bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐protein and protein‐redistribution diets for Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations: A systematic review
Authors: Cereda Emanuele , Barichella Michela , Pedrolli Carlo , Pezzoli Gianni
Published: July 2010

The American Academy of Neurology suggests advising the redistribution of daily protein meal content to every Parkinson's disease (PD) patient with motor fluctuations during levodopa treatment. However, no comprehensive evaluation of this complementary therapy has been performed. A systematic review of intervention studies investigating the neurologic outcome of low‐protein (<0.8 g/kg of ideal weight/day) and protein‐redistribution diets in patients with PD experiencing motor fluctuations during levodopa treatment. All studies (uncontrolled or randomized) investigating a low‐protein and/or a protein‐redistribution diet (LPD and PRD) and involving patients with PD with motor fluctuations were included, provided that sufficient information on dietary protein content and neurologic outcome measures was available. We identified 16 eligible studies, but they were markedly heterogeneous. There was not enough evidence to support the use of LPD. Response to PRD seemed very good. Acceptability appeared high upon introduction, but it seemed to progressively decrease over time. On average, PRD resulted in improved motor function, but also complications occurred. At the beginning, drop‐outs were due to levodopa side effects rather than unsatisfactory benefits. Long‐term adherence was more affected by changes in dietary habits than by diet‐related side effects. Efficacy and benefits appeared to be higher when the intervention was proposed to subjects in the early stages of PD. PRD can be safely advised to fluctuating patients with PD, but those in whom benefits override the possible inconveniences still need to be identified. The long‐term effects of PRD on nutritional status should be evaluated and true effectiveness in clinical practice should be reassessed, given the changes in levodopa formulations and the introduction of several adjuvants (levodopa degradation inhibitors and/or dopamine agonists). © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Anxious personality predicts an increased risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bower James H. , Grossardt Brandon R. , Maraganore Demetrius M. , Ahlskog J. Eric , Colligan Robert C. , Geda Yonas E. , Therneau Terry M. , Rocca Walter A.
Published: July 2010

We studied the association of three personality traits related to neuroticism with the subsequent risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) using a historical cohort study. We included 7,216 subjects who resided within the 120‐mile radius centered in Rochester, MN, at the time they completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) for research at the Mayo Clinic from 1962 to 1965. We considered three MMPI personality scales (pessimistic, anxious, and depressive traits). A total of 6,822 subjects (94.5%) were followed over four decades either actively or passively. During follow‐up, 227 subjects developed parkinsonism (156 developed PD). An anxious personality was associated with an increased risk of PD [hazard ratio (HR), 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16–2.27]. A pessimistic personality trait was also associated with an increased risk of PD but only in men (HR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.20–3.07). By contrast, a depressive trait was not associated with increased risk. Analyses combining scores from the three personality scales into a composite neuroticism score showed an association of neuroticism with PD (HR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.10–2.16). The association with neuroticism remained significant even when the MMPI was administered early in life (ages 20–39 years). By contrast, none of the three personality traits was associated with the risk of non‐PD types of parkinsonism grouped together. Our long‐term historical cohort study suggests that an anxious personality trait may predict an increased risk of PD developing many years later. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Novel pathogenic LRRK2 p.Asn1437His substitution in familial Parkinson's disease
Authors: Aasly Jan O. , Vilariño‐Güell Carles , Dachsel Justus C. , Webber Philip J. , West Andrew B. , Haugarvoll Kristoffer , Johansen Krisztina K. , Toft Mathias , Nutt John G. , Payami Haydeh , Kachergus Jennifer M. , Lincoln Sarah J. , Felic Amela , Wider Christian , Soto‐Ortolaza Alexandra I. , Cobb Stephanie A. , White Linda R. , Ross Owen A. , Farrer Matthew J.
Published: July 2010

Genealogical investigation of a large Norwegian family (F04) with autosomal dominant parkinsonism has identified 18 affected family members over four generations. Genetic studies have revealed a novel pathogenic LRRK2 mutation c.4309 A>C (p.Asn1437His) that co‐segregates with disease manifestation (LOD = 3.15, θ = 0). Affected carriers have an early age at onset (48 ± 7.7 SD years) and are clinically asymmetric and levodopa responsive. The variant was absent in 623 Norwegian control subjects. Further screening of patients from the same population identified one additional affected carrier (1 of 692) with familial parkinsonism who shares the same haplotype. The mutation is located within the Roc domain of the protein and enhances GTP‐binding and kinase activity, further implicating these activities as the mechanisms that underlie LRRK2‐linked parkinsonism. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Findings on how adolescents cope with cancer—a matter of methodology?
Authors: Engvall G. , Mattsson E. , von Essen L. , Hedström M.
Published: July 2010

Objectives: The various conclusions drawn from previous studies on how adolescents cope with cancer might partly be explained by methodological issues. The aim was to explore how adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer report that they cope with disease‐ and treatment‐related distress in response to closed‐ and open‐ended questions, respectively.

Methods: Adolescents diagnosed with cancer 4–8 weeks ago (N=56) answered closed‐ and open‐ended questions over the telephone about which coping strategies they use to cope with physical concerns, personal changes, feelings of alienation, and worries.

Results: In response to closed‐ended questions, most adolescents reported using emotion‐focused coping (Accepting and Minimising) while, in response to open‐ended questions, meaning‐based (i.e. Positive thinking) and problem‐focused (i.e. Problem solving) coping were most often mentioned. A majority reported using Minimising and Seeking support in response to closed‐ended questions, but very few adolescents mentioned using these strategies in response to open‐ended questions.

Conclusions: Adolescents' reports of how they cope with disease‐ and treatment‐related distress vary depending on antecedent closed‐ and open‐ended questions. Responses to closed‐ended questions appear to be more indifferent to aspects of distress than responses to open‐ended questions. Strategies representing meaning‐based coping should be included in future studies investigating how adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer cope with disease‐ and treatment‐related distress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns, correlates, and prognostic significance of quality of life following breast cancer
Authors: DiSipio Tracey , Hayes Sandi , Battistutta Diana , Newman Beth , Janda Monika
Published: July 2010

Objective: To describe quality of life (QOL) over a 12‐month period among women with breast cancer, consider the association between QOL and overall survival (OS), and explore characteristics associated with QOL declines.

Methods: A population‐based sample of Australian women (n=287) with invasive, unilateral breast cancer (Stage I+) was observed prospectively for a median of 6.6 years. QOL was assessed at 6, 12, and 18 months post‐diagnosis, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, Breast (FACT‐B+4) questionnaire. Raw scores for the FACT‐B+4 and subscales were computed and individuals were categorized according to whether QOL declined, remained stable or improved between 6 and 18 months. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards survival methods were used to estimate OS and its associations with QOL. Logistic regression models identified factors associated with QOL decline.

Results: Within FACT‐B+4 subscales, between 10% and 23% of women showed declines in QOL. Following adjustment for established prognostic factors, emotional well‐being and FACT‐B+4 scores at 6 months post‐diagnosis were associated with OS (p<0.05). Declines in physical (p<0.01) or functional (p=0.02) well‐being between 6 and 18 months post‐diagnosis were also associated significantly with OS. Receiving multiple forms of adjuvant treatment, a perception of not handling stress well and reporting one or more other major life events at 6 months post‐diagnosis were factors associated with declines in QOL in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions: Interventions targeted at preventing QOL declines may ultimately improve quantity as well as quality of life following breast cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in the Scandinavian cystic fibrosis population
Authors: Olesen Hanne Vebert , Pressler Tacjana , Hjelte Lena , Mared Lena , Lindblad Anders , Knudsen Per Kristian , Lærum Birger N. , Johannesson Marie ,   on behalf of the Scandinavian Cystic Fibrosis Study Consortium
Published: July 2010

Aims

To explore whether gender differences in the Scandinavian Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients exist in the areas of key clinical parameters, complications, and medication.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data on 890 (416 female) pancreatic insufficient CF patients were evaluated regarding chronic infection, body mass index, lung function, medication, and diabetes, as well as data of Pseudomonas infection status, antibiotic treatment and hospitalization from 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

We found no differences in lung function, body mass index, or frequency of diabetes. The adult group consisted of more males than females (208:168). We found no significant difference in prevalence of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, but during the follow‐up the incidence of new chronic infection was higher in adult females (10/33 vs. 4/56). Females had higher prevalence of Burkholderia infection (21/416 vs. 11/474). Adult females had more days on intravenous antibiotics (median 39 vs. 26 days/year), and days in hospital (median 2 vs. 0 days/year). More adult females received inhaled and oral steroids. In the pediatric cohort, females were treated more often with macrolides as an anti‐inflammatory agent.

Conclusion

We found no gender difference in key clinical parameters in our CF population. However, our study showed a higher risk of Pseudomonas and Burkholderia infection among the female patients. Additionally, we found that female patients require more intensified treatment regarding antibiotics, macrolides, steroids and days of hospitalization, indicating a true female disadvantage even with modern aggressive treatment. The finding of more males than females in the adult population suggesting a male advantage, warrants a mortality study. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:959–965. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the activity of non‐steroidal ecdysone agonists between dipteran and lepidopteran insects, using cell‐based EcR reporter assays
Authors: Soin Thomas , Swevers Luc , Kotzia Georgia , Iatrou Kostas , Janssen Colin R , Rougé Pierre , Harada Toshiyuki , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Smagghe Guy
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Diacylhydrazine (DAH) analogues have been developed successfully as a new group of insect growth regulators, called ecdysone agonists or moulting accelerating compounds. These DAHs have been shown to manifest their toxicity via interaction with the ecdysone receptor (EcR) in susceptible insects, as does the natural insect moulting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E). A notable feature is their high activity and specificity, particularly against lepidopteran insects, raising the question as to whether non‐lepidopteran‐specific analogues can be isolated. However, for the discovery of ecdysone agonists that target other important insect groups such as Diptera, efficient screening systems that are based on the activation of the EcR are needed.

RESULTS: In this study, a dipteran‐specific reporter‐based screening system with transfected S2 cells of Drosophila melanogaster Meig. was developed in order to discover and evaluate compounds that have ecdysone agonistic or antagonistic activity. A library of non‐steroidal ecdysone agonists containing different mother structures with DAH and other related analogues such as acylaminoketone (AAK) and tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) was tested. None of the compounds tested was as active as 20E. This is in contrast to the very high activity of several DAH and AAK congeners in lepidopteran cells (Bombyx mori L.‐derived Bm5 cells). The latter agrees with a successful docking of a DAH, tebufenozide, in the binding pocket of the lepidopteran EcR (B. mori), while this was not the case with the dipteran EcR (D. melanogaster). Of note was the identification of two THQ compounds with activity in S2 but not in Bm5 cells. Although marked differences in activity exist with respect to the activation of EcR between dipterans and lepidopterans, there exists a positive correlation (R = 0.724) between the pLC50 values in S2 and Bm5 cells. In addition, it was found through protein modelling that a second lobe was present in the ligand‐binding pocket of lepidopteran BmEcR but was lacking in the dipteran DmEcR protein, suggesting that this difference in structure of the binding pocket is a major factor for preferential activation of the lepidopteran over the dipteran receptors by DAH ligands.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the marked specificity of DAH and AAK analogues towards EcRs from lepidopteran insects. THQ compounds did not show this specificity, indicating that dipteran‐specific ecdysone‐agonist‐based insecticides based on the THQ mother structure can be developed. The differences in activity of ecdysone agonists in dipteran and lepidopteran ecdysone‐reporter‐based screening systems are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
GaN and ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Fündling Sönke , Sökmen Ünsal , Behrends Arne , Al‐Suleiman Mohamed Aid Mansur , Merzsch Stephan , Li Shunfeng , Bakin Andrey , Wehmann Hergo‐Heinrich , Waag Andreas , Lähnemann Jonas , Jahn Uwe , Trampert Achim , Riechert Henning
Published: July 2010

GaN and ZnO are both wide band gap semiconductors with interesting properties concerning optoelectronic and sensor device applications. Due to the lack or the high costs of native substrates, alternatives like sapphire, silicon, or silicon carbide are taken, but the resulting lattice and thermal mismatches lead to increased defect densities which reduce the material quality. In contrast, nanostructures with high aspect ratio have lower defect densities as compared to layers. In this work, we give an overview on our results achieved on both ZnO as well as GaN based nanorods. ZnO nanostructures were grown by a wet chemical approach as well as by VPT on different substrates – even on flexible polymers. To compare the growth results we analyzed the structures by XRD and PL and show possible device applications. The GaN nano‐ and microstructures were grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy either in a self‐organized process or by selective area growth for a better control of shape and material composition. Finally we take a look onto possible device applications, presenting our attempts, e.g., to build LEDs based on GaN nanostructures.
Dilute magnetic semiconductors from electrodeposited ZnO nanowires
Authors: Nadarajah A. , Könenkamp R.
Published: July 2010

We present experimental results on the magnetic properties of doped ZnO nanowires grown at 80 °C in electrodeposition. We show that impurities such as Al, Mn, Co, and Cu can be incorporated in the nanowires by adding the corresponding metal salts to the electrolyte solution. At concentration levels of a few atomic percent we find the impurity concentration in the solid to be approximately proportional to the precursor concentration in solution. ZnO nanowrires doped with Cu, Co, and Mn show superparamagnetic response at room temperature, while undoped and Al‐doped wires show no discernible magnetic response. The results indicate that with Cu, Mn, and Co doping dilute magnetic semiconductors can be prepared.
Sustainable recycling approach: an understanding of designers' and contractors' recycling responsibilities throughout the life cycle of buildings in two US cities
Authors: Srour Issam , Chong Wai Kiong , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2010

Despite the surge of interest in construction sustainability, the rate of construction recycling is still trailing behind that of other industries. Extensive recycling, for instance, is limited to a few types of construction material. This paper analyzes recycling situations across the United States (US) and identifies common obstacles to recycling in the context of the US construction industry. Through a set of interviews with industry practitioners, obstacles are classified into six factors: social, environmental, economic, material, participant and regional. The obstacles are then tested on a recently demolished building in the San Antonio, TX, area, and compared with a hypothetical scenario in San Diego, CA. The study found that designers, and contractors (to a lesser extent), play a crucial role in achieving higher recycling rates. Specific practices that designers can use include collecting information on materials lifetime and recyclability in the region, reducing the number of materials used and component sizes, using two‐stage building systems and recording changes during construction and operation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Pickling of Process‐Oxidised Austenitic Stainless Steels in HNO3‐HF Mixed Acid
Authors: Lindell D. , Pettersson R.
Published: July 2010

Oxide formation during production annealing and the subsequent pickling response in mixed acid have been studied. The aims were to characterise the oxides formed and to understand how the pickling mechanism and kinetics are affected by the nature of the oxide. Totally, eight different versions of the austenitic stainless steel grades AISI 301, 304L and 309L were studied, all annealed in production lines. Cold rolled oxides (formed during annealing) are thin (< 1 µm), dense and formed in a multilayered manner. Hot rolled oxides (formed during reheating, hot rolling and annealing) are thicker (>1 µm) and more heterogeneous in thickness and composition. The dissolution rate of the chromium depleted layer (CDL) under the oxide is the most important factor for the overall pickling rate. The permeability of acid through the oxide and the tendency of the oxide to spall are also important factors affecting the pickling kinetics. The dense oxide formed on cold rolled materials can to some extent hinder the acid to reach the CDL. The oxides on hot rolled materials are porous and do not provide such a barrier but they are thicker and thereby more difficult to remove. Shot‐blasting prior to pickling of the hot rolled materials improves the pickling performance because it thins the oxide, improves the permeability and increases the tendency of the oxide to spall during the pickling step.
Determination of Hydrogen in Steel by Thermal Desorption Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bergers K. , Camisão de Souza E. , Thomas I. , Mabho N. , Flock J.
Published: July 2010

Hydrogen embrittlement has been observed since high‐strength steels have been produced in the nineteen thirties 1,2. Several different analytical methods have been developed to quantify the total and diffusible hydrogen in steel, but many aspects of hydrogen determination are still to be explored. Purely quantitative determination of hydrogen is not sufficient to fully characterize the steel regarding its resistance against embrittlement.

Thermal Desorption Mass Spectrometry (TDMS) allows the investigation of hydrogen absorption and desorption mechanisms to characterize hydrogen traps in different kinds of steel microstructures. This provides valuable information for the development of new materials with a higher resistance against hydrogen embrittlement. Additionally, TDMS allows the quantitative determination of very small concentrations of hydrogen (<0.1 µg/g). Such low detection limits cannot be reached with other methods. Due to time‐consuming analysis and a rather complex construction, TDMS is usually not applied for hydrogen determination in German steel mills. The present work describes the development of a thermal desorption spectrometer at ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG by adapting a compact quadrupole mass spectrometer to a commercially available hot solid extraction analyzer, which has proven to be a simple and efficient solution for the determination of diffusible hydrogen in steel.
Execution and evaluation of complex industrial automation and control projects using the systems engineering approach
Authors: Sisbot Sedat
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the results of our implementation and evaluation studies of industrial automation and control projects in the process industries using the systems engineering approach. Industrial Automation and Control (IAC) projects are complex technical projects including state‐of‐the‐art large bill of materials, multidisciplinary engineering resources, and a considerable amount of capital. The factors that are critical to the successful implementation of IAC projects are identified and discussed based on the literature and the experience gained in various large‐ and medium‐size industrial applications. The hierarchical structure of modern IAC systems and milestones of project implementation are also presented. A case study in the steel making processes is introduced to demonstrate the substantial benefits of incorporating systems engineering approaches into the successful implementation of IAC projects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14: 193–207, 2011
Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Middle School: Opportunities, Constraints, and Key Processes
Authors: Ozer Emily J. , Ritterman Miranda L. , Wanis Maggie G.
Published: July 2010

Late childhood and early adolescence represent a critical transition in the developmental and academic trajectory of youth, a time in which there is an upsurge in academic disengagement and psychopathology. PAR projects that can promote youth's sense of meaningful engagement in school and a sense of efficacy and mattering can be particularly powerful given the challenges of this developmental stage. In the present study, we draw on data from our own collaborative implementation of PAR projects in secondary schools to consider two central questions: (1) How do features of middle school settings and the developmental characteristics of the youth promote or inhibit the processes, outcomes, and sustainability of the PAR endeavor? and (2) How can the broad principles and concepts of PAR be effectively translated into specific intervention activities in schools, both within and outside of the classroom? In particular, we discuss a participatory research project conducted with 6th and 7th graders at an urban middle school as a means of highlighting the opportunities, constraints, and lessons learned in our efforts to contribute to the high‐quality implementation and evaluation of PAR in diverse urban public schools.
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome
Authors: Feinberg Joseph H. , Radecki Jeffrey
Published: July 2010

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), also referred to as idiopathic brachial plexopathy or neuralgic amyotrophy, is a rare disorder consisting of a complex constellation of symptoms with abrupt onset of shoulder pain, usually unilaterally, followed by progressive neurologic deficits of motor weakness, dysesthesias, and numbness. Although the etiology of the syndrome is unclear, it is reported in various clinical situations, including postoperatively, postinfectious, posttraumatic, and postvaccination. The identification of the syndrome in the postoperative patient remains a challenge as symptoms may easily be attributed to sequelae of surgical positioning, postoperative recovery, or postanesthetic block pain. The purpose of this review is to bring forth salient, identifiable factors which may assist the surgical clinician in identifying the condition sooner. An early and proper diagnosis affords the opportunity to treat the patient accordingly and to the satisfaction of both surgeon and patient.
Perverting the Course of Politics
Authors: Goodin Robert E.
Published: July 2010

Lawyers talk of the common law offence of ‘perverting the course of justice’ by bribing or intimidating judges or jurors, lying to the police or court, concealing or destroying or fabricating evidence. This article argues that the same things are wrong, and wrong for the same reasons, politically as judicially: they prevent people from knowing and applying for themselves the rules by which they are ruled. The sort of excuses typically offered for those perverse practices in politics – that ‘it made no difference’, that ‘they could and should have resisted’ or that it is merely a matter of ‘fair adversarial competition’ – would be laughed out of a court of law, and they should be shunned politically for the same reasons as judicially.
Reproducibility evaluation of gross and net walking efficiency in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Brehm Merel‐Anne , Becher Jules , Harlaar Jaap
Published: July 2010

In evaluating energy cost (EC) of walking, referred to as walking efficiency, the use of net measurement protocols (i.e. net=gross‐resting) has recently been recommended. However, nothing is known about the comparative reproducibility of net protocols and the commonly used gross protocols. Ten minutes of resting and 5 minutes of walking at a self‐selected speed were used to determine gross and net EC in 13 children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP; seven males, six females; mean age 8y 7mo [SD 3y 4mo], range 4y 1mo–13y) and in 10 children (three males, seven females) with typical development. In the former, their Gross Motor Function Classification System levels ranged from Level I to Level III; and seven had hemiplegia and six diplegia. There were four repeated sessions on different days, with periods of 1 week between sessions. Reproducibility was assessed for speed, and gross and net EC, by using the standard error of measurement. The results of this preliminary study showed that EC measurements were more variable for children with CP than for children with typical development. Furthermore, in both groups there was considerably more variability in the net measurements than in the gross measurements. We conclude that, on the basis of the methodology used, the use of gross EC, rather than net EC, seems a more sensitive measure of walking efficiency to detect clinically relevant changes in an individual child with CP.
Sex and the pathogenesis of cerebral palsy
Authors: Johnston Michael V , Hagberg Henrik
Published: July 2010

Cerebral palsy (CP) and related developmental disorders are more common in males than in females, but the reasons for this disparity are uncertain. Males born very preterm also appear to be more vulnerable to white matter injury and intraventricular hemorrhage than females. Experimental studies in adult animals and data from adult patients with stroke indicate that sex hormones such as estrogens provide protection against hypoxic‐ischemic injury, and the neonatal brain is also influenced by these hormones. However, hormonal influences on the fetus and neonates are substantially different from those on adults. Recent data from neonatal rodents subjected to hypoxia‐ischemia also demonstrate differences between males and females. Knockout of the gene for poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP‐1), a major step in the cascade of injury, protected male but not female mouse pups from hypoxic‐ischemic injury. Other reports demonstrated major differences between male and female neurons grown separately in cell culture, suggesting that sex differences in the fetal or neonatal period result from intrinsic differences in cell death pathways. This new information indicates that there are important neurobiological differences between males and females with respect to their response to brain injuries. This information is relevant to understanding the pathogenesis of CP as well as to the design of future clinical trials of potential neuroprotective strategies.
Quantitative trait locus mapping of gravitaxis behaviour inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: DESROCHES CHRISTIE E. , BUSTO MACARENA , RIEDL CRAIG A. L. , MACKAY TRUDY F. C. , SOKOLOWSKI MARLA B.
Published: July 2010

Drosophila melanogaster, like other organisms, move and orient themselves in response to the earth's gravitational force. The ability to sense and respond to gravity is essential for an organism to navigate and thrive in its environment. The genes underlying this behaviour inDrosophilaremain elusive. Using 88 recombinant inbred lines, we have identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that contribute to adult gravitaxis (geotaxis) behaviour inDrosophila. Candidate genes of interest were selected from the QTLs of highest significance based on their function in chordotonal organ formation. Quantitative complementation tests with these candidate genes revealed a role forskittlesin adult gravitaxis behaviour inD. melanogaster.
History, geography and population structure influence the distribution and heritability of blood and anthropometric quantitative traits in nine Sardinian genetic isolates
Authors: PORTAS LAURA , MURGIA FEDERICO , BIINO GINEVRA , CONCAS MARIA P. , CASULA LAURA , MILIA STEFANIA , WHALEN MICHAEL B. , VACCARGIU SIMONA , COSSO MASSIMILIANO , PARRACCIANI DEBORA , FRONGIA BRUNO , PIRASTU MARIO
Published: July 2010

Isolated founder populations which exhibit great genetic and environmental homogeneity provide an attractive setting for the study of quantitative traits (QTs). Geneticists have repeatedly turned to population isolates and the past successes have prompted increased interest among medical researchers. We studied nine small isolated villages of a secluded area of Sardinia (Ogliastra), all of them characterized by a few founders, high endogamy rates, slow population expansion and a distinct genetic makeup. Anthropometric and blood parameters, 43 QTs in all, were analysed in about 9000 voluntary subjects for whom extended genealogical information was available. We explored the distribution and examined mean differences of each trait among villages by analysis of variance (ANOVA). A heritability analysis with the variance component (VC) method was performed. Results show significant differences in the distribution of most traits between groups of villages located in two distinct geographical areas already identified by a previous population structure analysis, thus supporting the existence of differentiation among sub-populations in the same region. Heritability estimates range between 30 and 89%, demonstrating that genetic effects substantially contribute to phenotypic variation of all investigated traits and that this population provides excellent research conditions for gene-mapping projects. Results suggest that history, geographic location and population structure may have influenced the genetic and phenotypic features of these isolates. Our findings may be useful for the ongoing linkage and association studies in these isolates and suggest that a thorough characterization of population is valuable to better identify genes or variants that may be rare in the population at large and peculiar to single villages.
Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in northwest Greenland and underestimates of high Arctic carbon stores
Authors: Horwath Burnham Jennifer , Sletten Ronald S.
Published: July 2010

The amount of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the high Arctic is generally poorly constrained. Because of periglacial processes such as frost churning and sequestration in frozen soils, a substantial amount of SOC is typically not inventoried. This study provides a detailed study of SOC content by depth in 55 soil pits in a high Arctic ecosystem of northwest Greenland. Sampling sites spanned ecosystems from mires to polar deserts, from sea level to the margins of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and across various periglacial features. The amount of SOC in the various ecosystems was mapped using a correlation of SOC with high‐resolution ASTER satellite imagery and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) classes from the Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map. On the basis of this correlation, the total carbon was extrapolated to greater areas of the high Arctic. Our study found the amount of SOC in the high Arctic has typically been grossly underestimated, remarkably by the greatest amount in the most barren environments of the polar desert. We estimate that the high Arctic contains about 12 Pg SOC, a factor of over 5 times greater the most cited values previously reported. Since our estimate was only assessed in seasonally frozen ground, additional carbon frozen in the permafrost is likely present and potentially available in the event of permafrost thawing due to warming of the Arctic.
On the generation of ELF/VLF waves for long‐distance propagation via steerable HF heating of the lower ionosphere
Authors: Cohen M. B. , Inan U. S. , Gołkowski M. , Lehtinen N. G.
Published: July 2010

ELF/VLF radio waves (300 Hz to 30 kHz) have been successfully generated via modulated HF (3–10 MHz) heating of the lower ionosphere in the presence of natural currents, most recently with the HAARP facility in Alaska. Generation is possible via amplitude modulation or via two techniques involving motion of the HF beam during the ELF/VLF cycle, known as beam painting and geometric modulation, described and measured by Cohen et al. (2010b). In this paper, we describe a theoretical model describing the HF heating and ionospheric responses, followed by a full‐wave calculation of ELF/VLF propagation, and utilize this end‐to‐end model to derive the predicted radiated ELF/VLF pattern up to 1000 km from the HF heater in the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide. We quantitatively compare the generated ELF/VLF signals on the ground from various generation techniques and find it to be generally in agreement with earlier measurements. We apply a simplified ELF/VLF propagation model to quantify the contribution of the ELF/VLF phased array in the radiation pattern resulting from geometric modulation and find this contribution to be significant. We also use a limited HF heating model to quantify the degree to which the current power level of HAARP is sufficient for the beam painting technique, since this technique requires high HF power densities at high altitudes.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation documented in a coral record of North Pacific winter temperature since 1873
Authors: Felis Thomas , Suzuki Atsushi , Kuhnert Henning , Rimbu Norel , Kawahata Hodaka
Published: July 2010

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the leading mode of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the extratropical North Pacific Ocean, has widespread impacts on precipitation in the Americas and marine fisheries in the North Pacific. However, marine proxy records with a temporal resolution that resolves interannual to interdecadal SST variability in the extratropical North Pacific are extremely rare. Here we demonstrate that the winter Sr/Ca and U/Ca records of an annually‐banded reef coral from the Ogasawara Islands in the western subtropical North Pacific are significantly correlated with the instrumental winter PDO index over the last century. The reconstruction of the PDO is further improved by combining the coral data with an existing eastern mid‐latitude North Pacific growth ring record of geoduck clams. The spatial correlations of this combined index with global climate fields suggest that SST proxy records from these locations provide potential for PDO reconstructions further back in time.
The use of modified primer competitors to enhance yields and specificity of HLA class I amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Authors: Etokebe G.E. , Wiencke K. , Haug T. , Spurkland A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  Various PCR based techniques have been developed for genomic HLA typing. The fidelity of these techniques is highly dependent upon the specificity of the primers for the given HLA locus. Due to the high degree of homology between HLA class I loci, few primer sites that selectively amplify genes at a given HLA class I locus may be identified. To avoid coamplification of homologous loci, we designed and applied primer competitors for PCR amplification of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C loci. Primer competitors identical to the 3′ end of the specific primers and completely degenerate in the 5′ end were designed and titrated into the respective HLA‐locus PCR mixtures. We found that inclusion of primer competitors in the PCR reaction increased the specificity and yields of HLA class I amplifications, in particular when crude DNA preparation was used as template. This was particularly true for DNA preparations of low quality. The method described here may be useful for various protocols for downstream genomic typing of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C alleles. In particular the method is useful when DNA is in scarce supply (i.e., for extensive PCR based allelic typing) or when high yields and locus specificity of amplicons are needed (i.e., sequencing‐based typing).
The association of HLA ‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 genotypes with Graves' disease in Taiwanese people
Authors: Huang S.‐M. , Wu T.‐J. , Lee T.D. , Yang E.K.L. , Shaw C.‐K. , Yeh C.‐C.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Graves' disease has been associated with different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes in different races. To evaluate the association of HLA type in Taiwanese with Graves' disease, the HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 alleles in a total of 236 Taiwanese adults with Graves' disease and 533 racially matched normal control subjects were examined using the PCR‐SSOP (sequence specific oligonucleotide probe) technique. The prevalence of HLA‐A*0207, ‐B*2704, ‐B*4601, and ‐DRB1*0901 among patients with Graves' disease was found to be increased, with odds ratios (OR) of 2.21, 3.82, 1.76 and 1.62, respectively. However, after correction for multiple comparisons, the relative risk of HLA‐A*0207 susceptibility to Graves' disease remained statistically significant and the haplotype HLA‐A*3303 ‐B*5801 ‐DRB1*0301 had a significantly protective effect. None of the other 2‐ or 3‐locus haplotypes showed any significantly increased risk. Although HLA‐DRB1*1405 showed an increased relative risk in patients with GO (Graves' opthalmopathy) (OR 4.61) when compared with patients without GO, the relative risk after adjusting for the number of comparisons was not significant. Taiwanese patients with Graves' disease have HLA‐associated susceptibility genes which are similar to those found in Chinese patients in Hong Kong and Singapore. However, the finding in this study of a higher frequency of HLA‐A*0207 in Taiwanese with Graves' disease has not been documented in any other ethnic group.
Modulation of Contractile Force by Endothelin Receptors in Porcine Myocardial Trabeculae
Authors: Opgaard Ole Saetrum , Tom Beril , De Vries René , Edvinsson Lars , Saxena Pramod R.
Published: July 2010

The aim of the study was to determine possible inotropic effects mediated by endothelin‐A and endothelin‐B receptors in porcine myocardial trabeculae from right atria and left ventricles. Isolated trabeculae were paced at 1.5 Hz in tissue baths, and changes in isometric contractile force upon exposure to agonist were studied. Endothelin‐1 and endothelin‐3 had a strong and potent positive inotropic effect in all trabeculae. In all atrial and in some ventricular trabeculae this effect was preceded by a transient negative inotropic effect at 10−7 M. The endothelin‐B receptor agonist IRL 1620 had a positive inotropic effect in some of the ventricular trabeculae, and no negative inotropic effect. Another endothelin‐B receptor agonist, sarafotoxin S6c, had no positive inotropic effect, but induced a transient negative inotropic effect in some atrial trabeculae at 10−7 M. In atrial trabeculae the preincubation with the endothelin‐A receptor antagonist FR139317 (10−6 M) decreased significantly (P<0.01) the maximum positive inotropic responses and abolished negative inotropic responses to endothelin‐1. In conclusion, both endothelin‐A and endothelin‐B receptors may have the potential to mediate both positive and negative inotropic responses, but a positive inotropic effect mediated mainly via endothelin‐A receptors seems to predominate.
The impact of reduced pH on the microbial community of the coral Acropora eurystoma
Authors: Meron Dalit , Atias Elinor , Iasur Kruh Lilach , Elifantz Hila , Minz Dror , Fine Maoz , Banin Ehud
Published: July 2010

Rising concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide are acidifying the world's oceans. Surface seawater pH is 0.1 units lower than pre-industrial values and is predicted to decrease by up to 0.4 units by the end of the century. This change in pH may result in changes in the physiology of ocean organisms, in particular, organisms that build their skeletons/shells from calcium carbonate, such as corals. This physiological change may also affect other members of the coral holobiont, for example, the microbial communities associated with the coral, which in turn may affect the coral physiology and health. In the present study, we examined changes in bacterial communities in the coral mucus, tissue and skeleton following exposure of the coral Acropora eurystoma to two different pH conditions: 7.3 and 8.2 (ambient seawater). The microbial community was different at the two pH values, as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Further analysis of the community in the corals maintained at the lower pH revealed an increase in bacteria associated with diseased and stressed corals, such as Vibrionaceae and Alteromonadaceae. In addition, an increase in the number of potential antibacterial activity was recorded among the bacteria isolated from the coral maintained at pH 7.3. Taken together, our findings highlight the impact that changes in the pH may have on the coral-associated bacterial community and their potential contribution to the coral host.
Vertical stratification of microbial communities in the Red Sea revealed by 16S rDNA pyrosequencing
Authors: Qian Pei-Yuan , Wang Yong , Lee On On , Lau Stanley C K , Yang Jiangke , Lafi Feras F , Al-Suwailem Abdulaziz , Wong Tim Y H
Published: July 2010

The ecosystems of the Red Sea are among the least-explored microbial habitats in the marine environment. In this study, we investigated the microbial communities in the water column overlying the Atlantis II Deep and Discovery Deep in the Red Sea. Taxonomic classification of pyrosequencing reads of the 16S rRNA gene amplicons showed vertical stratification of microbial diversity from the surface water to 1500 m below the surface. Significant differences in both bacterial and archaeal diversity were observed in the upper (2 and 50 m) and deeper layers (200 and 1500 m). There were no obvious differences in community structure at the same depth for the two sampling stations. The bacterial community in the upper layer was dominated by Cyanobacteria whereas the deeper layer harbored a large proportion of Proteobacteria. Among Archaea, Euryarchaeota, especially Halobacteriales, were dominant in the upper layer but diminished drastically in the deeper layer where Desulfurococcales belonging to Crenarchaeota became the dominant group. The results of our study indicate that the microbial communities sampled in this study are different from those identified in water column in other parts of the world. The depth-wise compositional variation in the microbial communities is attributable to their adaptations to the various environments in the Red Sea.
Regenerating Peripheral Axons Transport and Release Low‐Molecular‐Mass Materials In Vitro
Authors: Remgård Pär , Ekström Per A. R. , Edström Anders
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The release of radiolabeled material from regenerating frog sciatic nerves was studied using a multicom‐ partment chamber, in which the ganglia and the outgrowth region, respectively, were separated from the rest of the nerve. The nerves were incubated with radioactive amino acids in the ganglionic compartment, and the material transported to and released at the outgrowth region was collected and analyzed. Approximately 10% of the transported radioactivity was released over a 24‐h incubation period. Of the released materials, 84% had a molecular mass of < 1,000 daltons [the low‐molecular‐mass (LM) fraction] as determined by exclusion chromatography. The presence of LM material could not be explained by leakage, nor was it due to intracellular or extracellular degradation of radiolabeled, transported proteins. It was reduced by cold and was shown by the use of vinblastine to be dependent on axonal transport. According to TLC, both the original precursor and metabolites thereof could be detected among the released LM material. The present results demonstrate the existence of a transport system for LM material in peripheral axons. The preferential release of LM over high‐molecular‐mass material at the outgrowth region suggests that it could serve specific functions during regeneration.
Identification and Characterization of Various Cholecystokinin B Receptor mRNA Forms in Rat Brain Tissue and Partial Determination of the Cholecystokinin B Receptor Gene Structure
Authors: Jagerschmidt A. , Popovici T. , O'Donohue M. , Roques B. P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Using the powerful method of DNA amplification, we have been able to isolate several cholecystokinin B (CCKB) receptor (CCKB‐R) mRNA forms from rat brain tissue, allowing the detection of a truncated mRNA species and the determination of the CCKB‐R gene structure. Unspliced precursor mRNA and the mature form were identified in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus in apparently differing proportions according to the region examined, suggesting that the expression of the CCKB‐R could be modulated at a posttranscriptional level. In the case of the cerebellum, only a completely unspliced mRNA form was detected, in agreement with previous studies in which CCKB ligand binding sites were not observed. In contrast, a truncated CCKB‐R mRNA, lacking 250 bp, was detected in all the studied brain regions except for the cerebellum. This mRNA, for which a cellular function has not been assigned, potentially encodes a protein consisting of 168 amino acids.
Nerve Growth Factor‐Induced Differentiation in Neuroblastoma Cells Expressing TrkA but Lacking p75NGFR
Authors: Hartman Deborah S. , Hertel Cornelia
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Nerve growth factor (NGF) binds to two distinct cell surface receptors, TrkA, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase, and p75NGFR, whose role in NGF‐induced signal transduction remains unclear. We have found that human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells express TrkA, but p75NGFR expression was not detectable in these cells by northern blot analysis, immunoblotting, or chemical crosslinking experiments. Despite the lack of p75NGFR expression, subnanomolar concentrations of recombinant human NGF induced neurite outgrowth, tyrosine phosphorylation, and immediate early gene expression in these cells. These results strongly suggest that NGF‐induced neuronal differentiation in IMR‐32 cells is initiated through TrkA in the absence of p75NGFR. Thus, IMR‐32 cells may provide a model for studying neurotrophic effects of NGF on adult striatal cholinergic neurons, which also lack p75NGFR expression.