February 2008

The noninvasive characterization of the vadose zone has been the objective of intense research aiming at collecting data for the calibration of flow and transport models. This interest is motivated by the difficulty of accessing the vadose zone with direct methods without causing disturbance to the natural conditions. On the other hand, characterizing the vadose zone requires detailed knowledge of space and time variations of water distribution. Geophysical methods capable of imaging the moisture content, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistance tomography (ERT), provide data with high resolution in space and time: natural infiltration and artificial injection (tracer) tests can be imaged, by repeating measurements over time (time‐lapse mode). We conducted a forced‐injection experiment at a test site in Gorgonzola, east of Milan (Italy). The site is characterized by Quaternary sand and gravel sediments that house an extensive unconfined aquifer. We used ERT and GPR in two‐dimensional cross‐hole configuration and time‐lapse mode during a period of several days preceding and following a tracer experiment with the injection of about 20 m3 of fresh water in a purposely excavated trench. The calibration of a three‐dimensional infiltration model on the basis of the geophysical data provides useful estimates of vertical saturated hydraulic conductivity; however, we observed a discrepancy in mass balance between calibrated simulations and measurements. This fact cannot be explained using a simple isotropic model for hydraulic properties; therefore, the method requires further investigation before being fully established.
Hydrostratigraphic Characterization of Glaciofluvial Deposits Underlying an Infiltration Basin Using Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Goutaland David , Winiarski Thierry , Dubé Jean‐Sébastien , Bièvre Grégory , Buoncristiani Jean‐François , Chouteau Michel , Giroux Bernard
Published: February 2008

An understanding of the heterogeneity of quaternary gravelly deposits is required to predict flow and contaminant transfer through these formations. In such deposits, preferential flow paths can lead to contamination at depths greater than predicted under the assumption of a homogeneous medium. The difficulties in characterizing their complex structure with conventional methods represent an obstacle for this prediction. In this study, we developed an approach relying on the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) for the detection of sedimentary depositional units. A genetic interpretation of the radar stratigraphy allowed us to construct a distribution model of lithofacies. The study was conducted on glaciofluvial deposits underlying a stormwater infiltration basin. Two main system tracts were characterized: a top stratum (50–80 cm deep) corresponding to massive gravel and open‐framework gravel, and a base stratum corresponding to trough‐fill structures with associated sandy, open‐framework, massive, and matrix‐rich gravelly lithofacies. The knowledge of the hydraulic properties linked to each lithofacies led us to propose a hydrostratigraphic model. Based on this model, we formulated a hypothesis about the hydraulic behavior of the deposit during stormwater infiltration. Open‐framework gravels can act, during complete saturation, as preferential flow paths, and capillary barrier effects may occur under variably saturated conditions. These hypotheses were tested by measuring water content variations (using time domain reflectometry probes) at three depths (0, −0.5, and −1.15 m). Experimental data show infiltration behavior that can be explained by a capillary barrier effect between the two lower probes. These results suggest that our hypothesis about hydraulic behavior is reasonable.
ANDROLOGY LAB CORNER*: Utility of Magnetic Cell Separation as a Molecular Sperm Preparation Technique
Authors: Said Tamer M. , Agarwal Ashok , Zborowski Maciej , Grunewald Sonja , Glander Hans‐Juergen , Paasch Uwe
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have become the treatment of choice in many cases of infertility; however, the current success rates of these procedures remain suboptimal. Programmed cell death (apoptosis) most likely contributes to failed ART and to the decrease in sperm quality after cryopreservation. There is a likelihood that some sperm selected for ART will display features of apoptosis despite their normal appearance, which may be partially responsible for the low fertilization and implantation rates seen with ART. One of the features of apoptosis is the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) residues, which are normally present on the inner leaflet of the sperm plasma membrane. Colloidal superparamagnetic microbeads (∼50 nm in diameter) conjugated with annexin V bind to PS and are used to separate dead and apoptotic spermatozoa by magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS). Cells with externalized PS will bind to these microbeads, whereas nonapoptotic cells with intact membranes do not bind and could be used during ARTs. We have conducted a series of experiments to investigate whether the MACS technology could be used to improve ART outcomes. Our results clearly indicate that integrating MACS as a part of sperm preparation techniques will improve semen quality and cryosurvival rates by eliminating apoptotic sperm. Nonapoptotic spermatozoa prepared by MACS display higher quality in terms of routine sperm parameters and apoptosis markers. The higher sperm quality is represented by an increased oocyte penetration potential and cryosurvival rates. Thus, the selection of nonapoptotic spermatozoa by MACS should be considered to enhance ART success rates.
NF45 and NF90 in Murine Seminiferous Epithelium: Potential Role in SP‐10 Gene Transcription
Authors: Ranpura Sandeep A. , Deshmukh Umesh , Reddi Prabhakara P.
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT: Identification of transcription factors involved in the progression of spermatogenic cell differentiation is important for understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling spermatogenesis. To this end, we utilized the mouse SP‐10 gene encoding a conserved acrosomal protein as an experimental model. Promoter analysis in transgenic mice had previously shown that the −186/−91 region of the SP‐10 promoter was critical for spermatid‐specific expression. Here, we focus on a purine (Pu) box (‐agaaaa) located at −154, which is conserved in the mouse, monkey, and human SP‐10 gene promoters. NF45 and NF90, which belong to the family of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), are known as Pu‐ box—binding proteins. We tested the potential of NF45 and NF90 to activate the SP‐10 promoter via the Pu‐box element. Immunohistochemistry showed the presence of NF45 and NF90 in the nuclei of pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, and Sertoli cells. In gel shift assays, recombinant NF45 bound to the mouse SP‐10 promoter in an AGAAAA site—specific manner. Cotransfection of NF45 and NF90 up‐regulated SP‐10 promoter—driven luciferase expression in transiently transfected spermatogenic GC2 cell line; this up‐regulation required the ‐AGAAAA‐ site. Furthermore, stimulation of the endogenous NF45‐NF90 complex in Jurkat cells by phorbol myristate acetate + ionomycin up‐regulated the SP‐10 promoter activity in plasmid‐based assays. In the context of chromatin, however, stimulation of NF45‐NF90 alone was not sufficient to activate an SP‐10 promoter—driven green fluorescent protein transgene. Based on these results, we propose that NF45 and NF90 have the potential to activate SP‐10 gene transcription, and that a chromatin modification event must occur first in order to provide access to these transcription factors.
Evidence of a Relationship Between Infant Birth Weight and Later Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Regulation in a Chinese Population
Authors: Xiao Xinhua , Zhang Zhen-Xin , Cohen Harvey Jay , Wang Heng , Li Wenhui , Wang Tong , Xu Tao , Liu Aimin , Gai Ming-Ying , Ying Shen , Schmitz Ole , Yi Zeng
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to determine the influence of birth weight, a marker of fetal growth, on the development of later impaired glucose metabolism throughout the life span of people living in China.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We recorded detailed anthropometric data including height, weight, and health status and measured blood glucose levels and insulin concentrations after fasting and at 120 min of a standard oral glucose tolerance test from 2,019 eligible subjects born between 1921 and 1954 to investigate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation (IGR).

RESULTS—The diabetes and IGR groups were characterized by significantly lower birth weight (P < 0.001), smaller head circumference (P < 0.001), smaller ponderal index (P = 0.007), and shorter length (P = 0.004) compared with those in the normal glucose tolerance group. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we observed that birth weight remained significantly associated with diabetes and IGR after adjustments for possible confounding variables at birth and in adult life such as sex, age, central obesity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, dyslipidemia, family history of diabetes, and occupational status (P = 0.027). There was a significantly increased risk of getting diabetes and IGR for those with low birth weight (odds ratio 1.748 [95% CI 1.018–3.001], P = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS—The results confirm that lower birth weight is an independent risk factor for later diabetes or IGR and show for the first time that this risk factor also applies for a Chinese population.
Multi-Site Testing With a Point-of-Care Nerve Conduction Device Can Be Used in an Algorithm to Diagnose Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy
Authors: Perkins Bruce A. , Orszag Andrej , Grewal Jaspreet , Ng Eduardo , Ngo Mylan , Bril Vera
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—We aimed to establish whether multi-nerve testing with a point-of-care nerve conduction device could be used to diagnose diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 72 consecutive patients with diabetes underwent a full neurological examination and a concurrent evaluation for nine standard electrophysiological parameters using conventional nerve conduction studies (the reference standard) and a point-of-care device.

RESULTS—Spearman coefficients for correlation of point-of-care and conventional parameters ranged between 0.76 and 0.91 (P < 0.001 in all comparisons). Agreement by the method of Bland and Altman was acceptable despite small systematic biases. Fifty subjects (69%) had neuropathy according to conventional criteria. The sensitivity and specificity for the point-of-care device to identify such neuropathy was 88 and 82%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS—A novel point-of-care device has reasonable diagnostic accuracy and thus may represent a sufficiently accurate alternative for detecting the diffuse electrophysiological criteria necessary to make the diagnosis of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
Improving the Comparability of Diabetes Mortality Statistics in the U.S. and Mexico
Authors: Murray Christopher J.L. , Dias Rodrigo H. , Kulkarni Sandeep C. , Lozano Rafael , Stevens Gretchen A. , Ezzati Majid
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to increase the cross-state comparability of diabetes mortality statistics related in the U.S. and Mexico.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the effects of individual and community factors on a death for which diabetes was recorded as one of the multiple contributing causes of death (MCD) being assigned to diabetes as the underlying cause of death (UCD) versus assignment to cardiovascular, other noncommunicable, or communicable diseases. We used the model to estimate state-level diabetes death rates that are standardized in the individual and community factors.

RESULTS—Deaths with diabetes as one of the MCD were more likely to be assigned to cardiovascular causes as the UCD if they occurred in hospitals or if an autopsy was performed and if the decedents were from states with higher BMI and systolic blood pressure, were more educated, or had insurance. Adjusting for individual- and community-level factors substantially increased the cross-state correlation of diabetes as the UCD and diabetes as one of the MCD mortality rates. The adjustment also reduced the number of direct diabetes deaths by 10% in the U.S. and by 24% in Mexico. In the U.S., deaths with diabetes as the UCD declined most in Utah, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Louisiana and increased in California and Hawaii. In Mexico, the numbers of adjusted diabetes deaths were smaller than those observed in all states by 3–34%. An additional 126,300 deaths due to ischemic heart disease and stroke in the U.S. and 19,497 in Mexico were attributable to high blood glucose.

CONCLUSIONS—There is a need to improve the comparability of diabetes cause-of-death assignment, especially in relation to cardiovascular diseases.
The Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Nonreceptor 22 (PTPN22) Is Associated With High GAD Antibody Titer in Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Authors: Petrone Antonio , Suraci Concetta , Capizzi Marco , Giaccari Andrea , Bosi Emanuele , Tiberti Claudio , Cossu Efisio , Pozzilli Paolo , Falorni Alberto , Buzzetti Raffaella ,   for the NIRAD Study Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—We previously demonstrated the presence of two different populations among individuals with adult-onset autoimmune diabetes: those having either a high titer or a low titer of antibodies to GAD (GADAs). Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) has been identified as a new susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the phenotypic heterogeneity of adult-onset autoimmune diabetes based on the GADA titer is associated with the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Analysis for the C1858T polymorphism using the TaqMan assay was performed in 250 subjects with adult-onset autoimmune diabetes, divided into two subgroups with low (≤32 arbitrary units) or high (>32 arbitrary units) GADA titers and 450 subjects with classic type 2 diabetes (from the Non Insulin Requiring Autoimmune Diabetes [NIRAD] Study cohort of 5,330 subjects with adult-onset diabetes) and in 558 subjects with juvenile-onset type 1 diabetes and 545 normoglycemic subjects.

RESULTS—Genotype, allele, and phenotype distributions of the PTPN22 C1858T variant revealed similar frequencies in autoimmune diabetes with high GADA titer and juvenile-onset type 1 diabetes. An increase in TT and CT genotypes was observed in individuals with a high GADA titer compared with a low GADA titer, those with type 2 diabetes, and control subjects (P < 0.002 for all comparisons). The PTPN22 1858T allele and phenotype frequencies were increased in high GADA titer compared with a low GADA titer, type 2 diabetic, and control subjects (P < 0.001 for all comparisons, odds ratio 2.6).

CONCLUSIONS—In adult-onset autoimmune diabetes, the PTPN22 1858T variant is associated only with a high GADA titer, providing evidence of a genetic background to clinical heterogeneity identified by GADA titer.
Overweight Latino Children and Adolescents Have Marked Endothelial Dysfunction and Subclinical Vascular Inflammation in Association With Excess Body Fat and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Caballero A. Enrique , Bousquet-Santos Kelb , Robles-Osorio Ludivina , Montagnani Valeria , Soodini Geetha , Porramatikul Sriurai , Hamdy Osama , Nobrega Antonio C.L. , Horton Edward S.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—We measured plasma markers of endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and pro-coagulation in obese Hispanic/Latino children and adolescents with normal glucose tolerance and determined their relationship to body composition and indexes of glucose and lipid metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 38 lean or obese Hispanic children and adolescents (10–18 years of age) were selected. The overweight group (n = 21) had a BMI >85th percentile for their age and sex, and the lean group (n = 17) had a BMI between the 25th and 50th percentiles. Studies included an oral glucose tolerance test, measurements of plasma glucose and lipids, several markers of endothelial function and inflammation, and determination of body composition by dual X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS—The obese group had higher systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides and was more insulin resistant than the lean group. The obese group also had higher plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (259.5 ± 60.0 vs. 223.2 ± 47.5 ng/ml, P = 0.047), tumor necrosis factor-α (2.57 ± 1.1 vs. 1.74 ± 0.6 pg/ml, P = 0.008), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (2.0 vs. 0.13 mg/l, P < 0.0001), plasminogen-activated inhibitor-1 (47.0 ± 35.7 vs. 12.0 ± 5.2 ng/ml, P < 0.0001), tissue plasminogen activator (6.1 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 0.8 ng/ml, P = 0.001), and white blood cell count (6.9 vs. 5.3 × 103, P = 0.031) and lower levels of adiponectin (8.7 ± 3.3 vs. 12.6 ± 5.2 μg/ml, P = 0.022). No significant differences were observed for soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule or interleukin-6.

CONCLUSIONS—Overweight Hispanic children and adolescents with normal glucose tolerance exhibit increased plasma markers of endothelial dysfunction and subclinical inflammation in association with obesity and insulin resistance. These abnormalities may predispose them to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Relationship of A1C to Glucose Concentrations in Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors:   Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) Study Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE—Despite the standing of A1C as the most validated and widely used measure for average glycemic control over time, the relationship between A1C and glucose concentrations is not completely understood. The purpose of this Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) study was to use continuous glucose monitoring data to examine the relationship between A1C and glucose in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Forty-eight youth enrolled in studies of the Navigator continuous glucose monitor were encouraged to wear the Navigator sensor at home continuously. A1C was measured at baseline, at 3 months, and at 6 months. Sensor glucose data were directly transmitted via the Internet, assuring that essentially all glucose values were analyzed.

RESULTS—Subjects had a median of 112 h/week of Navigator data in the first 3 months and 115 h/week in the second 3 months. The slope of mean glucose over the previous 3 months versus A1C was only 18 mg/dl per 1.0% A1C. Individually, there was substantial variation in the relationship between mean glucose and A1C. A1C was not associated with glucose lability after controlling for mean glucose. Measures of an individual's rate of glycation were moderately correlated at the 3- and 6-month visits.

CONCLUSIONS—As the chemistry of glycation would predict, we found no evidence to contradict the simple hypothesis that A1C directly reflects mean glucose over time. There is, however, substantial variability in individual mean glucose concentrations for a given A1C. Transforming reliable A1C values into calculated mean glucose values would, when applied to an individual, introduce substantial error.
Comparison of ectomycorrhizas of Quercus garryana (Fagaceae) on serpentine and non‐serpentine soils in southwestern Oregon
Authors: Moser A. Mariah , Petersen Carolyn A. , D'Allura Jad A. , Southworth Darlene
Published: February 2008

The diversity of ectomycorrhizal communities associated with Quercus garryana on and off serpentine soils was compared and related to landscape‐level diversity. Serpentine soils are high in magnesium, iron, and heavy metals and low in fertility. In plant communities on serpentine soils, a high proportion of flowering plant species are endemic. At three sites with paired serpentine and nonserpentine soils in southwestern Oregon, we sampled Q. garryana roots and categorized ectomycorrhizas by morphotyping and by restriction fragment length patterns. Ectomycorrhizas were abundant at all sites; no single fungal species dominated in the ectomycorrhizas. Of 74 fungal species characterized by morphotype and pattern of restriction fragment length polymorphisms, 46 occurred on serpentine soils, and 32 were unique to serpentine soil. These species are potentially endemic to serpentine soil. Similarities in species composition between paired serpentine and nonserpentine soils were not significantly lower than among three serpentine sites or among three nonserpentine sites. We conclude that mycorrhizal communities associated with oaks on serpentine soil do not differ in species richness or species evenness from those on neighboring nonserpentine soil.
Phylogeny of Eastern North American Coreopsis (Asteraceae‐Coreopsideae): insights from nuclear and plastid sequences, and comments on character evolution
Authors: Crawford Daniel J. , Mort Mark E.
Published: February 2008

A molecular phylogenetic study of eastern North American Coreopsis and representatives of other genera of tribe Coreopsideae was conducted using combined sequences from nuclear ITS and two plastid regions (matK, rpl16). A total of 25–30 species has been recognized in five sections of Coreopsis in eastern North America. Based on morphological characters, these taxa have generally been considered a monophyletic group. Our well‐resolved phylogeny supports the monophyly of sections that have been recognized in Coreopsis, but the sections collectively do not comprise a monophyletic group because species of north temperate Bidens occur within one of the two major Coreopsis clades. The most notable departure of present results from prior views of relationships among sections is the lack of a sister group relationship between sections Calliopsis and Eublepharis; the shared presence of four‐lobed disk floret corollas had been used to support a close relationship between these two sections. Relationships within sections show both similarities and differences with the results of previous studies based primarily on morphological characters. Mapping of morphological characters used taxonomically in Coreopsis and related genera onto the phylogeny indicates that the evolution of these characters has been complex, and this compromises their value for defining monophyletic groups. Examples include the annual habit, alternate leaves, winged fruits, red or brown basal spots on the yellow ligules, and four‐lobed disk floret corollas.
Molecular analyses of the genus Ilex (Aquifoliaceae) in southern South America, evidence from AFLP and ITS sequence data
Authors: Gottlieb Alexandra M. , Giberti Gustavo C. , Poggio Lidia
Published: February 2008

In order to clarify the relationships among southern South American (sSA) representatives of the genus Ilex, an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was accomplished. In addition, the phylogenetic relationships of the species were studied using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data alone and in combination with AFLP data, taking into account the possible existence of paralogous sequences and the influence of alignment parameters. To explore stability of phylogenetic hypotheses, a sensitivity analysis was performed using 15 indel‐substitution models. Within each species assayed, the AFLPs allowed the recognition of several diagnostic bands. Furthermore, the AFLP analysis revealed that individuals belonging to the same morpho‐species formed coherent clades. In addition, some cases of geographical association were noted. Studies on ITS sequences revealed divergence between data obtained herein and sequence data downloaded from GenBank. The sensitivity analyses yielded different interspecific hypotheses of relationships. Notwithstanding, analyses of the ITS data alone and in combination with AFLPs, rendered clades stable to variation in the analytical parameters. Topologies obtained for the AFLPs, the ITS data alone and the combined analyses, demonstrated the existence of a group formed by I. argentina, I. brasiliensis, I. brevicuspis, I. integerrima, and I. theezans, and that I. dumosa and I. paraguariensis were distantly related to the former. Incongruence with traditional taxonomical treatments was found.
Architecture and size relations: an essay on the apple (Malus × domestica, Rosaceae) tree
Authors: Lauri Pierre‐éric , Maguylo Karen , Trottier Catherine
Published: February 2008

The influence of tree size independent of age on some architectural features (annual shoot length, lateral branching, flowering) was investigated on 4‐yr‐old apple (Malus × domestica) trees either own‐rooted or grafted on the dwarfing rootstock M.9, giving rise to large and small trees, respectively. Tree size significantly affected the length of the first annual shoot of bottom branches with a lesser effect on the subsequent annual shoots of the same branches and on branches situated higher in the tree canopy. The linear regression parameters, i.e., slopes and intercepts, between annual shoot length and number of growing laterals were affected by the genotype and, depending on genotype, by tree size. Flowering was generally lower, delayed, and more irregular on large trees compared to small trees, with on average similar ranking of genotypes regardless of tree size. This study provides evidence for a specific effect of tree size, as affected by the root system, on architectural development of the apple tree regardless of the genotype. From an architectural viewpoint, the dwarfing mechanism could be interpreted as a faster physiological aging essentially related to the reduction in length of the first annual shoot of bottom branches and the high flowering on this shoot.
Polyploid and hybrid evolution in roses east of the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Joly Simon , Starr Julian R , Lewis Walter H , Bruneau Anne
Published: February 2008

This study investigates the impact of hybridization and polyploidy in the evolution of eastern North American roses. We explore these processes in theRosa carolinacomplex (sectionCinnamomeae), which consists of five diploid and three tetraploid species. To clarify the status and origins of polyploids, a haplotype network (statistical parsimony) of the glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) nuclear gene was estimated for polyploids of the complex and for diploids of sectionCinnamomeaein North America. A genealogical approach helped to decipher the evolutionary history of polyploids from noise created by hybridization, incomplete lineage sorting, and allelic segregation. At the diploid level, species west of the Rocky Mountains are distinct from eastern species. In the east, two groups of diploids were found: one consists ofR. blandaandR. woodsiiand the other ofR. foliolosa,R. nitida, andR. palustris. Only eastern diploids are involved in the origins of the polyploids.Rosa arkansanais derived from theblanda–woodsiigroup,R. virginianaoriginated from thefoliolosa–nitida–palustrisgroup, andR. carolinais derived from a hybrid between the two diploid groups. The distinct origins of these polyploid taxa support the hypothesis that the three polyploids are separate species.
Loss of extrafloral nectary on an oceanic island plant and its consequences for herbivory
Authors: Sugiura Shinji , Abe Tetsuto , Makino Shun'ichi
Published: February 2008

Two Hibiscus (Malvaceae) species coexist on the oceanic Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands: Hibiscus glaber (an endemic species) and H. tiliaceus (the ancestral non‐endemic species). Hibiscus tiliaceus produces extrafloral nectar from the sepals, while H. glaber does not. To clarify the effects of extrafloral nectar loss on Hibiscus–insect relationships, we examined herbivory and insect communities on flower buds of H. glaber and H. tiliaceus. Larvae of the endemic moth Rehimena variegata (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) attacked 20% of the flower buds on H. glaber, while less than 0.2% of buds on H. tiliaceus were attacked. Introduced species of ants frequently visited the flower buds of H. tiliaceus to collect extrafloral nectar from the sepal, while they rarely visited those of H. glaber. Therefore, extrafloral nectar on H. tiliaceus sepals may function as a facultative defense against flower bud herbivory. The loss of extrafloral nectaries of H. glaber sepals may be related to the original paucity of native herbivores and ants on the Bonin Islands.