bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assignment of the polymorphic intestinal mucin gene (MUC2) to chromosome 11p15
Authors: GRIFFITHS B. , MATTHEWS D. J. , WEST L. , ATTWOOD J. , POVEY S. , SWALLOW D. M. , GUM J. R. , KIM Y. S.
Published: September 2007

A cDNA coding for a mucin expressed in intestine has recently been cloned (Gum et al. 1989). We describe here the use of this cDNA to map the gene (MUC2) to human chromosome 11 using somatic cell hybrids, and to make the regional localization to 11p15 by in situ hybridization. Analysis of the CEPH (Centre 'Étude du Polymorphisme Humain) families revealed that MUC2 forms part of the tight linkage group on llpl5 which contains HRAS, INS, TH and HBBC.
An RFLP map for 2q33‐q37 from multicase mycobacterial and leishmanial disease families: no evidence for an Lsh/Ity/Bcg gene homologue influencing susceptibility to leprosy
Authors: SHAW M.‐A. , ATKINSON S. , DOCKRELL H. , HUSSAIN R. , LINS‐LAINSON Z. , SHAW J. , RAMOS F. , SILVEIRA F. , MEHDI S. Q. , KAUKAB F. , KHALIQ S. , CHIANG T. , BLACKWELL J.
Published: September 2007

The mycobacterial disease leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) and the leishmaniases are characterized by a wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, and by the fact that the majority of individuals exposed to the causative organisms Mycobacterium leprae, M. tuberculosis and Leishmania sp. become infected but do not present with clinical disease. In order to determine whether a human homologue to the murine macrophage resistance gene Lsh/Ity/Bcg influences susceptibility to human disease, multicase families for all three disease have been collected, and linkage analysis performed using a panel of markers in the region of human chromosome 2q33‐q37 known to be conserved with the Lsh/Ity/Bcg‐containing region of murine chromosome 1. Because of the paucity of available polymorphic markers/linkage information for 2q33‐q37, data from 35 multicase leprosy, TB and visceral leishmaniasis families (310 individuals) were first pooled to produce a detailed RFLP map of the region. Peak LOD scores well in excess of 3 were observed for linkage between adjacent pairs of a more proximal (2q33‐q35) set of markers CRYGP1, MAP2, FN1, TNP1, VIL1 and DES, and between adjacent pairs of a more distal (2q35‐q37) set COL6A3, D2S55 and D2S3. These peak LOD scores and the corresponding values for θ were used in the MAP92 program to generate a multiple two‐point map with gene order/map intervals (cM) of: CRYGP1‐4.65‐MAP2‐3.45‐FN1‐5.95‐TNP1‐3.41‐VIL1‐3.01‐DES‐20.14‐COL6A‐10.91‐D2S55‐3.67‐D2S3. Although local support for the placement of loci in this order was weak (LOD 2, except for DES‐COL6A3 where LOD = 6.02), the map is consistent with the gene order for those loci (Cryg, Fn‐1, Tp‐1, Vil, Des, Col6a3) previously mapped in the mouse. Data from 17 multicase leprosy families (149 individuals) were further analysed for linkage between a putative disease susceptibility locus (DSL) con
Molecular analysis of the third allele of human deoxyribonuclease I polymorphism
Authors: YASUDA T. , NADANO D. , TAKESHITA H. , TENJO E. , KISHI K.
Published: September 2007

In addition to common phenotypes 1, 1–2 and 2 of human deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I), phenotypes 1–3 and 2–3, encoded by a third allele DNASEI*3, have been found by means of isoelectric focusing. The main objective of this study was to identify the mutation site(s) underlying phenotype 3. All eight exons covering the entire open reading frame of the human DNase I structural gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to direct DNA sequencing. When the entire 780‐bp coding region and exon/intron junctions of the DNase I gene of two individuals with phenotypes 1–3 and 2–3 were sequenced, only one nucleotide substitution, a C‐G transition (CCC→GCC), in the codon for amino acid 132 of the mature enzyme located in exon VI was found that resulted in the replacement of proline with alanine (P132A). The mutation was confirmed by allele‐specific amplification of genomic DNA. The replacement of the amino acid residue may reduce the hydrophobicity of the enzyme and thus increase the pi value of the type‐3 isozyme compared with that of type 1, as increasing the hydrophobicity of a protein is known to decrease its pi value. The specific PCR‐amplifications of exons and alleles developed in this study may provide a new tool suitable for rapid screening of DNase I variants.
Population haplotype analysis and evolutionary relations of the COL2A1 gene
Authors: MEULENBELT I. , WILLIAMS C. J. , TE KOPPELE J. M. , VAN DE GIESSEN G. C. , SLAGBOOM P. E.
Published: September 2007

We have determined the allele frequencies and pairwise linkage disequilibria of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) distributed over the entire COL2A1 gene (spanning 23.6 kb) in a population of unrelated Dutch Caucasians. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium analysis of RFLP sites between exon 5B and 51 indicated a high degree of partly positive (the rare alleles of both loci are associated) and partly negative (the rare allele is associated with the common allele) linkage disequilibrium.

The high degree of linkage disequilibrium enabled the assignment of 13 out of 128 possible haplotypes with 7 RFLPs. An evolutionary tree of these haplotypes was derived using a minimum spanning tree approach, indicating at least two ancestral haplotypes. Our data indicate that disease related population studies involving the COL2A1 gene should include a minimum of 4 RFLPs (D9, A9, H33, P51) to obtain 98% of possible haplotypes occurring.
Testing candidate loci on chromosomes 1 and 6 for genetic linkage to Peutz‐Jeghers' disease
Authors: TOMLINSON I. P. M. , OLSCHWANG S. , ABELOVITCH D. , NAKAMURA Y. , BODMER W. F. , THOMAS G. , MARKIE D.
Published: September 2007

Peutz‐Jeghers' syndrome (PJS) is a disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, which is characterised by gastrointestinal hamartomata and characteristic melanin pigmentation. Three candidate sites for a PJS locus have recently been proposed, chromosomes 1p31‐p32, 6q25 and 6p11‐cen. At the first of these sites, a multipoint LOD score of 4.00 had been found, strongly suggesting genetic linkage to PJS. The last two candidate sites were suggested by the chromosomal breakpoints of a patient with an inv(6) and PJS. We have analysed up to 34 families in order to test each of the three candidate sites for linkage to PJS. No evidence was found in support of a Peutz‐Jeghers' syndrome locus on chromosome 1p31‐p32. The candidate region on 6q25 was also excluded. The region close to the centromere of chromosome 6 has not been excluded and there is some evidence of linkage to a marker near 6cen, although genetic heterogeneity in PJS must be proposed to account for a gene at this site.
Ethnicity and myotonic dystrophy: a possible explanation for its absence in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: GOLDMAN A. , RAMSAY M. , JENKINS T.
Published: September 2007

The CTG trinucleotide repeat, in the myotonic dystrophy (DM) myotonin protein kinase gene, was studied by PCR analysis in a total of 246 unrelated South African Bantu‐speaking Negroids, 116 San and 27 Pygmies. The size and distribution of the CTG repeat were determined and showed that the alleles ranged in length from 5 to 22 repeats. The most common CTG repeat is 5 (25% of chromosomes) in the South African Negroids but 11 (27 % of chromosomes) in the San population and 12 (22% of chromosomes) in the Pygmies. The southern African Bantu‐speaking Negroids and San were found to have significantly fewer large repeat length alleles than do Caucasoid and Japanese populations. Since DM has not been observed in southern African Negroids, it is possible that the occurrence of fewer large CTG repeats in the normal range may, in part, explain this absence. It seems likely, that the rare DM mutation event postulated to have occurred on a specific chromosomal haplotype, occurred after the migration of humans from Africa.
A study of inbreeding and kinship in intracranial aneurysms in the Saguenay Lac‐Saint‐Jean region (Quebec, Canada)
Authors: BRAEKELEER M. DE , PéRUSSE L. , CANTIN L. , BOUCHARD J.‐M. , MATHIEU J.
Published: September 2007

The genealogies of 533 individuals with an intracranial aneurysm (IA) born in the Saguenay‐Lac‐Saint‐Jean region, a geographically isolated area located in northeastern Quebec, were reconstructed using a population‐based register. A control group consisting of three individuals of the same sex and born on the same day and in the same municipality than the IA patients was created; the genealogies of the 1599 controls were also reconstructed. The coefficients of inbreeding and kinship were calculated. Familial aggregation, i.e. the presence of IA in two or more first‐ to third‐degree relatives, was also sought. The mean inbreeding coefficient was lower in the IA group than in the control group (7·92 × 10−4 versus 10·04 × 10−4). The mean kinship coefficient was higher in the IA group than in the control group (2·17 × 10−4 versus 1·55 × 10−4). Forty‐eight IA patients (9·0%) were first‐degree relatives compared to only 1·9% of the control individuals. The proportion of individuals showing familial aggregation was higher in the IA group than in the control group (29·8% and 18·6% respectively). These results strongly suggest that some IA are genetically determined in this population.
Site 73 in hypervariable region II of the human mitochondrial genome and the origin of European populations
Authors: WILKINSON‐HERBOTS H. M. , RICHARDS M. B. , FORSTER P. , SYKES B. C.
Published: September 2007

The majority of published human mitochondrial DNA sequence data are confined to hypervariable region I in the control region. By contrast, this paper focusses on a nucleotide site in hypervariable region II. Unlike most non‐European populations whose mtDNA sequences have been studied in the literature, the British ‘white Caucasian’ population has a high level of variation at site 73 (following the site numbering by Anderson et al. 1981). This variation appears to have its origin largely in a mutation from guanine to adenine at that site with an estimated minimum age between 15000 and 25000 years. The data of Piercy et al. (1993) suggest that roughly half of the British ‘white Caucasian’ mitochondrial gene pool is descended from a common maternal ancestor who carried this mutation at site 73. This site also plays a central role in distinguishing the five major European mtDNA clusters identified in Richards et al. (1996). We suggest that the lineages carrying an A at site 73, together with some other lineages, may have their origins in a small founder population which expanded after the last glacial maximum about 20000 years ago. We conclude that, in addition to region I sequences, site 73 is worth determining in studies of Caucasian populations.
Green plant material versus ectoparasites in nests of Bonelli's eagle
Authors: Ontiveros D. , Caro J. , Pleguezuelos J. M.
Published: September 2007

The greenery and arthropod nest composition has been studied in a population of Bonelli's eagleHieraaetus fasciatusin south‐east Spain, relating them to the plant availability within territories and breeding success of pairs. Greenery was invariably from trees and shrubs, with pine and oak species accounting for 78% of the nest composition in weight. All eagle pairs withPinus pinasteravailability in territories actively selected it for nest greenery. This pine species is characterized by a high level of aromatic compounds, particularlyβ‐pinene, highly repellent for insects. The amount of pine greenery in the nest was correlated with a lower presence of ectoparasites in that nest (blow fly larvae,Protocalliphora), and higher breeding success of pairs. We discuss whether a coevolutionary process between parasites and their hosts has guided a particular nesting strategy of the eagles to improve their breeding success.
Mutual mate choice in crayfish: large body size is selected by both sexes, virginity by males only
Authors: Aquiloni L. , Gherardi F.
Published: September 2007

Mate choice is often assumed to be a prerogative of females because of their putatively larger reproductive investment than males. However, recent evidence suggests that spermatogenesis is far from being limitless and that males show a high selectivity towards their mates, thus maximizing their reproductive success. We investigated mutual mate choice in the crayfishProcambarus clarkiithrough two experiments. The first experiment explored the effects of body size, chelar size and chelar symmetry and social status of a potential partner. In the second experiment, we asked whether this species can discriminate between partners of the same body size but with different mating status. We used a binary choice test paradigm, in which two ‘targets’ with opposing characteristics were simultaneously presented to a test animal, the ‘chooser’. The results showed thatP. clarkiimales are more selective than expected. Similar to the other sex, they were significantly attracted by targets with large body sizes, but not by individuals with larger and symmetric chelae or with a dominant status. An inter‐sexual difference was found in the second experiment, in which only males seemed to select virgin potential mates. The several adaptive explanations for these preferences, still under debate, are finally discussed.
Development of foraging behavior in juvenile northern elephant seals
Authors: Zeno R. L. , Crocker D. E. , Hassrick J. L. , Allen S. G. , Costa D. P.
Published: September 2007

Rapid development of foraging ability is critical for phocids. In northern elephant seals Mirounga angustirostris, juvenile survivorship is low compared with adults and foraging difficulties are potentially associated with increased mortality. At Año Nuevo, California, foraging behavior of nine juvenile females during their third foraging migration and five juvenile females on their fourth foraging migration were documented using a variety of commercially available and custom time depth recorders. Foraging success, diving ability, time at depth, bouts of behavior and body composition changes were compared between trips to sea. There were no significant differences in foraging success measured as mass gain between the third and fourth trips to sea. There were differences in how energy was deposited between lean and adipose tissue compartments. Diving ability developed between trips to sea, reflected in significant increases in depth, dive duration and bottom time. Development also occurred within trips to sea. Depth, dive duration and bottom time increased with time at sea. Aerobic capacity appears to increase between the third and fourth trip, with a significantly increased percentage of total time submerged and a significantly lower diving rate. All juveniles on the fourth trip and four out of nine juveniles on the third trip followed marked diel patterns, foraging deep during the day and shallow at night. Like adults, juveniles appeared to stay primarily aerobic with surface intervals independent of dive durations. These results confirm that female juvenile northern elephant seals undergo important developmental changes in foraging behavior between the third and fourth trip, but these changes do not significantly impact foraging success.
Philopatry and natal dispersal in a sedentary population of western marsh harrier
Authors: Sternalski A. , Bavoux C. , Burneleau G. , Bretagnolle V.
Published: September 2007

Dispersal is a key life‐history trait because it influences population dynamics and population genetic structure. From a behavioural perspective, the study of natal dispersal requires some understanding of the mechanisms that affect individual movements, because movements of an animal form a path that is continuous throughout its life. Our aim was to investigate juvenile dispersal strategies in the western marsh harrierCircus aeruginosus, between fledging and first breeding attempt (from 1 to 4 years later, depending on the sex and individual). Using radio tracking, we monitored dispersing juvenile harriers and their home‐range size variations within a sedentary population in central western France from 2001 to 2007. Juvenile dispersal strategy was mainly characterized by a very high natal philopatry (i.e. birds that remained within the study area) and short‐distance dispersal. All but one bird (out of 39) remained within the study area between their first winter and their first spring, and 96.0% during their first spring. The distance moved at 2 years of age was significantly larger for males than for females (3800±sd3593 m and 935±sd481 m for seven males and six females, respectively), in contrast to most bird species studied so far. Home‐range size was not sex biased and significantly decreased with age. In addition, non‐breeding birds had larger home ranges (1603±sd2128 ha) than breeders (349±sd185 ha). Using data obtained from other populations, juvenile marsh harrier dispersal strategies appeared to be determined by migratory status (migratory birds dispersing farther) and demographic parameters (juvenile survival or fecundity).
The role of health consciousness, food safety concern and ethical identity on attitudes and intentions towards organic food
Authors: Michaelidou Nina , Hassan Louise M.
Published: September 2007

The paper examines the roles of health consciousness, food safety concern and ethical self‐identity in predicting attitude and purchase intention within the context of organic produce. A conceptual model is derived and tested via structural equation modelling. Findings indicate food safety as the most important predictor of attitude while health consciousness appears to be the least important motive in contrast to findings from some previous research. In addition, ethical self‐identity is found to predict both attitudes and intention to purchase organic produce, emphasizing that respondents' identification with ethical issues affects their attitude and subsequent consumption choices.
Evaluation of commercial weight‐loss programmes in Greece
Authors: Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Panayiotoglou Angeliki , Hassapidou Maria
Published: September 2007

The objective was to evaluate the success of commercial weight‐loss programmes and define areas that need development in the Greek weight‐loss industry. A total of 973 people (217 men and 756 women), all customers of the same slimming company, participated in the study. Subjects were enrolled in a weight‐loss programme that lasted for a year. Body weight (BW) and height was measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment. For 470 participants, BW was also measured 1 year after the end of the programme (follow‐up). We evaluated alterations in initial and final BW, as well in body mass index (BMI) categorization. Sixty‐six women were allowed to start the programme, although underweight and 47.3% of the participants enrolled with a normal BMI. At the end of the treatment, 124 persons were underweight. Most subjects with a BMI >40 at baseline remained at the same BMI category after the implementation of the programme; however, this was a small group (n = 8). Most subjects (67.3%) remained at the same BMI category after treatment. One year after the completion of the programme, all participants presented significantly higher BW compared with that at the end of the programme. Results suggest that economic gaining is the priority for weight‐loss companies in Greece. The employed staff in its majority is neither nutritionists, nor dieticians, but employees well‐trained on marketing, who are being paid accordingly to their sales. Thus, many customers who are either underweight or of normal BW are enrolled in weight‐loss programmes for the company's financial benefit and are sold programmes with the use of appliances of questionable scientific validation.
Body scanning as a new anthropometric measurement tool for health‐risk assessment
Authors: Heuberger Roschelle , Domina Tanya , MacGillivray Maureen
Published: September 2007

The study explored the accuracy of body measurements gathered from trained observers employing a tape measure compared with those generated by the 3D body scanner. Tape measurements of body circumferences are routinely used for assessing future risk to health, as increased circumference of the waist vs. hip is associated with greater chronic disease rates later in life. Findings indicated that significant differences existed between circumference measurements calculated by the body scanner and those which were gathered from a tape measure. This research indicates that utilization of the body scanner as an anthropometric measurement tool for the assessment of health risk has tremendous benefits.
Activation of double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase by mild impairment of oxidative metabolism in neurons
Authors: Wang Xin , Fan Zhiqin , Wang Bingwei , Luo Jia , Ke Zun‐Ji
Published: September 2007

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency (TD) causes mild and chronic impairment of oxidative metabolism and induces neuronal death in specific brain regions. The mechanisms underlying TD‐induced cell death, however, remain unclear. The double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase (PKR), has been well known for its anti‐viral function. Upon activation by viral infection or double‐stranded RNA, PKR phosphorylates its substrate, the α‐subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor‐2 (eIF2α), leading to inhibition of translation. In response to various cellular stresses, PKR can also be stimulated by its protein activators, or its mouse homologue, PKR activator (RAX). We demonstrated that TD in mice induced phosphorylation of PKR at Thr446 and Thr451 and phosphorylation of eIF2α at Ser51 in the cerebellum and the thalamus. TD caused phosphorylation of PKR and eIF2α, as well as nuclear translocation of PKR in primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons. PKR phosphorylation is necessary for its nuclear translocation because TD failed to induce nuclear translocation of a T446A/T451A PKR mutant. Both PKR inhibitor and dominant‐negative PKR mutant protected cerebellar granule neurons against TD‐induced cell death. TD promoted the association between RAX and PKR. Antioxidant vitamin E dramatically decreased the RAX/PKR association and ameliorated TD‐induced cell death. Our results indicate that TD‐induced neuronal death is at least partially mediated by the activation of PKR.
Mitochondrial NAD+‐linked State 3 respiration and complex‐I activity are compromised in the cerebral cortex of 3‐nitropropionic acid‐induced rat model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Pandey Mritunjay , Varghese Merina , Sindhu Kizhakke M , Sreetama Sen , Navneet A. K. , Mohanakumar Kochupurackal P , Usha Rajamma
Published: September 2007

Mitochondrial complex‐I dysfunction has been observed in patients of Huntington’s disease (HD). We assessed whether such a defect is present in the 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP) model of HD. Rats treated with 3‐NP (10–20 mg/kg i.p., for 4 days) exhibited weight loss, gait abnormalities, and striatal lesions with increased glial fibrillary acidic protein immunostaining on fifth and ninth days, while increase in striatal dopamine and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity were observed on fifth day following treatment. We report for the first time a dose‐dependent reduction in complex‐I activity in the cerebral cortex when analyzed spectrophotometrically and by blue native‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis following 3‐NP treatment. The citrate synthase normalized activities of mitochondrial complex‐I, ‐II, ‐(I + III) and ‐IV were decreased in the cortex of 3‐NP treated rats. In addition, succinate driven State 3 respiration was also significantly inhibited in vivo and in the isolated mitochondria. These findings taken together with the observation of a significant decrease in vivo but not in vitro of State 3 respiration with NAD+‐linked substrates, suggest complex‐I dysfunction in addition to irreversible inhibition of complex‐II and succinate dehydrogenase activity as a contributing factor in 3‐NP‐induced cortico‐striatal lesion.
Effect of glutamate intake during gestation on adenosine A1receptor/adenylyl cyclase pathway in both maternal and fetal rat brain
Authors: León David , Albasanz José Luis , Castillo Carlos Alberto , Martín Mairena
Published: September 2007

Pregnant Wistar rats were orally treated with 1 g/Ll‐glutamate during the entire gestational period and the status of adenosine A1receptor (A1R)/adenylyl cyclase transduction pathway from maternal and fetal brain was analyzed. Glutamate consumption, estimated from the loss of water from the drinking bottles, was 110 ± 4.6 mg/kg/day. In mother brains glutamate intake did not significantly alter theBmaxvalue, although theKdvalue was significantly decreased. However in fetus brain, a significant decrease inBmaxwas observed, without an alteration ofKdvalue. Similar results were observed by western blot assays using specific A1R antibody, suggesting a down‐regulation of A1R in fetal brain. Concerning α subunits of inhibitory G proteins (Gi), αGi3protein was slightly but significantly decreased in maternal brain without alterations of either Gi1or Gi2. In contrast, αGi1and αGi2isoforms were increased in fetal brain. On the other hand, basal, forskolin, and forskolin plus GTPγS‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was significantly decreased in both maternal and fetal brain, and this was more prominent in fetal than in maternal brain. Finally, A1R functionality was significantly decreased in mother brain whereas no significant differences were detected in fetus brain. These results suggest that glutamate administered to pregnant rats modulates A1R signaling pathways in both tissues, showing an A1R down‐regulation in fetal brain, and desensitization in maternal brain.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Authors: LARSON E. L. , BOGDANOWICZ S. M. , AGRAWAL A. A. , JOHNSON M. T. J. , HARRISON R. G.
Published: September 2007

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). These loci have two to 18 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0 to 0.879 in a sample of 34 individuals. In a pattern consistent with the functionally asexual reproductive system of this species, 17/36 pairs of loci revealed significant linkage disequilibrium and three loci showed significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The loci will be informative in identifying genotypes in multigenerational field studies to assess changes in genotype frequencies.
DNA barcoding in surveys of small mammal communities: a field study in Suriname
Authors: BORISENKO ALEX V. , LIM BURTON K. , IVANOVA NATALIA V. , HANNER ROBERT H. , HEBERT PAUL D. N.
Published: September 2007

The performance of DNA barcoding as a tool for fast taxonomic verification in ecological assessment projects of small mammals was evaluated during a collecting trip to a lowland tropical rainforest site in Suriname. We also compared the performance of tissue sampling onto FTA CloneSaver cards vs. liquid nitrogen preservation. DNA barcodes from CloneSaver cards were recovered from 85% of specimens, but DNA degradation was apparent, because only 36% of sequence reads were long (over 600 bp). In contrast, cryopreserved tissue delivered 99% barcode recovery (97% > 600 bp). High humidity, oversampling or tissue type may explain the poor performance of CloneSaver cards. Comparison of taxonomic assignments made in the field and from barcode results revealed inconsistencies in just 3.4% of cases and most of the discrepancies were due to field misidentifications (3%) rather than sampling/analytical error (0.5%). This result reinforces the utility of DNA barcoding as a tool for verification of taxonomic identifications in ecological surveys, which is especially important when the collection of voucher specimens is not possible.
AMMONOID SHELL STRUCTURES OF PRIMARY ORGANIC COMPOSITION
Authors: KLUG CHRISTIAN , BRÜHWILER THOMAS , KORN DIETER , SCHWEIGERT GÜNTER , BRAYARD ARNAUD , TILSLEY JOHN
Published: September 2007

Abstract: Palaeozoic and Mesozoic cephalopod conchs occasionally reveal dark organic coatings at the aperture. A number of these coatings, including still unrecorded examples, are described, figured and interpreted herein. On the basis of elemental analysis, actualistic comparison and a comparison with Triassic bivalves, some of these coatings are shown to consist of apatite and primarily probably of conchiolin (and also probably melanin). In several Mesozoic ammonoid genera such asParanannites,Psiloceras,Lytoceras,Phylloceras,HarpocerasandChondroceras, some of these coatings (recorded herein for most of these taxa for the first time) are interpreted as a structure similar to the black band, which was previously known only from RecentAllonautilusandNautilus. In contrast to these nautilid genera, however, the organic material of some Mesozoic ammonoids was not deposited on the inside of the shell but externally, albeit positioned at the terminal aperture as in Recent nautilids. Some ammonoids of Carboniferous and Triassic age show several such bands at more or less regular angular distances on the ultimate whorls and at the aperture, e.g.Nomismoceras,Gatherites,Owenites,Paranannites,Juvenitesand Melagathiceratidae gen. et sp. nov. Triassic material from Oman shows that the black coating was probably secreted from the inside, because the position of this organic deposit changes from interior to exterior in an anterior direction (i.e. adaperturally). This structure has previously been referred to as a ‘false colour pattern’ and is here interpreted as having been formed at an interim aperture or megastria (‘alter Mundrand’). All structures discussed in the paper are considered to have been secreted by a single organ and to have been initiated by some form of stress or adverse conditions. Thus, certain environmental parameters and growth anomalies appear to have influenced their formation.
EVOLUTION OF HINDLIMB POSTURE IN ARCHOSAURS: LIMB STRESSES IN EXTINCT VERTEBRATES
Authors: KUBO TAI , BENTON MICHAEL J.
Published: September 2007

Abstract: During the Triassic, some 250–200 million years ago, the basal archosaurs showed a transition from sprawling to erect posture. Past studies focused on changes in bone morphology, especially on the joints, as they reorientated from a sprawling to an erect posture. Here we introduce a biomechanical model to estimate the magnitude of femur stress in different postures, in order to determine the most reasonable postures for five basal archosaurs along the line to crocodiliforms (the rhynchosaurStenaulorhynchus, the basal archosaurErythrosuchus, the ‘rauisuchian’Batrachotomus, the aetosaursDesmatosuchusandTypothorax). The results confirm a sprawling posture in basal taxa and an erect posture in derived taxa. Erect posture may have evolved as a strategy to reduce large bending stresses on the limb bone caused by heavy body weights in larger forms.
DOLICHURANUS PRIMAEVUS (THERAPSIDA: ANOMODONTIA) FROM THE MIDDLE TRIASSIC OF NAMIBIA AND ITS PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: DAMIANI ROSS , VASCONCELOS CECÍLIO , RENAUT ALAIN , HANCOX JOHN , YATES ADAM
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Dicynodont therapsids were near‐ubiquitous components of Permo‐Triassic terrestrial faunas, but the morphology of many of the nominal species remains poorly understood. Here we provide a detailed redescription of the cranium of the poorly known Dolichuranus primaevus from the Middle Triassic Omingonde Formation of Namibia, based on both the holotype and previously undescribed referred specimens. We identify a number of autapomorphic characters of D. primaevus and provide a revised taxon diagnosis. A phylogenetic analysis of Permian and Triassic dicynodonts indicates that most Triassic dicynodonts form a monophyletic clade. Within the Triassic clade Kannemeyerioidea, Dolichuranus is the sister taxon of a clade consisting of the stahleckeriids Stahleckeria and Ischigualastia from the Middle and Upper Triassic of South America, respectively.
Winter Art Education Project
Authors: Jokela Timo
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this article is to describe how the Department of Art Education at the University of Lapland in Finland has developed winter art as a method of environmental and community‐based art education. I will focus on the Snow Show Winter Art Education Project, a training project funded by the European Union and the State Provincial Office of Lapland. The general aim of the project was to increase the know‐how of winter art in Northern Finland. This goal was put into practice through workshops on snow construction, documentation of winter art, winter‐oriented media production, and snow and ice sculpting; through continuing education seminars, workshops, and school projects for teachers; and through public lectures and seminars on winter and winter art. In this article, I describe the challenges that winter offers to community and environment‐based art education in the North. Further, I introduce the methods of implementation and the outcomes of winter art exercises carried out by several schools in Lapland in cooperation with and inspired by the Snow Show Winter Art Education Project.
Artists Becoming Teachers: Expressions of Identity Transformation in a Virtual Forum
Authors: Adams Jeff
Published: September 2007

This article is an investigation of art and design graduates' identities as they embark upon their training as teachers. The expressive, ‘confessional’ nature of forum posts from their Virtual Learning Environment are analysed in relation to the students' identity transformation into teachers. This transition is profound in the case of artist teachers, for whom the contrast between their practice as a critical artist and that of a regulated professional can be severe. The usage of these socially‐oriented virtual forums, and the students' identity transition is analysed in terms of identity theorists such as Butler, hooks and Wenger. There are problems of expression that are brought about by the juxtaposition of visually and spatially adept artist‐learners constrained within a largely textual environment, yet this impediment appears to be ameliorated by their social‐expressive exploitation of the forums.
A Stitch in Time: Gender Issues Explored through Contemporary Textiles Practice in a Sixth Form College
Authors: Hyde Wendy
Published: September 2007

This article discusses, contextualises and locates in contemporary theory, an autobiographical case study of an artist‐teacher in the ‘learning community’ of a Sixth Form College art department. It reflects on the educational potential of enabling teachers of art and their students to investigate issues of culture and identity through engaging with contemporary art practice. It seeks to explore the extent to which exposure to contemporary art practices (and in the second year sixth form, textiles‐based, cases discussed) creates a more conceptual approach to student project work, which can act as a catalyst to develop students' understanding of issues‐based practice. The discussion of the selected pieces is located within a feminist paradigm that foregrounds the body and gender theories. This article elucidates how a conceptual approach to working, as opposed to a more traditional skills‐based approach, can act as a vehicle for moving students towards becoming self‐motivated artists and, in the case studies described, take their practice beyond that which is normally achieved within the constraints of timed, exam‐based work.
Visual Art as a Vehicle for Educational Research
Authors: Hickman Richard
Published: September 2007

This article is an account of a pilot project designed to help art & design teachers in training use their particular strengths to report on classroom observation through visual art. The project is underpinned by the notion that the arts provide a particular way of knowing and that teaching should be student‐centred. I argue that if the arts can be seen to be a particular way through which we can understand the world then they can be used as both a pedagogical tool and possibly a vehicle for collecting data and reporting research. A group of 19 student teachers of art & design were given tasks which involved reporting on their school placement experience via a visual art form rather than through a text‐based form such as writing. The resulting images were discussed in a seminar and a sub‐group of three students was purposely selected for interviews. It was found overall, the students valued the approach taken and that they gained valuable insights into their professional placements through adopting an art‐based approach to educational research.

As a result, I advocate in this article a greater use of arts‐based approaches to research which explores educational experience, not only in the arts, but in all areas of teaching and learning.
Can the Process of Transition for Incoming Secondary Pupils be Supported through a Creative Art Project?
Authors: Matthews Lyn
Published: September 2007

Children's learning involves, in the simplest terms, assimilating knowledge and understanding and acquiring skills though being, doing and feeling. This requires a connection at a personal level. Furthermore, learning is given to fluctuation determined by the needs of the individual and the requirements of the educational system. This research project is concerned with the specific needs of pupils in the UK who undergo the process of transition between primary (Key Stage 2, age 7–11) and secondary schooling (Key Stage 3, age 11–16). It is at a time when there are reported increases of anxiety that affect pupils' self‐esteem where perhaps a different kind of learning is required. The project suggests that a modified curriculum will support the pupils' transformation, through a visual arts creative learning framework.
Black History Month and African Caribbean Student Learning in Art
Authors: Dash Paul
Published: September 2007

This article looks at the concept of Black History Month and its implications for teaching and learning in art and design education. It argues that the concept of Black History Month should be discarded because it tends to promote a separatist notion of culture and that it deflects from an understanding of culture as a plural and intermeshing process. The paper interrogates history as a discourse, problematising our use of the word. The article then looks through the eyes of two groups of African Caribbean young people at Black History Month, as a curriculum initiative. The first group was interviewed at a south London gallery and the second at a conference for African Caribbean learners in Oxford. Two art and design educationalists who participated in the research project that included the south London young people make a significant contribution to the paper. It concludes with a personal interpretation of movements in art and the practice of a contemporary artist whose work endorse the key philosophical position posited in the text that culture is always a process on interweaving.
Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase and Its Inhibitors in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bonifácio Maria João , Palma P. Nuno , Almeida Luís , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: September 2007

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, with consequent reduction in striatal dopamine levels leading to characteristic motor symptoms. The most effective treatment for this disease continues to be the dopamine replacement therapy with levodopa together with an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). The efficacy of this therapy, however, decreases with time and most patients develop fluctuating responses and dyskinesias. The last decade showed that the use of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitors as adjuvants to the levodopa/AADC inhibitor therapy, significantly improves the clinical benefits of this therapy.

The purpose of this article is to review the current knowledge on the enzyme catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) and the role of COMT inhibitors in PD as a new therapeutic approach to PD involving conversion of levodopa to dopamine at the target region in the brain and facilitation of the continuous action of this amine at the receptor sites. A historical overview of the discovery and development of COMT inhibitors is presented with a special emphasis on nebicapone, presently under clinical development, as well as entacapone and tolcapone, which are already approved as adjuncts in the therapy of PD. This article reviews human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these drugs as well as their clinical efficacy and safety.
CGP7930: A Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABAB Receptor
Authors: Adams C. L. , Lawrence A. J.
Published: September 2007

CGP7930 (3‐(3′,5′‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐4′‐hydroxy)phenyl‐2,2‐dimethylpropanol) is a positive allosteric modulator of the metabotropic GABAB receptor. CGP7930 has been found to modulate the GABAB receptor in the open, or high affinity, state increasing agonist affinity for the receptor and signal transduction efficacy following agonist stimulation. The GABAB heteromeric subunit B2, involved in signal transduction but not ligand binding, seems to be the site of action of CGP7930 and similar allosteric modulators. When administered alone in naïve animals, CGP7930 acts as an anxiolytic in rodents without other overt behavioral effects and has also been demonstrated to reduce self‐administration of nicotine, cocaine, or alcohol in rodents, suggesting that “fine tuning” of the GABAB receptor by positive allosteric modulators may be able to regulate abuse of these drugs. Baclofen, the GABAB agonist, is currently finding use in treating addiction and various other disorders, but this can result in off‐target effects and tolerance. CGP7930 when co‐administered with baclofen enhances its potency, which could in theory minimize deleterious effects. Further study of CGP7930 is required, but this compound, and others like it, holds potential in a clinical setting.
Biochemical Markers for Alcoholism
Authors: Cushman P. , Jacobson G. , Barboriak J. J. , Anderson A. J.
Published: September 2007

A panel of blood tests, purportedly markers for alcohol abuse, were examined in 543 relatively healthy alcoholics entering ambulatory rehabilitation treatment Individual tests were too low in sensitivity: γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase was abnormally high in only 49%, then mean corpuscular volume (45%), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) (25%), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) (28%), and blood alcohol (21%). HDLC was of low sensitivity, generally unaffected by liver disease, and related to quantitation of recent alcohol consumed.

Combining seven markers, 82% of males and 71% females had at least one abnormally high value. Histories of heavy recent drinking, positive blood alcohol levels on admission, and manifest liver disease on physical examination or by hyperbilirubinemia were associated with high sensitivities of individual and pooled markers.

The biochemical markers studied can be useful to suggest alcohol abuse, especially in some populations of drinkers. In other populations of alcoholics, especially with intermittent alcohol or recent abstinence, their sensitivities were so low as to discourage extensive reliance on their use. The diagnosis of alcoholism continues to depend on clinical history of alcohol‐related problems, including social, familial, legal, medical, psychological, and economic.
Transferrin Glycans
Authors: Regoeczi Erwin , Chindemi Paul A. , Debanne Maria T.
Published: September 2007

The hepatic uptake of 59Fe from diferrtc rat and rabbit asialotrans‐ferrins and from human transferrin lacking two sialyl residues was investigated in rats in experiments lasting for 1 hr. The 59Fe attached to either of these preparations disappeared from the plasma more rapidly than the 59Fe introduced with the unmodified respective parent proteins. Most of the 59Fe activity that had disappeared from the circulation could be recovered with the liver. Studies with double‐labeled (125I, 58Fe) preparations showed that the enhanced 58Fe clearance was not associated with increased catabolism of the modified transferrins.

Prolonged, heavy alcohol consumption, as shown by others, results in the appearance of sialic acid‐deficient transferrin (two residues missing) in human serum. We suggest that the increased capacity of transferrin deficient in sialic acid to selectively deposit iron in the nepatocyte may be of significance for the development of the hepatic siderosis observed in alcoholism.
Learning Achievement in Sons of Alcoholics
Authors: Hegedus Andrea M. , Alterman Arthur I. , Tarter Raiph E.
Published: September 2007

Adolescent sons of alcoholics, equated to sons of nonalcoholics on age, intelligence, and grade level, performed significantly more poorly on a standardized test of educational achievement Family environment and rated behavioral disturbance were not systematically correlated with educational achievement. Upon controlling for the effects of psychopathology, the highest and most numerous correlations were found between neuropsychological performance and educational achievement These findings suggest that cognitive impairment may be associated with the vulnerability for alcoholism.
Early versus Late Onset Alcoholism in Older Persons: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Atkinson Roland M. , Turner John A. , Kofoed Lial L. , Tolson Robert L.
Published: September 2007

Systematic data comparing early onset (EO) versus late onset (LO) subgroups of older alcoholics is presented in this preliminary clinical report Thirty‐six older active problem drinkers, ages 53 to 76 years at the time of entry into a special outpatient treatment program, were assessed on selected demographic, psychological, alcohol history, and alcohol treatment compliance variables. There were 14 EOs (first alcohol problem prior to age 40 years) and 22 LOs (first problem after age 40). Compared to EOs, LOs reported less family alcoholism and greater current psychological stability. Treatment compliance in both groups was similarly high, compared to overall clinic norms.
Characterization of Equine Adipose Tissue‐Derived Stromal Cells: Adipogenic and Osteogenic Capacity and Comparison with Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: VIDAL MARTIN A. , KILROY GAIL E. , LOPEZ MANDI J. , JOHNSON JILL R. , MOORE RUSTIN M. , GIMBLE JEFFREY M.
Published: September 2007

Objective—To characterize equine adipose tissue‐derived stromal cell (ASC) frequency and growth characteristics and assess of their adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential.

Study Design—In vitro experimental study.

Animals—Horses (n=5; aged, 9 months to 5 years).

Methods—Cell doubling characteristics of ASCs harvested from supragluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue were evaluated over 10 passages. Primary, second (P2), and fourth (P4) passage ASCs were induced under appropriate conditions to undergo adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Limit dilution assays were performed on each passage to determine the frequency of colony‐forming units with a fibroblastic (CFU‐F) phenotype and the frequency of ASC differentiation into the adipocyte (CFU‐Ad) and osteoblast (CFU‐Ob) phenotype.

Results—ASC isolates exhibited an average cell‐doubling time of 2.1±0.9 days during the first 10 cell doublings. Approximately 1 in 2.3±0.4 of the total stromal vascular fraction nucleated cells were ASCs, based on the CFU‐F assays, and 1 in 3.6±1.3 expressed alkaline phosphatase, an osteogenic marker. Primary ASCs differentiated in response to adipogenic (1 in 4.9±5.4, CFU‐Ad) and osteogenic (1 in <2.44, CFU‐Ob) inductive conditions and maintained their differentiation potential during subsequent passages (P2 and P4).

Conclusion—The frequency, in vitro growth rate, and adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of equine ASCs show some differences to those documented for ASCs in other mammalian species.

Clinical Relevance—Adipose tissue is a potential source of adult stem cells for tissue engineering applications in equine veterinary medicine.