bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcated current sheets produced by magnetic reconnection in the solar wind
Authors: Gosling J. T. , Szabo A.
Published: October 2008

We report observations from the Wind spacecraft of Petschek‐like magnetic reconnection exhausts and thin current sheets in the solar wind on 19 and 20 November 2007, encompassing a solar wind disturbance driven by a magnetic cloud and followed by a corotating high‐speed stream. We have identified an unusually large number (11) of reconnection exhausts in this 2‐day interval using 3‐s plasma and magnetic field data. Despite the relatively smooth large‐scale field rotation associated with the magnetic cloud, five of the exhausts occurred within the cloud; three of those exhausts were associated with extremely small (<18°) local field shear angles. All 11 exhausts contained double‐step magnetic field rotations; such double‐step rotations are called bifurcated current sheets since they result from the splitting of reconnecting current sheets as an after‐effect of the reconnection process. We have also identified 27 current sheets in this 2‐day interval that were too thin to be adequately resolved by the 3‐s plasma measurement cadence. All of these thin current sheets were well resolved by the 92 ms magnetic field measurement. At least three, and possibly six, of these relatively thin current sheets had double‐step magnetic field rotations, indicating the underlying current sheets had probably been disrupted by magnetic reconnection. Current sheets thinner than ∼3 ion inertial lengths were not present in this data set. The relative lack of such ultrathin current sheets in the solar wind in general suggests that such current sheets usually are quickly disrupted by magnetic reconnection.
Correlates of Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Obese Children
Authors: Morgan Philip J. , Okely Anthony D. , Cliff Dylan P. , Jones Rachel A. , Baur Louise A.
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to identify potential correlates of objectively measured physical activity in a sample of obese children. A cross‐sectional design was used to assess 137 5–9‐year‐old obese children (mean ± s.d. age = 8.3 ± 1.1 years; mean BMI z‐score = 2.76 ± 0.70; 58% girls) from two regional cities in New South Wales, Australia, before commencement in a treatment trial. Correlates examined included age, BMI z, parental BMI, perceived competence, health‐related quality of life, daily minutes spent in small screen recreation (SSR), and fundamental motor skill (FMS) proficiency. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and values were calculated for % of monitored time spent in moderate‐ (MPA) and vigorous (VPA)‐intensity physical activity and mean counts per minute (CPM). Analyses were conducted separately for boys and girls. Motor skill proficiency was significantly correlated with a number of physical activity variables for boys and girls. For boys, regression analysis revealed object‐control proficiency predicted CPM (R2 = 0.25) and age was a predictor of %MPA (R2 = 0.56). Age and object‐control skill proficiency were salient predictors of %VPA (R2 = 0.34). For girls, age and daily minutes of SSR were the only significant predictors for CPM (R2 = 0.13). Age was the sole predictor of %MPA (R2 = 0.38) and %VPA (R2 = 0.15). The targeting of FMSs at an early age should be tested in experimental studies as potential strategies to increase physical activity among obese children, particularly for boys. Interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviors among obese girls should also be considered.
Hypobromous acid and bromamine production by neutrophils and modulation by superoxide
Authors: Chapman Anna L. P. , Skaff Ojia , Senthilmohan Revathy , Kettle Anthony J. , Davies Michael J.
Published: October 2008

MPO (myeloperoxidase) catalyses the oxidation of chloride, bromide and thiocyanate to their respective hypohalous acids. We have investigated the generation of HOBr by human neutrophils in the presence of physiological concentrations of chloride and bromide. HOBr was trapped with taurine and detected by monitoring the bromination of 4-HPAA (4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid). With 100 μM bromide and 140 mM chloride, neutrophils generated HOBr and it accounted for approx. 13% of the hypohalous acids they produced. Addition of SOD (superoxide dismutase) doubled the amount of HOBr detected. Therefore we investigated the reaction of superoxide radicals with a range of bromamines and bromamides and found that superoxide radicals stimulated the decomposition of these species, with this occurring in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The protection afforded by SOD against such decay demonstrates that these processes are superoxide-radical-dependent. These data are consistent with neutrophils generating HOBr at sites of infection and inflammation. Both HOBr and bromamines/bromamides have the potential to react with superoxide radicals to form additional radicals that may contribute to inflammatory tissue damage.
Controlled fabrication of SnO2 solid and hollow nanocubes with a simple hydrothermal route
Authors: Shi Liang , Bao Keyan , Cao Jie , Qian Yitai
Published: October 2008

Sn O 2 solid and hollow nanocubes have been fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal treatment of tin foil in aqueous alkaline solutions at 200°C. The obtained cubes have an average edge length of about 300nm, and the thickness of the hollow cubes’ shell is in the range of 30–50nm. Based on the time-dependent experiments, the evacuation behavior of Ostwald ripening is proposed to explain the formation mechanism of hollow cubes. Cathodoluminescence measurements disclose that the intensity for two peaks of hollow SnO2 nanocubes is enhanced significantly with respect to that of solid nanocubes.
Calculation of absolute protein-ligand binding free energy using distributed replica sampling
Authors: Rodinger Tomas , Howell P. Lynne , Pomès Régis
Published: October 2008

Distributed replica sampling [T. Rodinger et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2, 725 (2006)] is a simple and general scheme for Boltzmann sampling of conformational space by computer simulation in which multiple replicas of the system undergo a random walk in reaction coordinate or temperature space. Individual replicas are linked through a generalized Hamiltonian containing an extra potential energy term or bias which depends on the distribution of all replicas, thus enforcing the desired sampling distribution along the coordinate or parameter of interest regardless of free energy barriers. In contrast to replica exchange methods, efficient implementation of the algorithm does not require synchronicity of the individual simulations. The algorithm is inherently suited for large-scale simulations using shared or heterogeneous computing platforms such as a distributed network. In this work, we build on our original algorithm by introducing Boltzmann-weighted jumping, which allows moves of a larger magnitude and thus enhances sampling efficiency along the reaction coordinate. The approach is demonstrated using a realistic and biologically relevant application; we calculate the standard binding free energy of benzene to the L99A mutant of T4 lysozyme. Distributed replica sampling is used in conjunction with thermodynamic integration to compute the potential of mean force for extracting the ligand from protein and solvent along a nonphysical spatial coordinate. Dynamic treatment of the reaction coordinate leads to faster statistical convergence of the potential of mean force than a conventional static coordinate, which suffers from slow transitions on a rugged potential energy surface.
Quantifying the effects of the self-interaction error in density functional theory: When do the delocalized states appear? II. Iron-oxo complexes and closed-shell substrate molecules
Authors: Johansson Adam Johannes , Blomberg Margareta R. A. , Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: October 2008

Effects of the self-interaction error (SIE) in approximate density functional theory have several times been reported and quantified for the dissociation of charged radicals, charge transfer complexes, polarizabilities, and for transition states of reactions involving main-group molecules. In the present contribution, effects of the SIE in systems composed of a catalytic transition metal complex and a closed-shell substrate molecule are investigated. For this type of system, effects of the SIE have not been reported earlier. It is found that although the best density functionals (e.g., B3LYP) are capable of accurate predictions of structure, thermodynamics, and reactivity of such systems, there are situations and systems for which the magnitude of the SIE can be large, and for which the effects can be severe for the modeling of chemical reactivity. The largest energetic effect reported here is the artificial stabilization of a catalyst-substrate complex by as much as 18kcal∕mol. Also, the disappearance of significant energy barriers for hydrogen atom transfer in certain systems are reported. In line with earlier work, it is found that the magnitude of the SIE is related to the energetics of electron transfer between the metal catalyst and the substrate molecule. It is suggested that these problems might be circumvented by the inclusion of counterions or point charges that would alter the energetics of electron transfer. It is also pointed out that the effects of SIE in the modeling of transition metal reactivity need to be investigated further.
Beyond ray tracing for internal waves. I. Small-amplitude anelastic waves
Authors: Nault Joshua T. , Sutherland Bruce R.
Published: October 2008

We compute the transmission of small-amplitude two-dimensional anelastic internal waves in nonrotating inviscid fluid having arbitrarily specified stratification and background velocity. Whereas stability analyses of the flow involve solving an eigenvalue problem that relates the frequency to horizontal wavenumber, we focus upon the evolution of waves incident from below with independently specified frequency and horizontal wavenumber. A numerical method is developed to ensure that the wave field in the upper domain corresponds only to upward-propagating transmitted waves. Two particular applications are discussed. First, internal waves incident upon a piecewise-linear shear layer are examined and their transmission is computed as a function of the bulk Richardson number Rib and the ratio of the density scale height relative to the depth of the shear layer. The waves transmit partially across critical levels if they coincide with heights where the gradient Richardson number is less than 1/4. Transmission is larger if Rib is smaller. Decreasing the density scale height reduces the frequency and wavenumber range over which internal waves propagate, but this does not significantly affect the magnitude of transmission. Second, internal waves generated by flow over Jan Mayen island are examined. Although the waves are ducted, the waves are found to transmit partially through the top of the duct. The results are used to interpret the discrepancy between predictions of the Fourier-ray tracing model and fully nonlinear numerical simulations of Eckermann et al. [Mon. Weather Rev. 134, 2830 (2006)].
Crohn's disease evaluated with magnetic resonance enteroclysis: diagnostic performance of experienced and inexperienced readers before and after training
Authors: Negaard A. , Mulahasanovic A. , Reisaeter L. A. , Aasekjaer K. , Sandvik L. , Klow N.-E.
Published: October 2008

Background: Magnetic resonance enteroclysis (MRE) is suggested to become the preferred radiological method in small-bowel Crohn's disease (CD). However, the performance of inexperienced readers may influence the diagnostic value of the method and has not been previously investigated.

Purpose: To compare readings of MRE in small-bowel CD performed by experienced and inexperienced readers before and after training.

Material and Methods: One experienced radiologist (observer 1) and two trainees (observers 2 and 3) reviewed 60 MRE examinations. A second reading was performed after training. Bowel wall thickness (BWT), ulcers (BWU), stenosis (BWS), fistulas (FIS), and abscesses (ABS) were evaluated. A reference standard based on clinical records was established.

Results: BWT in the terminal ileum was evaluated with high diagnostic performance (sensitivity: observer 1, 83%; observer 2, 72%; observer 3, 78%). Only BWU was diagnosed with a higher sensitivity by observer 1 (78% vs. 33% and 39%, respectively; P=0.02). False-positive findings for BWT in the jejunum (observer 2: 7; observer 3: 4) and fistulas and abscesses (observer 2: 11/5; observer 3: 5/4) were made by the trainees. Interobserver agreement in the jejunum was poor (observer 1/observer 2: κ=0.23; observer 1/observer 3: κ=−0.03) and in the ileum good (observer 1/observer 2: κ=0.78; observer 1/observer 3: κ=0.73). After training, evaluation of BWU (observer 2: 56%, P=0.22; observer 3: 44%, P=0.03), BWT (observer 2: 2; observer 3: 2), and interobserver agreement in the jejunum improved (observer 1/observer 2: κ=0.66; observer 1/observer 3: κ=0.66). However, the number of diagnosed fistulas and abscesses remained high.

Conclusion: Before training, most findings of Crohn's disease in the terminal ileum were evaluated with high diagnostic performance by all readers. However, the inexperienced readers evaluated BWU with a low sensitivity and overestimated the number of FIS, number of ABS, and increased BWT in the jejunum. After training, evaluation by inexperienced readers of BWU and increased BWT in the jejunum improved.
Putting the Brake on FEAR: Tof2 Promotes the Biphasic Release of Cdc14 Phosphatase during Mitotic Exit
Authors: Waples William G. , Chahwan Charly , Ciechonska Marta , Lavoie Brigitte D.
Published: October 2008

The completion of chromosome segregation during anaphase requires the hypercondensation of the ∼1-Mb rDNA array, a reaction dependent on condensin and Cdc14 phosphatase. Using systematic genetic screens, we identified 29 novel genetic interactions with budding yeast condensin. Of these, FOB1, CSM1, LRS4, and TOF2 were required for the mitotic condensation of the tandem rDNA array localized on chromosome XII. Interestingly, whereas Fob1 and the monopolin subunits Csm1 and Lrs4 function in rDNA condensation throughout M phase, Tof2 was only required during anaphase. We show that Tof2, which shares homology with the Cdc14 inhibitor Net1/Cfi1, interacts with Cdc14 phosphatase and its deletion suppresses defects in mitotic exit network (MEN) components. Consistent with these genetic data, the onset of Cdc14 release from the nucleolus was similar in TOF2 and tof2Δ cells; however, the magnitude of the release was dramatically increased in the absence of Tof2, even when the MEN pathway was compromised. These data support a model whereby Tof2 coordinates the biphasic release of Cdc14 during anaphase by restraining a population of Cdc14 in the nucleolus after activation of the Cdc14 early anaphase release (FEAR) network, for subsequent release by the MEN.
Nucleocytoplasmic Traffic of CPEB1 and Accumulation in Crm1 Nucleolar Bodies
Authors: Ernoult-Lange Michèle , Wilczynska Ania , Harper Maryannick , Aigueperse Christelle , Dautry François , Kress Michel , Weil Dominique
Published: October 2008

The translational regulator CPEB1 plays a major role in the control of maternal mRNA in oocytes, as well as of subsynaptic mRNAs in neurons. Although mainly cytoplasmic, we found that CPEB1 protein is continuously shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm. Its export is controlled by two redundant NES motifs dependent on the nuclear export receptor Crm1. In the nucleus, CPEB1 accumulates in a few foci most often associated with nucleoli. These foci are different from previously identified nuclear bodies. They contain Crm1 and were called Crm1 nucleolar bodies (CNoBs). CNoBs depend on RNA polymerase I activity, indicating a role in ribosome biogenesis. However, although they form in the nucleolus, they never migrate to the nuclear envelope, precluding a role as a mediator for ribosome export. They could rather constitute a platform providing factors for ribosome assembly or export. The behavior of CPEB1 in CNoBs raises the possibility that it is involved in ribosome biogenesis.
Phylogenomic Analyses Support the Monophyly of Taphrinomycotina, including Schizosaccharomyces Fission Yeasts
Authors: Liu Yu , Leigh Jessica W. , Brinkmann Henner , Cushion Melanie T. , Rodriguez-Ezpeleta Naiara , Philippe Hervé , Lang B. Franz
Published: October 2008

Several morphologically dissimilar ascomycete fungi including Schizosaccharomyces, Taphrina, Saitoella, Pneumocystis, and Neolecta have been grouped into the taxon Taphrinomycotina (Archiascomycota or Archiascomycotina), originally based on rRNA phylogeny. These analyses lack statistically significant support for the monophyly of this grouping, and although confirmed by more recent multigene analyses, this topology is contradicted by mitochondrial phylogenies. To resolve this inconsistency, we have assembled phylogenomic mitochondrial and nuclear data sets from four distantly related taphrinomycotina taxa: Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Pneumocystis carinii, Saitoella complicata, and Taphrina deformans. Our phylogenomic analyses based on nuclear data (113 proteins) conclusively support the monophyly of Taphrinomycotina, diverging as a sister group to Saccharomycotina + Pezizomycotina. However, despite the improved taxon sampling, Taphrinomycotina continue to be paraphyletic with the mitochondrial data set (13 proteins): Schizosaccharomyces species associate with budding yeasts (Saccharomycotina) and the other Taphrinomycotina group as a sister group to Saccharomycotina + Pezizomycotina. Yet, as Schizosaccharomyces and Saccharomycotina species are fast evolving, the mitochondrial phylogeny may be influenced by a long-branch attraction (LBA) artifact. After removal of fast-evolving sequence positions from the mitochondrial data set, we recover the monophyly of Taphrinomycotina. Our combined results suggest that Taphrinomycotina is a legitimate taxon, that this group of species diverges as a sister group to Saccharomycotina + Pezizomycotina, and that phylogenetic positioning of yeasts and fission yeasts with mitochondrial data is plagued by a strong LBA artifact.
An in vitro model to evaluate virus aerosol characteristics using a GFP-expressing adenovirus
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Liu Qicai , Bi Xinhui , Sheng Guoying , Fu Jiamo , Ran Pixin , Li Bing
Published: October 2008

Assessment of virus aerosol characteristics is important in designing methods for controlling infectious virus aerosols. The factors relevant to aerosol characteristics include aerosol particle size, concentration, infectivity and virulence. To investigate these characteristics and their changes in different environmental conditions, a laboratory model is required. In this study, replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus (RDRADS) encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as a model virus. Model virus aerosols were generated using a TK-3 aerosol generator attached to a chamber which could simulate different environmental conditions. Virus aerosol specimens were collected with an FA-1 six-stage impact sampler. The relative genome copy number of viruses in the aerosol was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The number of virus-infected PK15 (pig kidney) cells was determined by counting cells with green fluorescence under a fluorescence microscope at 48 h post-inoculation. Fifteen experiments in different conditions were performed. We found that the viral DNA was present in stages 4–6 of the sampler, with the peak value at stage 5, corresponding to aerosols with a particle size of 0.65–3.3 μm. PK15 cells with green fluorescence showed the same size distribution range at temperatures >29 °C and above, where no green fluorescent cells were found, while the genome copy number assayed by real-time PCR remained unchanged. In the presence of high concentrations of particulate matter created by burning biomass, the peak value of virus genome copy number and green fluorescent cell counts shifted to stage 4 of the sampler, corresponding to aerosols with a particle size of 2.1–3.3 μm. The results provide evidence that viruses are present in the atmosphere as aerosols, which are much larger than their own particle size, and that the viruses in the aerosols are affected by atmospheric conditions. Our laboratory model was shown to be feasible for investigating the relationship between the characteristics of viruses and atmospheric conditions.
Molecular characterization of invasive and non-invasive Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from Romania
Authors: Luca-Harari Bogdan , Straut Monica , Cretoiu Silvia , Surdeanu Maria , Ungureanu Vasilica , van der Linden Mark , Jasir Aftab
Published: October 2008

In 2002, the Romanian National Reference Laboratory was invited to join the Strep-EURO project to study invasiveStreptococcus pyogenesinfections. During 2003 and 2004, a total of 33 isolates recovered from invasive disease were received from eight Romanian counties. For comparison, 102 isolates from non-invasive disease, as well as a collection of 12 old invasive strains (isolated between 1967 and 1980) were included. All isolates were characterized by several methods: T andemmtyping, presence of the fibronectin-binding protein F1 gene (prtF1), serum opacity factor (sof), and superantigen (SAg) genes (speA,speB,speC,speF,speG,speH,ssaandsmeZ). The recent invasive isolates exhibited 19emm-types, of whichemm1,emm81,emm76,emm49 andemm78 covered 57 % of the strains. Furthermore, multilocus sequence typing analysis revealed nine new sequence types, corresponding toemmtypes 1, 12, 49, 81, 92, 100, 106 and 119. The non-invasive isolates comprised 24 differentemmtypes with a predominance ofemm1 and 12; the old invasive strains were of eightemmtypes, of which four were unique for this group. All isolates harbouredspeBandspeF;smeZwas detected in all invasive strains, except for theemm49 andemm81 isolates. The majority of isolates from carriers, and patients with pharyngitis wereprtF1positive, most of these (14 strains) beingemm12. High tetracycline resistance rates were noted among both invasive and control isolates (54 % and 35 %, respectively), whereas macrolide resistance rates were low (3 % and 5 %, respectively). Active and continuing surveillance is required to provide an accurate assessment of the disease burden and to provide epidemiological data on the character of isolates in Romania.
Carbon Isotope Fractionation during Photorespiration and Carboxylation in Senecio
Authors: Lanigan Gary J. , Betson Nicholas , Griffiths Howard , Seibt Ulli
Published: October 2008

The magnitude of fractionation during photorespiration and the effect on net photosynthetic 13C discrimination (Δ) were investigated for three Senecio species, S. squalidus, S. cineraria, and S. greyii. We determined the contributions of different processes during photosynthesis to Δ by comparing observations (Δobs) with discrimination predicted from gas-exchange measurements (Δpred). Photorespiration rates were manipulated by altering the O2 partial pressure (pO2) in the air surrounding the leaves. Contributions from 13C-depleted photorespiratory CO2 were largest at high pO2. The parameters for photorespiratory fractionation (f), net fractionation during carboxylation by Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (b), and mesophyll conductance (g  i) were determined simultaneously for all measurements. Instead of using Δobs data to obtain g  i and f successively, which requires that b is known, we treated b, f, and g  i as unknowns. We propose this as an alternative approach to analyze measurements under field conditions when b and g  i are not known or cannot be determined in separate experiments. Good agreement between modeled and observed Δ was achieved with f = 11.6‰ ± 1.5‰, b = 26.0‰ ± 0.3‰, and g  i of 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.25 ± 0.01, and 0.22 ± 0.01 mol m−2 s−1 for S. squalidus, S. cineraria, and S. greyii, respectively. We estimate that photorespiratory fractionation decreases Δ by about 1.2‰ on average under field conditions. In addition, diurnal changes in Δ are likely to reflect variations in photorespiration even at the canopy level. Our results emphasize that the effects of photorespiration must be taken into account when partitioning net CO2 exchange of ecosystems into gross fluxes of photosynthesis and respiration.
Association of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations with EGFR amplification in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Morinaga Ryotaro , Okamoto Isamu , Fujita Yoshihiko , Arao Tokuzo , Sekijima Masaru , Nishio Kazuto , Ito Hiroyuki , Fukuoka Masahiro , Kadota Jun‐ichi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: October 2008

Somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are associated with the response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Increased EGFR copy number has also been associated with sensitivity to these drugs. However, given that it is often difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of tumor tissue for genetic analysis from patients with advanced NSCLC, the relationship between these two types of EGFR alterations has remained unclear. We have now evaluated EGFR mutation status both by direct sequencing and with a high‐sensitivity assay, the Scorpion‐amplification‐refractory mutation system, and have determined EGFR copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis in paired tumor specimens obtained from 100 consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with chemotherapy. EGFR mutations or FISH positivity (EGFR amplification or high polysomy) were apparent in 18% (18/100) and 32% (32/100) of patients, respectively. The Scorpion‐amplification‐refractory mutation system was more sensitive than direct sequencing for the detection of EGFR mutations. Furthermore, EGFR mutations were associated with EGFR amplification (P = 0.009) but not with FISH positivity (P = 0.266). Our results therefore suggest the existence of a significant association between EGFR mutation and EGFR amplification in patients with advanced NSCLC. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2455–2460)
Influence of co‐occurring mental and substance use disorders on the prevalence of problem gambling in Canada
Authors: Rush Brian R. , Bassani Diego G. , Urbanoski Karen A. , Castel Saulo
Published: October 2008

Context/background  Research has shown that problem gambling (PG) is associated with substance use disorders (SUD) and also with other mental disorders (MD). Nevertheless, evidence about the relative contribution of each type of disorder for the risk of gambling in the population is very limited.

Objective  Study the association of SUD, alone and in combination with MD, with the prevalence and severity of PG.

Design  Cross‐sectional national survey (Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health and Well‐Being) data collected through a multi‐stage stratified cluster design.

Setting  Population‐based household survey.

Participants  This analysis includes data on 36 885 participants (99.7% of the survey sample).

Main outcome measures  The prevalence and severity of PG were measured using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Prevalence of MD (mood and anxiety disorders) and SUD were defined according to the World Mental Health Survey Initiative Composite International Diagnostic Interview, following definitions of the DSM‐IV.

Results  Compared to the population, higher prevalence rates of PG are observed when the severity of SUD is higher, but are not impacted by the co‐occurrence of MD. For individuals with low risk and moderate risk/problem gambling, the prevalence rate difference (prevalence rate in the subgroup minus prevalence rate in the population) observed among substance dependents was reduced when MD co‐occurred (from a prevalence rate difference of 2.5; 99% confidence interval 1.6–3.8 to 1.6; 99% confidence interval 1.2–2.2 for low risk gamblers and from 3.7; 99% confidence interval 1.6–5.5 to 2.9; 99% confidence interval 2.0–4.3 for moderate risk/problem gamblers). Estimates were not statistically different.

Conclusions  Prevalence of all levels of PG increased with SUD severity, but the pattern did not appear to be affected by MD co‐occurrence. Results suggest particular attention be given to SUD in treatment‐seeking clients with co‐occurring disorders.
Development and validation of a quantitative PCR to detect Parvicapsula minibicornis and comparison to histologically ranked infection of juvenile Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), from the Klamath River, USA
Authors: True K , Purcell M K , Foott J S
Published: October 2008

Parvicapsula minibicornis is a myxosporean parasite that is associated with disease in Pacific salmon during their freshwater life history phase. This study reports the development of a quantitative (real‐time) polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to detect P. minibicornis DNA. The QPCR assay targets the 18S ribosomal subunit gene. A plasmid DNA control was developed to calibrate cycle threshold (CT) score to plasmid molecular equivalent (PME) units, a measure of gene copy number. Assay validation revealed that the QPCR was sensitive and able to detect 50 ag of plasmid DNA, which was equivalent to 12.5 PME. The QPCR assay could detect single P. minibicornis actinospores well above assay sensitivity, indicating a single spore contains at least 100 times the 18S DNA copies required for detection. The QPCR assay was repeatable and highly specific; no detectable amplification was observed using DNA from related myxozoan parasites. The method was validated using kidney tissues from 218 juvenile Chinook salmon sampled during the emigration period of March to July 2005 from the Klamath River. The QPCR assay was compared with histological examination. The QPCR assay detected P. minibicornis infection in 88.1% of the fish sampled, while histological examination detected infection in 71.1% of the fish sampled. Good concordance was found between the methods as 80% of the samples were in agreement. The majority of the disconcordant fish were positive by QPCR, with low levels of P. minibicornis DNA, but negative by histology. The majority of the fish rated histologically as having subclinical or clinical infections had high QPCR levels. The results of this study demonstrate that QPCR is a sensitive quantitative tool for evaluating P. minibicornis infection in fish health monitoring studies.
Heritability of mortality in response to a natural pancreas disease (SPDV) challenge in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., post‐smolts on a West of Ireland sea site
Authors: Norris A , Foyle L , Ratcliff J
Published: October 2008

Pancreas disease (PD) is an economically important disease of European farmed Atlantic salmon. It can cause significant losses because of morbidity, mortality and reduced production. The disease is caused by an alphavirus, known as salmon PD virus (SPDV) or salmonid alphavirus subtype 1 in Ireland. To examine whether it is possible to improve the natural resistance of Atlantic salmon to SPDV by selective breeding, 6000 genotyped, tagged, pedigreed fish from 150 full‐sib families were exposed to a natural challenge during 2005 in a sea cage on a commercial salmon farm in the West of Ireland. Histopathological and serological examination was performed weekly on a proportion of all moribund fish to determine the onset of the infection and the likely cause of death. Heritabilities and genetic correlations are presented for resistance to a natural PD challenge and smolt input weight. The results indicate that the susceptibility of salmon to SPDV could be reduced by selective breeding based on the survival in a natural challenge to the virus.
Characterisation of five novel HLA‐G alleles with coding DNA base changes
Authors: Lajoie J. , Jeanneau A. , Faucher M.‐C. , Moreau P. , Roger M.
Published: October 2008

We identified five novel human leukocyte antigen‐G alleles with protein‐modifying mutations in Caucasian and/or African populations.
Postprandial oxidative losses of free and protein‐bound amino acids in the diet: interactions and adaptation
Authors: Nolles J. A. , Verreijen A. M. , Koopmanschap R. E. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Schreurs V. V. A. M.
Published: October 2008

Postprandial oxidation of dietary free amino acids or egg white protein was studied using the [13CO2] breath test in rats, as well as in humans. Thirty‐eight male rats were assigned to four dietary test groups. Two diets only differed in their protein fraction. Diet I contained 21% egg white protein. For the breath test egg white protein, intrinsically labelled with [1‐13C]‐leucine, was used as a substrate. Diet II contained the same amino acids as diet I, though not as egg white protein but in free form. Free [1‐13C]‐leucine was used to label this diet. In addition, two 1:1 mixtures of both diets were used. During the breath test either the free amino acid or the protein fraction was labelled as in diets I or II. The animals were breath‐tested following short‐term (day 5) and long‐term adaptation (day 20) to their experimental diet. For all diets, including the mixed diets, postprandial oxidative losses on day 5 were significantly higher for the free leucine compared with the protein‐derived leucine. Differences between free and protein‐derived leucine oxidation had, however, largely disappeared on day 20. The human subjects were breath‐tested without any adaptation period to the diets. The oxidative losses of free leucine were also higher than those of protein‐derived leucine. None of the studies showed any indication for an interaction between the oxidation of protein‐derived amino acids and free amino acids. It is concluded that free and protein‐derived amino acids in the diet are mainly metabolized independently.
Mycotoxin‐producing Fusarium Species Occurring in Winter Wheat in Belgium (Flanders) During 2002–2005
Authors: Isebaert Sofie , De Saeger Sarah , Devreese Ruth , Verhoeven Ruth , Maene Peter , Heremans Betty , Haesaert Geert
Published: October 2008

Deoxynivalenol (DON) content and Fusarium spp. (Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium avenaceum, Microdochium nivale and Fusarium poae) of mycotoxin‐producing Fusarium species in winter wheat in Belgium (Flanders) were determined. Field trials were set up in the varietal testing network of Flanders Agricultural Centre for Small Grains (Roeselare – Beitem, Belgium) and followed up during growing seasons 2001–2002, 2002–2003, 2003–2004 and 2004–2005. Fusarium infection and DON contamination were mainly influenced by location and environmental parameters. Mean DON levels ranged from 0 to 15 mg/kg. Over the period of four growing seasons cvs Deben, Ordeal and Napier had the highest DON contamination. Seasonal and local weather conditions before and during flowering together with local crop husbandry measures (crop rotation, soil preparation) seemed to be of great importance in explaining the variation in results obtained. At Bottelare a positive correlation between disease index and DON content was found for the growing seasons 2001–2002 and 2002–2003, but not the season 2003–2004. Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum were in general the most frequently occurring Fusarium spp. in Flanders over the 4 years but the composition of the Fusarium population varied strongly from location to location and from year to year. Fusarium graminearum predominated in areas especially where maize was cultivated, whereas in areas with more small cereals in the crop rotation more F. culmorum was present. Also temperature played a role in the composition of Fusarium spp.
The Effects of Sample Size on the Outcome of Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation
Authors: Ferreira M , Bos‐Mikich A , Frantz N , Rodrigues JL , Brunetto AL , Schwartsmann G
Published: October 2008

Contents

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is known to affect follicular survival. Several variables may be responsible for this. Little attention has focused on the effect of the size of the fragment to be cryopreserved. This study was conducted to assess the effect of the size of the tissue on follicular histology after freezing with 1,2‐propanediol. Histological evaluations were performed of control and cryopreserved tissue. Fragments were cut 10 × 3 × 2 mm3 (2 mm group) or 10 × 3 × 4 mm3 (4 mm group). Percentages of normal follicles in control fragments cut into 2 and 4 mm slices were 56% and 34%, respectively. The relative risks to obtain normal follicles in the 2 mm and the 4 mm fragments after cryopreservation were 0.63 and 0.47, respectively. Freezing reduced follicle survival to a significantly greater extent in the larger tissue fragments. There is an increased risk of damage to primary and primordial follicles, when the tissue slices are cut with all dimensions larger than 2 mm.
Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and C‐reactive protein levels in pre‐eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women at third trimester
Authors: Deveci Koksal , Sogut Erkan , Evliyaoglu Osman , Duras Nuriye
Published: October 2008

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the levels of plasma pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in pre‐eclampsia and their association with the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP).

Material and Methods:  Sixty‐seven women with pre‐eclampsia symptoms were matched with 56 normal pregnant controls for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Both of the groups were third trimester. PAPP‐A and CRP were measured in serum using chemiluminescence assay and nephelometry, respectively.

Results:  Maternal serum levels of PAPP‐A and CRP were increased in women with pre‐eclampsia compared to controls. There were significant correlations between MAP and CRP (r = 0.372, P = 0.002) and MAP and PAPP‐A parameters (r = 0.301, P = 0.013) in pregnancies complicated with pre‐eclampsia. PAPP‐A had no correlation with CRP in patients with pre‐eclampsia and in normotensive pregnant women.

Conclusions:  We found higher levels of PAPP‐A and CRP and the presence of a good correlation between CRP and MAP in pre‐eclampsia.
Deciding Who Will Die: Qalys and Political Theory
Authors: Crisp Roger
Published: October 2008

A political doctrine I take to be simply a coherently related set of proposals for the conciliation of actual social demands in relation to a scarcity of resources (Crick 1982, p 32).
Monetary Policy in the Greenspan Era: A Time Series Analysis of Rules vs. Discretion*
Authors: Christensen Anders Møller , Nielsen Heino Bohn
Published: October 2008

Relationships between the Federal funds rate, unemployment, inflation and the long‐term bond rate are investigated with cointegration techniques. We find a stable long‐term relationship between the Federal funds rate, unemployment and the bond rate. This relationship is interpretable as a policy target because deviations are corrected via the Federal funds rate. Deviations of the actual Federal funds rate from the estimated target give simple indications of discretionary monetary policy, and the larger deviations relate to special episodes outside the current information set. A more traditional Taylor‐type target, where inflation appears instead of the bond rate, does not seem congruent with the data.
Access to Telephone Services and Household Income in Poor Rural Areas Using a Quasi‐natural Experiment for Peru
Authors: CHONG ALBERTO , GALDO VIRGILIO , TORERO MÁXIMO
Published: October 2008

We take advantage of a quasi‐natural experiment in Peru in which a privatized telecommunications company was required by the government to randomly install and operate public pay phones in small rural towns throughout the country. Using an especially designed household survey for a representative sample of rural towns, we are able to link access to telephone services with household income. We find that, regardless of income measurement, most characteristics of public telephone use are positively linked with income. Remarkably, the benefits are given at both non‐farm and farm income levels. The findings hold when using propensity score matching methods.
Private Investor Participation and Commercialization Rates for Government‐sponsored Research and Development: Would a Prediction Market Improve the Performance of the SBIR Programme?
Authors: LINK ALBERT N. , SCOTT JOHN T.
Published: October 2008

An objective of the US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programme is the private sector commercialization of funded R&D projects. However, our estimate of the actual or expected probability of commercialization of such R&D is fairly low; our analysis of Department of Defense (DoD) Phase II awards suggests that the estimated probability of commercialization is only 0.47. We investigate econometrically whether outside private investors have useful information about proposed SBIR projects' prospects for commercialization. Our findings suggest that they do, thereby providing support for the possibility that a prediction market could improve the performance of the SBIR programme.
SYMPOSIUM: RESURGENT ISLAM IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Authors: Pelletreau Robert H. , Pipes Daniel , Esposito John L.
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited version of the proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the Middle East Policy Council on May 26, 1994, in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. Former Senator George McGovern, President of the Council, introduced the panel; Thomas R. Mattair, the Council̂s Director of Research and Policy Analysis, was the organizer and moderator; Michael Collins Dunn, Senior Analyst of The International Estimate, Inc., and editor of its biweekly newsletter, The Estimate, was the discussant.
Symposium: Reexamining The Arab‐Israeli Peace Process
Authors: Satterfield David , Zogby James , Lustick Ian S.
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited version of the proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the Middle East Policy Council on March 9, 1995, in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Former Senator George McGovern, president of the Middle East Policy Council, introduced the panel. The organizer and moderator was Thomas R. Mattair, the council'S director of research and policy analysis.
The Palestinian Refugees
Authors: Arzt Donna E. , Peretz Don
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited text of the presentations at the December 7, 1999, meeting of the Sadat Forum at Brookings, cohosted by Richard Haass, vice‐president and director of Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, and Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland.
The Caspian Region and the New Great Powers
Authors: Goldwyn David L. , Olcott Martha Brill , Nanay Julia , Stauffer Thomas R.
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited transcript of the twenty‐second in a series of Capitol Hill conferences convened by the Middle East Policy Council. The meeting was held on September 15, 2000, in the Capitol Building with Chas. W. Freeman, Jr., moderating.
Cell and molecular mechanisms of insulin‐induced angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Yan , Petreaca Melissa , Martins‐Green Manuela
Published: October 2008

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessel from pre‐existing vessels, is a key process in the formation of the granulation tissue during wound healing. The appropriate development of new blood vessels, along with their subsequent maturation and differentiation, establishes the foundation for functional wound neovasculature. We performed studies in vivo and used a variety of cellular and molecular approaches in vitro to show that insulin stimulates angiogenesis and to elucidate the signalling mechanisms by which this protein stimulates microvessel development. Mice skin injected with insulin shows longer vessels with more branches, along with increased numbers of associated α‐smooth muscle actin‐expressing cells, suggesting the appropriate differentiation and maturation of the new vessels. We also found that insulin stimulates human microvascular endothelial cell migration and tube formation, and that these effects occur independently of VEGF/VEGFR signalling, but are dependent upon the insulin receptor itself. Downstream signalling pathways involve PI3K, Akt, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1) and Rac1; inhibition of these pathways results in elimination of endothelial cell migration and tube formation and significantly decreases the development of microvessels. Our findings strongly suggest that insulin is a good candidate for the treatment of ischaemic wounds and other conditions in which blood vessel development is impaired.
Differential involvement of the extracellular 6‐O‐endosulfatases Sulf1 and Sulf2 in brain development and neuronal and behavioural plasticity
Authors: Kalus Ina , Salmen Benedikt , Viebahn Christoph , Figura Kurt von , Schmitz Dietmar , D'Hooge Rudi , Dierks Thomas
Published: October 2008

The extracellular sulfatases Sulf1 and Sulf2 remove specific 6‐O‐sulfate groups from heparan sulfate, thereby modulating numerous signalling pathways underlying development and homeostasis. In vitro data have suggested that the two enzymes show functional redundancy. To elucidate their in vivo functions and to further address the question of a putative redundancy, we have generated Sulf1‐ and Sulf2‐deficient mice. Phenotypic analysis of these animals revealed higher embryonic lethality of Sulf2 knockout mice, which can be associated with neuroanatomical malformations during embryogenesis. Sulf1 seems not to be essential for developmental or postnatal viability, as mice deficient in this sulfatase show no overt phenotype. However, neurite outgrowth deficits were observed in hippocampal and cerebellar neurons of both mutant mouse lines, suggesting that not only Sulf2 but also Sulf1 function plays a role in the developing nervous system. Behavioural analysis revealed differential deficits with regard to cage activity and spatial learning for Sulf1‐ and Sulf2‐deficient mouse lines. In addition, Sulf1‐specific deficits were shown for synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, associated with a reduced spine density. These results reveal that Sulf1 and Sulf2 fulfil non‐redundant functions in vivo in the development and maintenance of the murine nervous system.