bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting %CDT Status at Entry Into a Multisite Clinical Treatment Trial: Experience from the COMBINE Study
Authors: Anton Raymond F. , Youngblood Marston
Published: October 2006

Background: Carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) occurs as a higher percentage of normal transferrin (%CDT) in heavy drinkers. %CDT is used as a marker of both alcohol use disorder severity and treatment outcome both clinically and in treatment trials. Nevertheless, little is known about the parameters that predict which patients are %CDT positives at treatment entry. These parameters might include level of drinking, days of abstinence before testing, and severity of alcohol dependence before evaluation.

Methods: %CDT levels were collected before randomization from participants of the COMBINE Study, a large federally sponsored multisite clinical trial evaluating medications and behavioral therapies in alcohol‐dependent outpatients. %CDT (assayed in a central laboratory) was available in 1,193 individuals for whom drinking history in the 30 days before testing and measures of alcoholism severity were documented. The effects of drinking history and alcohol severity were evaluated for prediction of a %CDT‐positive test status.

Results: Less percent days abstinent (PDA) and more drinks per drinking day (DDD) were predictive of higher rates of %CDT‐positive patients (maximum 67%). Up to 14 days of continuous abstinence before testing did not appear to significantly affect %CDT status. Rates of %CDT positives remained reasonably steady up to about 40% PDA. Years of drinking at dependence levels had an unexpected negative impact on %CDT‐positive rates while previous treatment had a small but positive impact of %CDT‐positive rates. ADS and DrInC scores had no predictive value over and above recent drinking amounts on %CDT status.

Conclusions: %CDT is more likely to be positive in those who have more days of drinking and to a lesser degree in those who drink more per drinking day. It can remain positive even in those alcoholic subjects who stop drinking many days before testing. Alcoholic subjects with more treatment experiences appear to have a marginally higher %CDT‐positive rate.
2001 IFT Education Standards: A 5‐Year Perspective
Authors: Hartel Richard W.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  The current IFT Education Standards used to evaluate Food Science programs for IFT approval have been in place now for 5 years. Most Food Science programs in the United States (as well as some in Mexico and Canada) have been reviewed according to these standards. The transition to instruction based on assessment of student learning outcomes, in accord with these Education Standards, is well under way.

In the first round of reviews, the Committee on Higher Education (CoHE) focused mostly on the Core Competency grid, also making sure programs were writing learning outcomes and instituting meaningful assessment programs. In the 2nd round of reviews, there will be more focus on assessment of learning outcomes. CoHE would like to see that programs (administration, faculty, and students) have embraced the transition to assessment of learning outcomes and are making significant progress in aligning the curriculum with this educational format. As in the past, CoHE offers assistance to any program that would like help in making this transition.

Finally, the next revision of the IFT Education Standards is due out in 2011 (10 year cycle) and it is already time to think about what this might entail. Some thoughts and suggestions for future directions are provided.
Severe enamel abrasion due to misuse of an air polishing device
Authors: Pikdoken ML , Ozcelik C
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Objectives: In this case report, a 28‐year‐old male patient who severely injured the enamel tissue of his upper incisors due to excessive self‐performed air polishing has been presented. Air polishing devices are frequently used in initial or supportive periodontal therapy to remove supragingival plaque and dental stains. Enamel tissue is minimally affected by air polishing when appropriately performed by a professional. However, excessive air polishing may have detrimental effects even on the intact enamel. The aim of this case report is to present a patient who severely injured the enamel surfaces of his upper incisors due to excessive self‐performed air polishing. Methods: A case of severe enamel abrasions in a 28‐year‐old male patient who injured the enamel surfaces of his upper incisors following several self‐performed air polishing sessions has been presented. Results: Severely abraded enamel surfaces of the upper incisors were present and during the course of therapy restored by composite restorations to establish a satisfactory clinical appearance. Conclusions: In clinical practice, air polishing can be performed rather safely on intact enamel and is a beneficial procedure in initial and supportive periodontal therapy when performed by a professional under recommended operating conditions. However, review of the literature reveals that air polishing may be harmful on tooth and surrounding structures unless carried out cautiously. Furthermore, excessive use of air polishing devices, especially by unauthorized personnel may be damaging and lead to severe abrasion of enamel tissue.
COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHIC SUBCHONDRAL BONE CHANGES WITH ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS IN THE EQUINE FEMOROPATELLAR AND FEMOROTIBIAL JOINTS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 72 JOINTS (50 HORSES)
Authors: Steinheimer Daniel N. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Park Richard D. , Steyn Phillip F.
Published: October 2006

Radiographs of 72 femoropatellar and femorotibial joints from 50 horses were evaluated. Ninety four arthroscopically evaluated areas were graded according to a predetermined system. The radiographic grade was then compared to arthroscopic findings in the same location. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between the radiographic subchondral bone changes and arthroscopic findings. Radiographically normal areas in the femoropatellar joint were arthroscopically positive for cartilaginous changes in 40% of the femoropatellar joints. Areas of mild subchondral bone flattening (grade I) in the lateral trochlear ridge were arthroscopically positive for cartilage changes 78% of the time. Ninety six percent of moderate to severe subchondral bone changes (grades II‐V) were arthroscopically positive for cartilage damage. This research demonstrates that (1) a significant number of radiographically normal joints will have cartilage changes, (2) areas of mild subchondral bone flattening have cartilage changes present in the majority of cases and (3) areas of moderate to severe subchondral bone changes have arthroscopically detectable cartilage changes present.
LOW‐AND HIGH‐FIELD STRENGTH MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TO EVALUATE THE BRAIN IN ONE NORMAL DOG AND TWO DOGS WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASE
Authors: Kärkkäinen Marjatta
Published: October 2006

The brain of one control dog and two dogs with spontaneous central nervous system pathology (one hydrocephalus, one meningoencepholocoele) were examined with low‐ and high‐field‐strength magnetic resonance devices to evalute the suitability of low‐field magnets for canine brain imaging. We used 0.1 T and 1.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) imagers. The best image quality was seen 1.0 T imaging due to better signal‐to‐noise‐ratio, but both systems produced satisfactory anatomic images of the brain.
Evaluating the Impact of Overactive Bladder on Sexual Health in Women: What is Relevant?
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Margolis Mary Kay , Brewster-Jordan Jessica , Sutherland Suzette E. , Bavendam Tamara , Rogers Rebecca G.
Published: October 2006

Introduction

To assess sexual health, relevant, valid, and reliable questionnaires need to be used.

Aim

To assess the relevance and content validity of three sexual health questionnaires in women with overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire––Female (SQoL-F), Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse–Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ).

Methods

Women with OAB and urinary incontinence were recruited from five urology clinics in the United States; those who were interested in participating were mailed questionnaire packets with instructions. Each questionnaire item was followed by three questions regarding the understandability, relevance, and impact of bladder condition when responding to the question. Patients returned the completed questionnaires by mail; clinical information was obtained from chart review.

Results

A total of 129 patients (74% response) returned the questionnaires. The mean age was 56 years; 78% were white; 64% were married. In this sample, 64% had urge incontinence; 32% had mixed incontinence; and 4% had stress incontinence. Participants experienced bladder symptoms for a mean of 12.2 years with the following treatments: surgery (43%), bladder training (26%), exercise/biofeedback (42%), and medications (67%). SQoL-F items were understood by more than 97% of the respondents, more than 89% for SFQ, and more than 82% for PISQ. There were two SQoL-F items, one SFQ item, and 11 PISQ items that less than 60% of the respondents deemed relevant to their bladder condition. Correlations among questionnaire items and relevance to bladder condition ranged from 0.04 to 0.64 for the SQoL-F, 0.04 to 0.47 for the SFQ, and 0.01 to 0.58 for the PISQ.

Conclusion

Women with OAB found the majority of items on all three questionnaires to be relevant to their bladder condition. Of these questionnaires, the SQoL-F had the highest understandability, fewest questions considered irrelevant, and correlated well with OAB symptoms.
Functional Characteristics of Protein Flaxseed Concentrate Obtained Applying a Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Martínez‐Flores H.E. , Barrera E.S. , Garnica‐Romo M.G. , Penagos C.J.C. , Saavedra J.P. , Macazaga‐Alvarez R.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT: Food preferences by human beings are based on sensory attributes such as texture, flavor, color, and appearance that depend mainly on the interactions between minor and major components of the food. Some functional properties depend directly on the proteins, such as oil and water absorptions, foam and emulsion activities, and viscosity. The objective of this work was to obtain and evaluate the functional properties of flaxseed protein concentrate. Flaxseed was ground, defatted, and sieved to eliminate hull fiber. Surface response methodology with 5 central points and 4 axial points was used to determine how to obtain the highest protein concentrate. The independent variables used were solubilization pH (which varied from 9 to 11) and precipitation pH (which varied from 4.2 to 4.8). Treatment with a solubilization pH of 11 and a pH extraction of 4.8 gave 66.03% protein content. The flaxseed protein concentrate contained 2.56% fat, 6.62% ash, 2.44% insoluble fiber, 15.79% soluble fiber, and 6.59% sugars. The product had oil and water absorption capacities of 150.25% and 253.5%, respectively. Better foam stability (83.33%), emulsifying capacity (84.76 mL/g), and emulsifying activity (88.37%) of the flaxseed protein concentrate were observed at a pH 6. In light of its functional properties as indicated by this study, flaxseed protein concentrate may be recommended for use as an ingredient in products such as meat batters, hamburgers, and ice cream.
Loss of genomic imprinting inDrosophilaclones
Authors: Haigh Andrew J , Lloyd Vett K
Published: October 2006

Genomic imprinting is a process that genetically distinguishes maternal and paternal genomes, and can result in parent-of-origin-dependent monoallelic expression of a gene that is dependent on the parent of origin. As such, an otherwise functional maternally inherited allele may be silenced so that the gene is expressed exclusively from the paternal allele, or vice versa. Once thought to be restricted to mammals, genomic imprinting has been documented in angiosperm plants (J.L. Kermicle. 1970. Genetics, 66: 6985), zebrafish (C.C. Martin and R. McGowan. 1995. Genet. Res. 65: 2128), insects, and C. elegans (C.J. Bean, C.E. Schaner, and W.G. Kelly. 2004. Nat. Genet. 36: 100105.). In each case, it appears to rely on differential chromatin structure. Aberrant imprinting has been implicated in various human cancers and has been detected in a number of cloned mammals, potentially limiting the usefulness of somatic nuclear transfer. Here we show that genomic imprinting associated with a mini-X chromosome is lost in Drosophila melanogaster clones.Key words: cloning, Drosophila, genomic imprinting, nuclear transfer.
The genome ofOscheius tipulae: determination of size, complexity, and structure by DNA reassociation using fluorescent dye
Authors: Ahn Il-Young , Winter Carlos E
Published: October 2006

This work describes the physicochemical characterization of the genome and telomere structure from the nematode Oscheius tipulae CEW1. Oscheius tipulae is a free-living nematode belonging to the family Rhabditidae and has been used as a model system for comparative genetic studies. A new protocol that combines fluorescent detection of double-stranded DNA and S1 nuclease was used to determine the genome size of O. tipulae as 100.8 Mb (approximately 0.1 pg DNA/haploid nucleus). The genome of this nematode is made up of 83.4% unique copy sequences, 9.4% intermediate repetitive sequences, and 7.2% highly repetitive sequences, suggesting that its structure is similar to those of other nematodes of the genus Caenorhabditis. We also showed that O. tipulae has the same telomere repeats already found in Caenorhabditis elegans at the ends and in internal regions of the chromosomes. Using a cassette-ligation-mediated PCR protocol we were able to obtain 5 different putative subtelomeric sequences of O. tipulae, which show no similarity to C. elegans or C. briggsae subtelomeric regions. DAPI staining of hermaphrodite gonad cells show that, as detected in C. elegans and other rhabditids, O. tipulae have a haploid complement of 6 chromosomes.Key words: Oscheius tipulae, Caenorhabditis elegans, DNA reassociation, telomere, genome size, karyotype.
The ripples of "The Big (agricultural) Bang": the spread of early wheat cultivation
Authors: Abbo Shahal , Gopher Avi , Peleg Zvi , Saranga Yehoshua , Fahima Tzion , Salamini Francesco , Lev-Yadun Simcha
Published: October 2006

Demographic expansion and (or) migrations leave their mark in the pattern of DNA polymorphisms of the respective populations. Likewise, the spread of cultural phenomena can be traced by dating archaeological finds and reconstructing their direction and pace. A similar course of events is likely to have taken place following the "Big Bang" of the agricultural spread in the Neolithic Near East from its core area in southeastern Turkey. Thus far, no attempts have been made to track the movement of the founder genetic stocks of the first crop plants from their core area based on the genetic structure of living plants. In this minireview, we re-interpret recent wheat DNA polymorphism data to detect the genetic ripples left by the early wave of advance of Neolithic wheat farming from its core area. This methodology may help to suggest a model charting the spread of the first farming phase prior to the emergence of truly domesticated wheat types (and other such crops), thereby increasing our resolution power in studying this revolutionary period of human cultural, demographic, and social evolution.Key words: early wave of advance of Neolithic farming, genetic ripples, Neolithic revolution, origin of Near Eastern agriculture.
Distributional gradient of amino acid repeats in plant proteins
Authors: Zhang Lida , Yu Shunwu , Cao Youfang , Wang Jiang , Zuo Kaijing , Qin Jie , Tang Kexuan
Published: October 2006

A computer-based analysis was conducted to assess the characteristics of amino acid repeats in Arabidopsis and rice. Our analysis showed a negative gradient in amino acid repeat distribution along the direction of translation in plants. Repeat occurrences are obviously associated with position in plant proteins but are not consistent with the corresponding amino acid contents. These repeats are encoded by the mixed synonymous codons rather than the uninterrupted reiterations of a single codon, and both Arabidopsis and rice have gradients in their distribution. Functional investigation showed that these repeat-containing proteins are preferentially involved in transcription regulation and protein ubiquitination but significantly underrepresented in the processes of DNA recombination and DNA replication. These data reveal that the direction-related mutation bias and functional selection have influenced the distribution of amino acid repeats in plants.Key words: amino acid repeats, amino acid usage, distributional gradient, regulation of transcription, protein ubiquitination.
Molecular marker diversity of SCN-resistant sources in soybean
Authors: Chen Yiwu , Wang Dechun , Arelli Prakash , Ebrahimi Mohsen , Nelson Randall L
Published: October 2006

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe; HG) is one of the most destructive pests of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in the United States. Over 100 SCN-resistant accessions within the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection have been identified, but little is known about the genetic diversity of this SCN-resistant germplasm. The objective of this research was to evaluate the genetic variation and determine the genetic relationships among SCN-resistant accessions. One hundred twenty-two genotypes were evaluated by 85 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from 20 linkage groups. Non-hierarchical (VARCLUS) and hierarchical (Ward's) clustering were combined with multidimensional scaling (MDS) to determine relationships among tested lines. The 85 SSR markers produced 566 allelic fragments with a mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.35. The 122 lines were grouped into 7 clusters by 2 different clustering methods and the MDS results consistently corresponded to the assigned clusters. Assigned clusters were dominated by genotypes that possess one or more unique SCN resistance genes and were associated with geographical origins. The results of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the variation differences among clusters and individual lines were significant, but the differences among individuals within clusters were not significant.Key words: soybean cyst nematode resistance, genetic diversity, SSR markers, cluster analysis, soybean.
Identification of chromosomal fusion sites inArabidopsismutants using sequential bicolour BAC-FISH
Authors: Mokros Petr , Vrbsky Jan , Siroky Jiri
Published: October 2006

Double stranded chromosomal breaks are repaired by homologous recombination or nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). When broken chromosome ends are fused together by NHEJ, the resulting dicentric chromosomes can be detected as anaphase bridges during the subsequent mitosis. Telomeres in the absence of functional telomerase shorten, became unprotected, and are eventually recognized by the cell repair system as double stranded breaks. As result, chromosomes of Arabidopsis thaliana plants that are deficient in the gene for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) are prone to chromosome fusions. We use Arabidopsis tert–/–mutants as a model system for analyzing terminal chromosome fusions. Here we report a novel and sensitive cytogenetic assay for the identification and characterization of chromosome-terminal fusion events by employing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with multiple probes and a repeated hybridization approach. A mixture of chromosome-specific subtelomeric probes is applied successively in 3 FISH reactions to the slides containing mitotic anaphase figures with anaphase bridges. Each figure is registered by a CCD camera after each in situ hybridization procedure. By comparing the signals presented on the bridge in successive images the assessment of the particular chromosome arms involved in fusion is possible. This experimental setup enables unambiguous identification of individual chromosome ends employed in fusion events.Key words: Arabidopsis; BAC probes; AtTERT gene; bicolour FISH; anaphase.
EFFECTIVE EQUATIONS OF MOTION FOR QUANTUM SYSTEMS
Authors: BOJOWALD MARTIN , SKIRZEWSKI AURELIANO
Published: October 2006

In many situations, one can approximate the behavior of a quantum system, i.e. a wave function subject to a partial differential equation, by effective classical equations which are ordinary differential equations. A general method and geometrical picture are developed and shown to agree with effective action results, commonly derived through path integration, for perturbations around a harmonic oscillator ground state. The same methods are used to describe dynamical coherent states, which in turn provide means to compute quantum corrections to the symplectic structure of an effective system.
ON MOMENT MAPS ASSOCIATED TO A TWISTED HEISENBERG DOUBLE
Authors: KLIMČÍK C.
Published: October 2006

We review the concept of the (anomalous) Poisson–Lie symmetry in a way that emphasizes the notion of Poisson–Lie Hamiltonian. The language that we develop turns out to be very useful for several applications: we prove that the left and the right actions of a group G on its twisted Heisenberg double (D, κ) realize the (anomalous) Poisson–Lie symmetries and we explain in a very transparent way the concept of the Poisson–Lie subsymmetry and that of Poisson–Lie symplectic reduction. Under some additional conditions, we construct also a non-anomalous moment map corresponding to a sort of quasi-adjoint action of G on (D, κ). The absence of the anomaly of this "quasi-adjoint" moment map permits to perform the gauging of deformed WZW models.
ON THE AMBIPOLAR DIFFUSION AND OTHER ASYMPTOTIC LIMITS OF WEAKLY IONIZED PLASMA FLOWS
Authors: GOLSE FRANCOIS , MAIRE PIERRE-HENRI , SENTIS REMI
Published: October 2006

This paper reviews several different models of weakly ionized plasma flows, where charged particles are scattered in a background flow of neutral particles. A multispecies diffusion model is derived from either a kinetic model or a multifluid model (which is the Maxwellian closure of the kinetic model). This derivation is purely formal (in the sense that only the Hilbert or Chapman–Enskog expansions are established). An even simpler model, the so-called ambipolar diffusion model is derived from the multispecies diffusion model. This latter derivation is based on energy estimates and on a form of maximum principle which is established by writing the multispecies diffusion system in terms of the so-called Slotboom variables.
FUZZY ARITHMETIC BASED ON DIMENSION-ADAPTIVE SPARSE GRIDS: A CASE STUDY OF A LARGE-SCALE FINITE ELEMENT MODEL UNDER UNCERTAIN PARAMETERS
Authors: KLIMKE ANDREAS , NUNES RONALDO F. , WOHLMUTH BARBARA I.
Published: October 2006

Fuzzy arithmetic provides a powerful tool to introduce uncertainty into mathematical models. With Zadeh's extension principle, one can obtain a fuzzy-valued extension of any real-valued objective function. An efficient and accurate approach to computing expensive multivariate functions of fuzzy numbers is given by fuzzy arithmetic based on sparse grids. In many cases, not all uncertain input parameters carry equal weight, or the objective model exhibits separable structure. These characteristics can be exploited by dimension-adaptive algorithms. As a result, the treatment of even higher-dimensional problems becomes possible. This is demonstrated in this paper by a case study involving two large-scale finite element models in vibration engineering that are subjected to fuzzy-valued input data.
A NOTE ON THE EXISTENCE THEOREM OF POSSIBILITY SPACE
Authors: WU YUE QIN , GUAN JIAN CHENG
Published: October 2006

In this note we provide a proof for the existence theorem of possibility space for uncountable case and verify Cai's conjecture in 1996 [1]. The proof paves the way to link possibility space or possibilistic variable to the fuzzy set theory.
Testosterone production in mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase expression is sensitive to restraint stress
Authors: Weissman Ben A. , Sottas Chantal M. , Zhou Ping , Iadecola Costantino , Hardy Matthew P.
Published: October 2006

Immobilization stress (IMO) induces a rapid increase in glucocorticoid secretion [in rodents, corticosterone CORT)] and this is associated with decreased circulating testosterone (T) levels. Nitric oxide (NO), a reactive free radical and neurotransmitter, has been reported to be produced at higher rates in tissues such as brain during stress. The biosynthesis of T is also known to be dramatically suppressed by NO. Specifically, the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was directly implicated in this suppression. To assess the respective roles of CORT and NO in stress-mediated inhibition of T production, adult wild-type (WT) and inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS−/−) male mice were evaluated. Animals of each genotype were assigned to either basal control or 3-h IMO groups. Basal plasma and testicular T levels were equivalent in both genotypes, whereas testicular weights of mutant mice were significantly higher compared with WT animals. Exposure to 3-h IMO increased plasma CORT and decreased T concentrations in mice of both genotypes. Testicular T levels were also affected by stress in WT and mutant males, being sharply reduced in both genotypes. However, the concentrations of nitrite and nitrate, the stable metabolites of NO measured in testicular extracts, did not differ between control and stressed WT and iNOS−/−mice. These results support the hypothesis that CORT, but not NO, is a plausible candidate to mediate rapid stress-induced suppression of Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
Candesartan prevents long-term impairment of renal function in response to neonatal partial unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Topcu Sukru Oguzkan , Pedersen Michael , Nørregaard Rikke , Wang Guixian , Knepper Mark , Djurhuus Jens Christian , Nielsen Søren , Jørgensen Troels Munch , Frøkiær Jørgen
Published: October 2006

Angiotensin II (ANG II) plays an important role in the development of obstructive nephropathy. Here, we examined the effects of the ANG II receptor type 1 (AT1R) blockade using candesartan on long-term renal molecular and functional changes in response to partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO). Newborn rats were subjected to severe PUUO or sham operation (Sham) within the first 48 h of life. Candesartan was provided in the drinking water (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) from day 21 of life until 10 wk of age. Renal blood flow (RBF) was evaluated by MRI, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured using the renal clearance of51Cr-EDTA, and the renal expression of Na-K-ATPase and the collecting duct water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) was examined by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. At 10 wk of age, PUUO significantly reduced RBF (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.1 ml·min−1·100 g body wt−1; P < 0.05) and GFR (37 ± 16 vs. 448 ± 111 μl·min−1·100 g body wt−1; P < 0.05) compared with Sham. Candesartan prevented the RBF reduction (PUUO+CAN: 1.6 ± 0.2 vs. PUUO: 0.8 ± 0.1 ml·min−1·100 g body wt−1; P < 0.05) and attenuated the GFR reduction (PUUO+CAN: 265 ± 68 vs. PUUO: 37 ± 16 μl·min−1·100 g body wt−1; P < 0.05). PUUO was also associated with a significant downregulation in the expression of Na-K-ATPase (75 ± 12 vs. 100 ± 5%, P < 0.05) and AQP2 (52 ± 15 vs. 100 ± 4%, P < 0.05), which were also prevented by candesartan (Na-K-ATPase: 103 ± 8 vs. 100 ± 5% and AQP2: 74 ± 13 vs. 100 ± 4%). These findings were confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Consistent with this, candesartan treatment partly prevented the reduction in solute free water reabsorption and attenuated fractional sodium excretion in rats with PUUO. In conclusion, candesartan prevents or attenuates the reduction in RBF, GFR and dysregulation of AQP2 and Na-K-ATPase in response to congenital PUUO in rats, suggesting that AT1R blockade may protect the neonatally obstructed kidney against development of obstructive nephropathy.
Genome-wide analysis of SPAK/OSR1 binding motifs
Authors: Delpire Eric , Gagnon Kenneth B. E.
Published: October 2006

Based on the alignment of 12 sequences of protein motifs that interact with the kinases SPAK (Ste20-related proline alanine-rich kinase) and OSR1 (oxidative stress response 1), we performed genome-wide searches of the sequence [S/G/V]RF x[V/I]xx[V/I/T/S]xx, where x represents any amino acid. The “Mus musculus” search resulted in the identification of 131 mouse proteins containing 137 SPAK/OSR1 putative binding motifs. Similar numbers were found for human, zebrafish, fruit fly, and worm. A little more than half of the mouse proteins containing SPAK/OSR1 binding domains (53%) were also identified in the human search, whereas ∼17–18% of these common hits were identified in the zebrafish search. The mouse proteins could be divided into two broad categories: 2/3 had an identified function, whereas 1/3 were either predicted or of unknown function. The known proteins were grouped as transport proteins, other membrane proteins, kinases, phosphatases, cytoskeletal, ribosomal, nuclear, enzymes, and others. Analysis of the location of the SPAK/OSR1 binding motif within the protein sequence revealed distribution throughout the entire length, but with preference to the extreme amino- or carboxyl termini for a large number of proteins. Analysis of the amino acid composition of the motifs revealed a preponderance of serine residues at positions 5, 6, 7, and 8. In summary, our new search found and thus confirms the 12 proteins previously shown to interact with the kinases and identifies 119 potential new targets for SPAK and OSR1 in the mouse proteome.
Death Receptor 4 Variants and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Frank Bernd , Shanmugam Kalai Selvi , Beckmann Lars , Hemminki Kari , Brenner Hermann , Hoffmeister Michael , Chang-Claude Jenny , Burwinkel Barbara
Published: October 2006

The tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor modulates apoptotic response by binding to the proapoptotic death receptor 4 (DR4). Perturbed apoptosis due to missense alterations in the candidate tumor suppressor gene DR4 leads to deregulated cell proliferation and cancer predisposition. Recent studies have discussed the association of DR4 variants with cancer risk. We evaluated, for the first time, the role of the Thr209Arg (626C>G) and Glu228Ala (683A>C) polymorphisms on colorectal cancer risk by genotyping 659 incident cases and 607 healthy controls drawn from the German population-based Darmkrebs: Chancen der Verhütung durch Screening (DACHS) study. Whereas DR4 Glu228Ala was not associated with colorectal cancer, Thr209Arg heterozygotes were at a significantly decreased colorectal cancer risk [odds ratio (OR), 0.73; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.54-0.97]. Stratification according to sex and age exhibited a significant association of Thr209Arg with a decreased risk for male heterozygotes (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46-0.99) and for Arg209 carriers ≥65 years of age (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.92) as well as an enhanced risk for female Ala228 carriers in a allele dose-dependent manner (Ptrend = 0.01). Subsite analysis revealed a protective effect of Thr209Arg for rectal cancer risk (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48-0.95) and a significant risk increase for Ala228 carriers with advanced colorectal cancer stages (Ptrend = 0.04). Haplotype analysis revealed a 2.4-fold risk for carriers of the rare 626C-683C haplotype (1% prevalence in the general population; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 0.98-5.76). The score statistic yielded an empirical P of 0.03 of the haplotype-specific test for 626C-683C based on 20,000 simulations, suggesting that DR4 626C-683C may affect colorectal cancer predisposition. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):2002–5)
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Postmenopausal Endogenous Hormones: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Setiawan Veronica Wendy , Haiman Christopher A. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Le Marchand Loïc , Henderson Brian E.
Published: October 2006

Postmenopausal women with increased estrogens and lowered sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations are at increased risk of breast cancer. In the Multiethnic Cohort Study, the highest incidence rates of postmenopausal breast cancer were observed among Native Hawaiians followed by Japanese Americans, Whites, African Americans, and Latinas. Ethnic differences in endogenous sex hormone profiles may contribute to some of the variation in breast cancer incidence. Plasma concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone, estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and SHBG were measured in 739 postmenopausal women from the Multiethnic Cohort Study (240 African Americans, 81 Native Hawaiians, 96 Japanese Americans, 231 Latinas, and 91 Whites). After adjusting for age, known breast cancer risk factors and lifestyle factors, the mean levels of testosterone, estrogen, and SHBG varied across populations (Ps ≤ 0.004). Across racial/ethnic groups, Native Hawaiians had the highest mean levels of androstenedione, testosterone, and estrogens and the lowest mean levels of SHBG. Compared with Whites, Native Hawaiians had higher androstenedione (+22%, P = 0.017), total testosterone (+26%, P = 0.013), bioavailable testosterone (+33%, P = 0.002), E1 (≥21%; P = 0.009), total E2 (+26%, P = 0.001), bioavailable E2 (+31%, P < 0.001), and lower SHBG (−12% P = 0.07) levels. Compared with Whites, Japanese Americans had higher E2 (+15%, P = 0.036) and bioavailable E2 (+18%, P = 0.024) levels. African Americans also had higher E1 (+21%, P = 0.004), E2 (+20%, P = 0.007), and bioavailable E2 (+20%, P = 0.015) levels compared with Whites, whereas mean levels in Latinas were similar to those of Whites. Many of the differences in endogenous postmenopausal hormonal milieu across these five racial/ethnic groups are consistent with the known differences in breast cancer incidence across these populations. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1849–55)
Cyclin E Expression and Outcome in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Skalicky David A. , Kench James G. , Segara Davendra , Coleman Maxwell J. , Sutherland Robert L. , Henshall Susan M. , Musgrove Elizabeth A. , Biankin Andrew V.
Published: October 2006

The association of high cyclin E expression with poor outcome in some cancers, in particular breast cancer, suggests that it may play an important role in tumor biology. Because the influence of cyclin E expression on outcome is yet to be examined in pancreatic cancer, we assessed the relationship between the expression of cyclin E, p27Kip1, and survival in a large cohort of pancreatic cancer patients with long-term follow-up. Expression of cyclin E and p27Kip1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays of tumor samples from 118 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (75 resections and 43 biopsies). High cyclin E expression (>10% positive nuclei) was identified in 39 of 118 (33%) patients. This was associated with poor prognosis on univariate analysis in the whole cohort (P = 0.005), as well as in the subgroup of 75 patients who underwent operative resection (P = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, high cyclin E expression was an independent predictor of poor survival in both the entire cohort (P = 0.005) and the resected subgroup (P = 0.03), and was superior to all tested clinicopathologic factors (tumor size, lymph node metastases, differentiation, margin involvement, and perineural invasion) as a marker of survival. Low p27Kip1 expression (<5% positive nuclei) was present in 41 of 111 (37%) patients, but was not associated with survival, and coexpression of p27Kip1 did not influence the association of high cyclin E expression with poor survival. High cyclin E expression is a strong independent predictor of poor outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer. Thus, if these data are confirmed in independent cohorts, measurement of cyclin E may add significant prognostic information to the currently used clinicopathologic variables and hence have potential clinical utility in the management of this disease. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1941–7)
5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Risk: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Pereira Tiago Veiga , Rudnicki Martina , Pereira Alexandre Costa , Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S. , Franco Rendrik França
Published: October 2006

There is evidence supporting a role for 5-10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To provide a more robust estimate of the effect of MTHFR polymorphisms on the risk of ALL, we did a meta-analysis to reevaluate the association between the two most commonly studied MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and ALL risk. All case-control studies investigating an association between the C677T or A1298C polymorphisms and risk of ALL were included. We applied both fixed-effects and random-effects models to combine odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Q-statistic was used to evaluate the homogeneity and both Egger and Begg-Mazumdar tests were used to assess publication bias. The meta-analysis of the C677T polymorphism and risk of childhood ALL included 13 studies with a total of 4,894 individuals. Under a fixed-effects model, the TT genotype failed to be associated with a statistically significant reduction of childhood ALL risk (TT versus CT + CC: OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.73-1.06; P = 0.18). However, individuals homozygous for the 677T allele exhibited a 2.2-fold decrease in risk of adult ALL (TT versus CT + CC: OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.77; P = 0.004). In both cases, no evidence of heterogeneity was observed. No association between the A1298C variant and susceptibility to both adult and childhood ALL was disclosed. Our findings support the proposal that the common genetic C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR contributes to the risk of adult ALL, but not to the childhood ALL susceptibility. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1956–63)
Reproducibility and Expression of Skin Biomarkers in Sun-Damaged Skin and Actinic Keratoses
Authors: Einspahr Janine G. , Xu Min-Jian , Warneke James , Saboda Kathylynn , Ranger-Moore James , Bozzo Paul , Duckett Laura , Goldman Rayna , Lin Po , Buckmeier Julie , Alberts David S.
Published: October 2006

Objectives: To explore p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and polyamine content as biomarkers in skin cancer chemoprevention trials, we evaluated their expression in early stages of UV-induced squamous cell tumorigenesis.

Methods: Biopsies were collected from three groups: 78 subjects with sun damage on forearms, 33 with actinic keratosis (AK) on forearms, and 32 with previous squamous cell carcinoma. Participants with sun damage were randomized to sunscreen or no sunscreen.

Results: We found significant differences in p53 and polyamines in forearms from the sun-damaged group (11.5 ± 1.2% for p53, 65.5 ± 1.9 nmol/g for putrescine, and 187.7 ± 3.3 nmol/g for spermidine) compared with the group with sun damage plus AK (20.9 ± 2.3% for p53, P = 0.0001; 81.7 ± 3.9 nmol/g for putrescine, P = 0.0001; 209.4 ± 8.2 nmol/g for spermidine, P < 0.06). PCNA was not different. When lesion histology was considered, there was a stepwise significant increase in p53 in biopsies without characteristics of AK compared with early AK (P = 0.02) and AK (P = 0.0006) and a similar pattern for PCNA with the only significant difference between early AK and AK. There was a stepwise increase in putrescine and spermidine in normal, sun-damaged forearm, forearm from subjects with AK, and the AK lesion itself (P < 0.0001). No significant differences in p53 or polyamines were seen in 3-month biopsies or, as a result of sunscreen use, although PCNA in the sun-damaged group not using sunscreen decreased significantly.

Conclusions: p53 expression and polyamines in skin were elevated in early stages of skin tumorigenesis and were not affected by sunscreen, adding validity to their use as biomarkers in skin cancer chemoprevention trials. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1841–8)
Mutagen Sensitivity and Neoplastic Progression in Patients with Barrett's Esophagus: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Chao Dennis L. , Maley Carlo C. , Wu Xifeng , Farrow Diana C. , Galipeau Patricia C. , Sanchez Carissa A. , Paulson Thomas G. , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Reid Brian J. , Spitz Margaret R. , Vaughan Thomas L.
Published: October 2006

Background: Defects in DNA damage recognition and repair have been associated with a wide variety of cancers. We conducted a prospective study to determine whether mutagen sensitivity, as determined by an in vitro assay, was associated with the future development of cancer in patients with Barrett's esophagus, which is associated with increased risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: We measured sensitivity to bleomycin in peripheral blood lymphocytes in a cohort of 220 patients with Barrett's esophagus. We followed these patients for 1,230 person-years (range, 3 months to 10.1 years; median, 6.4 years), using development of cancer and aneuploidy as end points. A subset of these patients was evaluated for inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes CDKN2A/p16 and TP53 [by mutation and loss of heterozygosity (LOH)] in their Barrett's segments at the time of, or before, the bleomycin test, and the patients were stratified by CDKN2A/p16 and TP53 status in an analysis of mutagen sensitivity and progression.

Results: Bleomycin-sensitive patients were found to be at significantly greater risk of developing aneuploidy (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-9.53) and nonsignificantly greater risk of cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-3.75). Among patients with detectable LOH at the TP53 locus (on chromosome 17p), increasing bleomycin sensitivity was associated with increased risk of developing cancer (Ptrend < 0.001) and aneuploidy (Ptrend = 0.005).

Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that sensitivity to mutagens increases the risk of neoplastic progression in persons with Barrett's esophagus, particularly those with 17p LOH including TP53. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1935–40)
Maternal Androgen and Estrogen Concentrations Are Not Associated with Blood Pressure Changes in Uncomplicated Pregnancies
Authors: Troisi Rebecca , Vatten Lars , Hoover Robert N. , Roberts James M. , Cole Bernard F. , Potischman Nancy
Published: October 2006

Systolic blood pressure increase between the second and third trimester of pregnancy has been associated with a substantially reduced maternal breast cancer risk, and it has been suggested that elevated androgens mediate the association. Androgen and estrogen concentrations were measured in maternal serum collected in 86 uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies. Overall, there were no consistent or statistically significant patterns of association between the hormones and systolic, diastolic, or mean arterial blood pressure or blood pressure change between trimesters. Results were similar with adjustment for factors related to the hormones. These data are not consistent with the hypothesis that elevated androgen concentrations mediate the observed reduction in maternal breast cancer risk associated with increases in blood pressure over the pregnancy. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):2013–5)
Breaking Out of the Security Dilemma: Realism, Reassurance, and the Problem of Uncertainty
Authors: Montgomery Evan Braden
Published: October 2006

In the debate between offensive and defensive realism, a central issue is whether major powers can overcome the uncertainty that drives the security dilemma. Whereas offensive realists maintain that states cannot know others' motives and intentions, defensive realists argue that states can reveal their preferences by altering their military posture. Defensive realists have, how- ever, presented an incomplete account of the constraints and opportunities associated with military reassurance. To demonstrate its motives, a security- seeking state must take actions that will often increase its vulnerability to potential aggressors. Although offense-defense variables have been invoked to address the constraint of vulnerability, the conditions usually considered most favorable for reassurance—differentiation between offense and defense and an advantage for the latter—make it no easier to achieve. A defensive advantage makes reassurance difficult by encouraging all states to adopt defensive capa- bilities and by requiring large concessions to reveal benign motives. Only when offense and defense are differentiated and the balance between them is neutral can states reveal their motives without also endangering their security. These arguments are illustrated with three empirical examples: the Anglo- German naval race, Nikita Khrushchev's troop cuts, and Mikhail Gorbachev's arms limitation and arms control policies.
Picture This: Velázquez’ Christ with Martha and Mary
Authors: Boyd Jane
Published: October 2006

How do we interpret paintings which concern biblical texts? In a recent publication, the artist Jane Boyd and biblical critic Philip Esler offer a fresh set of answers to this question. Focusing on one painting by Diego Velázquez, Jane Boyd elaborates upon the critical context of this artist’s environment and how it effected a certain conceptual development which in the context of today’s viewer also provokes the question, ‘Where is the mirror?’
Implicit Theories and Self-Perceptions of Traitedness Across Cultures
Authors: Church A. Timothy , Katigbak Marcia S. , Del Prado Alicia M. , Ortiz Fernando A. , Mastor Khairul A. , Harumi Yu , Tanaka-Matsumi Junko , De Jesús Vargas-Flores José , Ibáñez-Reyes Joselina , White Fiona A. , Miramontes Lilia G. , Reyes Jose Alberto S. , Cabrera Helena F.
Published: October 2006

From the trait perspective, traitedness, or consistency of behavior, is expected in all cultures. However, cultural psychologists argue that behavior may be more determined by traits in individualistic than collectivistic cultures. The authors investigated implicit theories and self-perceptions of traitedness in two individualistic cultures, the United States ( n = 342) and Australia ( n = 172), and four collectivistic cultures, Mexico ( n = 400), Philippines ( n = 363), Malaysia ( n = 251), and Japan ( n = 192). Although implicit trait beliefs were endorsed in all cultural groups, they were stronger in individualistic than collectivistic cultures. Cultural differences in self-perceptions of one’s own traitedness, as operationalized by self-monitoring, were also found, and comparisons involving the United States and most collectivistic cultures were consistent with cultural psychology perspectives. The ability of self-construals to predict implicit beliefs and self-perceptions of traitedness was also investigated. Overall, the results supported efforts to integrate trait and cultural psychology perspectives.
Assimilation and Contrast Effects in Cultural Frame Switching
Authors: Cheng Chi-Ying , Lee Fiona , Benet-Martínez Verónica
Published: October 2006

This study examines how the valence of cultural cues in the environment moderates the way biculturals shift between multiple cultural identities. The authors found that when exposed to positive cultural cues, biculturals who perceive their cultural identities as compatible (high bicultural identity integration, or high BII) respond in culturally congruent ways, whereas biculturals who perceive their cultural identities as conflicting (low BII) respond in culturally incongruent ways. The opposite was true for negative cultural cues. These results show that both high and low BIIs can exhibit culturally congruent or incongruent behaviors, and have implications for understanding situations where high and low BIIs might adapt differently.