bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA from pollen: principles and potential
Authors: Bennett K. D. , Parducci L.
Published: December 2006

This paper describes our recent extraction of ancient DNA (aDNA) from Holocene pollen and discusses the potential of the technique for elucidatingtimescales of evolutionary change. We show that plastid DNA is recoverableand usable from pollen grains of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris from 10 ka and 100 years ago. Comparison of the ancient sequences with modern sequences,obtained from an extant population, establish a first genetic link betweenmodern and fossil samples of Scots pine, providing a genetic continuity through time. One common haplotype is present in each of the three periods investigated, suggesting that it persisted near the lake throughout the postglacial. The retrieval of aDNA from pollen has major implications for palaeoecology by allowing (i) investigation of populationlevel dynamics in time and space, and (ii) tracing ancestry of populations and developing phylogenetic trees that include extinct as well as extant taxa. The method should work over the last glacial oscillation, thus giving access to ancestry of populations over a crucial period of time for the understanding of the relationship between speciation and climate change.
East-Asian monsoon variability between 15 000 and 2000 cal. yr BP recorded in varved sediments of Lake Sihailongwan (northeastern China, Long Gang volcanic field)
Authors: Schettler Georg , Liu Qiang , Mingram Jens , Stebich Martina , Dulski Peter
Published: December 2006

A palaeohydrological reconstruction on decadal scale for the period 15000-2000 cal. yr BP based on calculated net accumulation rates for biogenic silica (F-bSiO2) and additional proxies (sedimentological data, geochemical sediment characteristics and pollen) is derived from varved sediments of Lake Sihailongwan (SHL). In Lake SHL, F-bSiO2 is positively correlated with the inflow of nutrient-rich groundwater. Since groundwater inflow is mainly fed by seepage of summer monsoon rainfall, F-bSiO2 documents changes in summer monsoon strength. Summer monsoon rainfall was enhanced in the early Holocene around 9800 and 7800 cal. yr BP. Groundwater inflow during these periods did not reach the high level of the Lateglacial warm period (c. 14300 12500 cal. yr BP) when the vicinity of the lake was less densely covered with woody vegetation than in the Holocene. Aeolian influx of silt-sized debris was relatively higher during an overall drier period between 9500 and 8000 cal. yr BP. A mid-Holocene sedimentation interval with distinct century-scale variability in summer monsoon rainfall documents a positive correlation between rainfall and siliciclastic influx that reflects a more efficient removal of mineral aerosols for increased rainfall at an overall high dust concentration over the Asian continent. Summer monsoon rainfall reached minima around 6400, 4900, 3700 and 2200 cal. yr BP. Remarkably, aeolian siliciclastic influx peaked at the beginning and at the end of a dry interval between 4100 and 3600 cal. yr BP. Around 3600 cal. yr BP Lake SHL received substantial aeolian influx of different geochemical provenance.
Holocene palaeoenvironments and change at Three-Quarter Mile Lake, Silver Plains Station, Cape York Peninsula, Australia
Authors: Luly J. G. , Grindrod J. F. , Penny D.
Published: December 2006

Pollen and diatom analyses of organic sediments from Three-Quarter Mile Lake, a perched lake on Cape York Peninsula, north Queensland, indicate that significant changes in vegetation and hydrology occurred during the Holocene. Early Holocene grass-dominated landscapes were replaced in mid-Holocene times by increasingly woody vegetation comprising tropical heathlands, savanna and rainforest. Early-Holocene lake levels fluctuated widely. From mid-Holocene times, lake levels stabilized and water became increasingly acidic as a mature swamp forest developed adjacent to the lake and contributed tannins to the lake water. The timing and character of changes are consistent with those described from the Atherton Tableland in wet tropical Queensland. Holocene dry phases described from the Northern Territory and the western shores of Cape York cannot be identified from Three-Quarter Mile Lake. Rainforest is currently close to its greatest Holocene extent, suggesting that the rainforest-dependent endemic fauna of northern Cape York have been isolated from rainforest blocks to the south throughout the last 10 000 years and, by inference, throughout at least the 120 000 years beyond that.
Detecting differences in vegetation among paired sites using pollen records
Authors: Sugita Shinya , Parshall Tim , Calcote Randy
Published: December 2006

The ‘Qualitative Assessment of Difference’ method (QAD) is proposed to objectively detect differences in the relative abundance of vegetation between paired sites using pollen percentages. This method corrects for intertaxonomic differences in pollen productivity and neutralizes influences of background pollen on pollen representation of vegetation, using an inverse form of the Extended R-value model. We test the method using modern pollen-vegetation data from small hollows in northern Michigan (6 taxa; 45 sites) and from northwestern Wisconsin (7 taxa; 43 sites) in the USA. Compared with pollen percentages, the one-tailed Fisher Exact test shows that the QAD method significantly improves the accuracy of the results for all taxa. The rank order of sites based on QAD is significantly correlated to the rank order of sites based on a survey of vegetation composition surrounding the hollow for each taxon (Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients; p<0.001). We apply QAD to 9000-yr pollen records from two forest hollows c. 6 km apart in northern Michigan. Among seven taxa compared, Pinus, a taxon with well-dispersed pollen and a high pollen producer, often displays discrepancies in the direction of difference between QAD and the percentage-based method, demonstrating that pollen percentages alone do not always reflect differences in vegetation composition accurately. When several similarly sized sites are available in the same vegetation zone, QAD can objectively rank-order sites for individual taxa in relation to, for example, differences in soils, topography, patterns of species invasion, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and other factors.
Seasonal and subseasonal climate changes recorded in laminated diatom ooze sediments, Adélie Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Denis D. , Crosta X. , Zaragosi S. , Romero O. , Martin B. , Mas V.
Published: December 2006

A 40 m long sediment core covering the 1000–9600 years BP period was retrieved from the Dumont d'Urville Trough off Adélie Land, East Antarctica, during the MD 130–Images X-CADO cruise. This sedimentary sequence allows the documentation of changes in climate seasonality during the Holocene. Here we show preliminary results of diatom communities, lithic grain distribution and titanium content measured on two 30 cm long sequences of thin sections. The two sequences originate from two different climate regimes, the colder Neoglacial and the warmer Hypsithermal. Proxies were measured at microscale resolution on 25 laminations for the Neoglacial and 14 laminations for the Hypsithermal. The two sequences reveal alternating light-green and dark-green laminae. Light laminae result from low terrigenous input and high sea-ice edge diatom fluxes and are interpreted to represent the spring season. Dark laminae result from high terrigenous input mixed with a diversified open ocean diatom flora and are interpreted to represent the summer–autumn season. The two sequences therefore resolve annual couplets composed of one light plus one dark lamina. Variations in the relative thickness of laminations and annual couplets, associated with diatom assemblage changes, are observed in each sequence and between the two sequences giving information on interannual to millennial changes in environmental conditions.
‘Sleep on dear Ernie, your battles are o’er’: A Glimpse of a Mourning Community, Invercargill, New Zealand, 1914-1925
Authors: Hunter Kathryn
Published: December 2006

Focusing on Invercargill, one of the southernmost regional towns in the South Island, New Zealand, this article re-examines one of the clichés of the First World War: that few families were untouched by loss and grief. The analysis, using the community as the point of origin, provides evidence for two arguments. First, that soldiers had considerably more latitude in their expressions and rituals of bereavement than did families; and second, that public expressions of grief revealed a shared set of community values, most particularly those of civilian citizenship, that were core to Invercargill residents’ understandings of the war.
Strategic Culture, Intelligence Assessment, and the Conduct of the Pacific War: The British-Indian and Imperial Japanese Armies in Comparison, 1941-1945
Authors: Ford Douglas
Published: December 2006

The article compares the intelligence efforts of the British-Indian and Imperial Japanese armies during the Second World War in the Asia-Pacific theatres. It illustrates how cultural factors enabled the British to establish a more efficient intelligence apparatus than their Japanese counterpart. Whereas the British viewed intelligence as a vital instrument for aiding their war effort, the Japanese tended to scorn its value. The good use of intelligence in turn enabled the British to use their scarce resources to defeat their opponents, whereas poor intelligence led the Japanese to squander their limited strengths.
The Jewish Heritage of Ludwig Wittgenstein: Its Influence on His Life and Work
Authors: Abramovitch Henry , Prince Raymond
Published: December 2006

This article discusses two aspects of Wittgenstein’s Jewish heritage. First, we try to show that Wittgenstein was acutely aware of his own Jewish heritage and especially concerned about its potential influence on his work. Second, we suggest that the form of his work, specifically, his method of inquiry and the peculiar literary character of his work, bear a striking resemblance to that of Hebrew Talmud. Like other assimilated Jews of Central Europe, Wittgenstein may have been directly or indirectly exposed to Hebraic culture and Talmudic logic. An understanding of Wittgenstein’s Jewish heritage provides an important and neglected perspective on his work.
Immigrants and Refugees: The Psychiatric Perspective
Authors: Kinzie J. David
Published: December 2006

Psychiatric studies of immigrants have yielded contradictory findings regarding rates of mental illness. Current evidence suggests that rates of schizophrenia (and probably other disorders) among immigrant groups are low compared with native-born populations when sending and receiving countries are socially and culturally similar. The rates for immigrants are higher when sending and receiving countries are dissimilar, probably because of multiple social problems faced by immigrants in the receiving country. Refugees who flee their own country because of fears of violence or starvation often have had extremely traumatic experiences, which may result in PTSD and sometimes chronic impairment. Asylum seekers who arrive illegally to seek refuge in a foreign country also may have multiple traumas and experience further distress from their uncertain residency and legal status. Although much is known about the effects of migration, competent culturally sensitive services for migrants remain inadequate to meet the need.
Women’s Aggressive Use of Genital Power in Africa
Authors: Stevens Phillips
Published: December 2006

Anthropology has long recognized the inadvertent polluting power of the male and female genitals. In his important discussion of Yoruba beliefs in female power and witchcraft, Raymond Prince (1961) recognized that African women know very well that they can direct the power that can emanate from their own genitals, and in some extreme situations their threats to loosen this power are strongly persuasive. Only a few others have recognized the aggressive use of female genital power. Further research in this area has important implications for understanding African ideas of sexuality.
The financial benefits of improved street lighting, based on crime reduction
Authors: Painter Kate A , Farrington David P
Published: December 2006

Two research projects were carried out to investigate the effects of improved street lighting on crime in Dudley and Stoke-on-Trent. In Dudley, crimes decreased by 41% in the experimental area, compared with a 15% decrease in a control area. In Stoke, crimes decreased by 43% in the experimental area and by 45% in two adjacent areas, compared with a decrease of only 2% in two control areas. In the two projects, the financial savings (from reduced crimes) exceeded the financial costs by between 2.4 and 10 times after one year. It is concluded that improved street lighting can be extremely cost-effective.
Predicting vertical luminous efficacy using horizontal solar data
Authors: Li DHW , Lam JC
Published: December 2006

Daylighting is recognized as an important and useful strategy in the design of energy-efficient buildings. Daylight illuminance, particularly on vertical surfaces, plays a major role in determining and evaluating the daylighting performance of a building. Luminous efficacy approach is considered as a versatile and easily applied way to calculate outdoor illuminance. This paper presents an approach to estimate the vertical outdoor illuminance from computed vertical luminous efficacy based on the measured horizontal solar irradiance and illuminance data. Hourly data recorded from January 1996 to December 1998 in Hong Kong were used for the model development. The performance of the proposed model and two well-known anisotropic inclined surface models (Muneer and Perez) was evaluated against data measured in 1999. Statistical analysis indicated that the proposed model gives reasonably good agreement with measured data for all vertical planes. The proposed model can provide an alternative to building designers in estimating the vertical solar illuminance and irradiance where only the horizontal measurements are available.
Photoelectric control: the effectiveness of techniques to reduce switching frequency
Authors: Littlefair Paul J
Published: December 2006

Photoelectric switching has the potential to save energy by turning off lighting when daylight illuminances are adequate. However one problem with this control type is frequent switching, annoying occupants. This paper examines three types of control algorithm which can reduce the number of switching operations. Under differential switching, the lighting is switched on if the illuminance falls below a critical value Eon, but not switched off again until the illuminance reaches a substantially higher value Eoff. Another option is the use of a time delay. The final control mode is solar reset where the lighting can only be switched off at certain set times of day. Operation of the various controls was simulated using model room illuminance data recorded every minute. The analysis reveals that solar reset gives the fewest switching operations but at the cost of increased energy consumption. A time delay, where the daylight illuminance has to exceed a target value for a set time before switching off can occur, gives the fewest switch offs for a given lighting energy use. However differential switching ensures that switching off occurs at a favourable adaptation level. The paper outlines ways to predict lighting energy use under the different control strategies.
Lighting controls: a field study of office workers’ reactions
Authors: Escuyer S , Fontoynont M
Published: December 2006

This paper reports a qualitative study of the acceptability of lighting control systems by 41 French office workers, in three sites with dimmable lighting, respectively with manual, semi-manual, and automatic control. The analysis of the results aimed to determine the characteristics of an ideal lighting control system. It appeared that the occupants found automatic continuous daylight-linked systems discreet, but they needed to be able to override them. The complexity of the remote control has led occupants to under-exploit it. Many occupants chose lower artificial light levels when daylight was bright, in order to benefit more from daylight. Automatic dimming with manual choice of illuminance level, optional task lighting, and user friendly control, may be the key elements of an ideal lighting control system.
Lighting quality recommendations for VDT offices: a new method of derivation
Authors: Newsham GR , Veitch JA
Published: December 2006

An experiment in a mock-up office space gave occupants control over dimmable lighting circuits after a day working under pseudo-random lighting conditions. Data analysis indicated that the lighting experienced during the day influenced the changes in lighting made at the end of the day. Occupants chose to reduce screen glare if any existed. Even after allowing for the effect of glare, desktop illuminance at day’s end varied with the illuminance experienced during the day. Regression of these end-of-day choices relative to the illuminance experienced during the day can yield a preferred illuminance, equivalent to the daytime illuminance at which no change was preferred at day’s end. Using this method, preferred illuminances in the range 200-500 lux were derived. Preferences for luminance ratio were also derived. Interestingly, the deviation between participants’ lighting preferences and the lighting they experienced during the day was a significant predictor of participant mood and satisfaction.
Inner contrast and perceptual quality in tasks with video display units
Authors: Magister Beatriz M O’Donell , Colombo Elisa M
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this paper is to find the physical luminance contrast of an image that best relates to perceptual quality in VDU achromatic tasks. The studies were carried out by measurement of visual performance, comfort judgements and contrast adjustment, taking into account different resolutions, polarities, background luminances and illuminance values. The results add a new piece of evidence about inner contrast as an appropriate criterion to describe perceptual contrast. Inner contrast also provides a satisfactory criterion for the optimum relation of luminances in inner details of characters. This paper shows that when the relation between suprathreshold perceptual response and stimulus magnitude - inner contrast - is plotted, the power function relationship is a curve that is concave downward; there is a compression of the perceptual response. Illuminance on the horizontal plane, within the experimental range (480 and 930 lux) is not a significant parameter. Background luminance is significant for comfort judgements and contrast adjustment trials, but not for visual performance results. Grey background and characters brighter than background seem to be preferred by the observers. Mean luminance contrasts higher than 5 are sufficient to reach a visual performance of 90% and good visual comfort. The corresponding inner contrast is 1.4.
Lamp colour properties and apparent brightness: a review
Authors: Fotios Steve A
Published: December 2006

This paper reviews previous work exploring apparent brightness in interior spaces, in particular the relationship between lamp spectrum and illuminance. An understanding of this is beneficial to designers of interior lighting and to researchers investigating visual response to lighting. The review establishes reliable data from previous work, examines the correlation between descriptors of lamp colour properties and illuminance, and identifies some further work required.
Sky analysis from CCD images: cloud cover
Authors: Roy G , Hayman S , Julian W
Published: December 2006

One of the tasks in sky modelling is the determination of the location and amount of cloud coverage in the sky. Analysis using digital camera systems is possible but requires an automated method of separating sky images into clear sky and cloud regions. Two segmentation approaches have been used in this research, one based purely upon the colour characteristics of sky regions, the other a neural network approach using a wider range of variables. A convolution technique was developed to reduce classification errors prior to defining cloud outlines using polylines. Sensitivity analysis shows that this can be carried out efficiently with little loss of accuracy.
Masking of front turn signals by headlamps in combination with other front lamps
Authors: Sivak M , Flannagan MJ , Schoettle B , Nakata Y
Published: December 2006

Previous studies have shown that the visibility of a front turn signal is decreased if a headlamp is located near the turn signal. Consequently, both the US and ECE regulations require the turn signals to be more intense in such situations. However, it is unclear how adjacent light sources affect suprathreshold aspects, such as conspicuity. The present field study was designed to examine the effects of several factors on the night-time conspicuity of front turn signals. Specifically of interest were the effects of the number, luminous intensity, and spatial arrangement (including spacing) of the potentially interfering lamps. The following are the main findings: (1) The conspicuity of a turn signal was significantly lower when it was separated from a 1000 cd low-beam headlamp by 50 mm rather than 100 mm (centre-to-edge). A 200 cd turn signal at 100 mm was equal in conspicuity to a 288 cd turn signal at 50 mm. This effect is smaller than the effects obtained in previous studies using threshold-visibility paradigms. (2) Adding a second masking light source, at the same 50-mm spacing as the first masking light source, significantly influenced the conspicuity of the turn signal. The effect of the second masking source can be compensated for by an increase in the turn signal intensity corresponding to 8.5% of the intensity of the second masking source. (3) The conspicuity of the turn signal was unaffected by the spatial arrangement of two masking light sources.
Identifying sparkle
Authors: Akashi Y , Myer M A , Boyce P R
Published: December 2006

This paper describes an experiment designed to establish the effect of size, luminance and ambient light level on the probability of sparkle being perceived when looking at an array of luminous apertures. From the data collected, iso- probability contours for the perception of sparkle are developed and their application demonstrated.
Validation of the performance of a new bidirectional video-goniophotometer
Authors: Andersen M
Published: December 2006

An accurate knowledge of the directional optical properties of advanced fenestration materials is necessary for them to be adequately integrated in buildings. These properties are expressed by the Bidirectional Transmission (or Reflection) Distribution Functions (BTDF, BRDF) of such elements, which are measured by specifically designed measuring equipment: an innovative, time-efficient bidirectional goniophotometer, based on digital imaging techniques, was designed and set up for that purpose. In this paper, the in-depth validation used for the bidirectional measurements performed with this apparatus is presented. It is based on different approaches including experimental error estimation, comparisons to analytical or ray-tracing based models and to other measured data, and calculation of the directional-hemispherical transmittance (reflectance) gauged against measurements of the same systems with Ulbricht (integrating) spheres. The high accuracy and reliability of this novel device were confirmed by this detailed investigation, and led to a maximum error for BT(R)DF data of only 10%.
Catalysts based on pillared interlayered clays for the selective catalytic reduction of NO
Authors: Perathoner S. , Vaccari A.
Published: December 2006

The reactivity of an Al-pillared interlayered clay (PILC) (AZA) and a mixed Fe/Al-PILC (FAZA), used as references by the Concerted European Action-Pillared Layered Structure (CEA-PLS), was investigated in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by NH3 or propane, as either catalysts or as supports of Cu ions. Both AZA and FAZA, either with or without Cu were found to be inactive in the reduction of NO with propane and oxygen. This is different from the behaviour with alumina with or without Cu, because of the different surface acidity properties. Good NO conversions were observed for both PILCs using NH3. The best catalytic performances were shown by FAZA, but the activity of AZA was also remarkable. The addition of Cu ions to both AZA and FAZA leads to an improvment in the activity in NO conversion and a reduction in the side formation of N2O. The catalytic behaviour was found to depend on the method of Cu addition, the Cu loading and the nature of the PILC. With AZA the best results were obtained for a Cu content up to 2 wt%, while further increases in the amount of Cu resulted in a considerable decrease in the conversion of NO. With FAZA, on the other hand, a high activity was observed at up to 3% of Cu introduced by ion exchange. By comparison with other Cu containing catalysts, Cu-FAZA allows operation in a wider range of reaction temperatures due to the reduced rate of side ammonia combustion. The surface acidity properties of AZA and FAZA were also characterized to interpret the above effects.
Selective liquid sorption and wetting of pillared montmorillonites
Authors: Berger F. , Dekany I. , Beneke K. , Lagaly G.
Published: December 2006

Pillared montmorillonite was used as an adsorbent for binary mixtures of hydrocarbons and alcohols (benzene/n-heptane; ethanol/cyclohexane; ethanol/toluene; propanol/ toluene). The adsorbent was prepared from the Na-form of a bentonite from Milos by reaction with polyhydroxoaluminium solutions. The adsorption behaviour of the pillared montmorillonite was characterized by the adsorption excess isotherms and the heats of immersion. Sorption capacities and wetting properties differed significantly from those of the Na-montmorillonite. Benzene was adsorbed preferentially from mixtures with n-heptane. Ethanol and propanol were also preferentially adsorbed from mixtures with cyclohexane and toluene but the curves showed azeotropic points at molar fractions of alcohols of 0.7-0.9. The calorimetric data revealed the partially hydrophobic character of the pillared montmorillonite. The heat of wetting of benzene or toluene on the pillared samples was distinctly higher than that of ethanol whereas ethanol gave the highest wetting enthalpies on Na-montmorillonite.
Twisted gastrulation (Tsg) is regulated by Tob and enhances TGF-β signaling in activated T lymphocytes
Authors: Tzachanis Dimitrios , Li Lequn , Lafuente Esther M. , Berezovskaya Alla , Freeman Gordon J. , Boussiotis Vassiliki A.
Published: December 2006

Quiescent T cells express Tob, an APRO gene family member, which functions as a transcriptional regulator. Subtractive hybridization identified Twisted gastrulation (Tsg) as one of the genes suppressed by Tob. Tsg is a secreted protein that interacts with Drosophila decapentaplegic (Dpp) and its vertebrate orthologs BMP2/4 and regulates morphogenetic effects in embryos. Here, we report the expression and function of Tsg in human T cells. Tsg mRNA was almost undetectable in unstimulated T cells and was up-regulated after activation by TCR/CD3 and either CD28, IL-2, or PMA. Tsg protein had no effect on responses of primary T cells to TCR/CD3 stimulation but had a potent inhibitory effect on proliferation and cytokine production of primed alloreactive CD4+ cells. Surprisingly, Tsg did not affect phosphorylation of the BMP-specific Smad1 but induced phosphorylation of the TGF-β–specific Smad2 and mediated DNA binding on Smad3/4 consensus-binding sites, suggesting that it acted downstream of TGF-β. In vitro association assays revealed a direct interaction of Tsg and TGF-β proteins. Thus, Tsg functions as an agonist synergizing with TGF-β to inhibit T-cell activation. Modulation of Tsg signaling may represent a novel target for molecular intervention toward control of aberrant T-cell responses during ongoing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and autoimmune diseases.
Diamond-Blackfan anemia: erythropoiesis lost in translation
Authors: Flygare Johan , Karlsson Stefan
Published: December 2006

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital erythroid aplasia that usually presents as macrocytic anemia during infancy. Linkage analysis suggests that at least 4 genes are associated with DBA of which 2 have been identified so far. The known DBA genes encode the ribosomal proteins S19 and S24 accounting for 25% and 2% of the patients, respectively. Herein, we review possible links between ribosomal proteins and erythropoiesis that might explain DBA pathogenesis. Recent studies and emerging findings suggest that a malfunctioning translational machinery may be a cause of anemia in patients with DBA.
Comprehensive characterization of IGHV3-21–expressing B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Bomben Riccardo , Dal Bo Michele , Capello Daniela , Benedetti Dania , Marconi Daniela , Zucchetto Antonella , Forconi Francesco , Maffei Rossana , Ghia Emanuela M. , Laurenti Luca , Bulian Pietro , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Palermo Giuseppe , Thorsélius Mia , Degan Massimo , Campanini Renato , Guarini Anna , Del Poeta Giovanni , Rosenquist Richard , Efremov Dimitar G. , Marasca Roberto , Foà Robin , Gaidano Gianluca , Gattei Valter
Published: December 2006

IGHV3-21–using chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a distinct entity with restricted immunoglobulin gene features and poor prognosis and is more frequently encountered in Northern than Southern Europe. To further investigate this subset and its geographic distribution in the context of a country (Italy) with both continental and Mediterranean areas, 37 IGHV3-21 CLLs were collected out of 1076 cases enrolled by different institutions from Northern or Central Southern Italy. Of the 37 cases, 18 were identified as homologous (hom)HCDR3–IGHV3-21 CLLs and were found almost exclusively (16 of 18) in Northern Italy; in contrast, 19 nonhomHCDR3–IGHV3-21 cases were evenly distributed throughout Italy. Clinically, poor survivals were documented for IGHV3-21 CLLs as well as for subgroups of mutated and homHCDR3–IGHV3-21 CLLs. Negative prognosticators CD38, ZAP-70, CD49d, and CD79b were expressed at higher levels in homHCDR3 than nonhomHCDR3–IGHV3-21 cases. Differential gene expression profiling (GEP) of 13 IGHV3-21 versus 52 non–IGHV3-21 CLLs identified, among 122 best-correlated genes, TGFB2 and VIPR1 as down- and up-regulated in IGHV3-21 CLL cases, respectively. Moreover, GEP of 7 homHCDR3 versus 6 nonhomHCDR3–IGHV3-21 CLLs yielded 20 differentially expressed genes, with WNT-16 being that expressed at the highest levels in homHCDR3–IGHV3-21 CLLs. Altogether, IGHV3-21 CLLs, including those with homHCDR3, had a peculiar global phenotype in part explaining their worse clinical outcome.
Analysis of IFT74as a candidate gene for chromosome 9p-linked ALS-FTD
Authors: Momeni Parastoo , Schymick Jennifer , Jain Shushant , Cookson Mark R , Cairns Nigel J , Greggio Elisa , Greenway Matthew J , Berger Stephen , Pickering-Brown Stuart , Chiò Adriano , Fung Hon Chung , Holtzman David M , Huey Edward D , Wassermann Eric M , Adamson Jennifer , Hutton Michael L , Rogaeva Ekaterina , St George-Hyslop Peter , Rothstein Jeffrey D , Hardiman Orla , Grafman Jordan , Singleton Andrew , Hardy John , Traynor Bryan J
Published: December 2006

Background

A new locus for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD) has recently been ascribed to chromosome 9p.

Methods

We identified chromosome 9p segregating haplotypes within two families with ALS-FTD (F476 and F2) and undertook mutational screening of candidate genes within this locus.

Results

Candidate gene sequencing at this locus revealed the presence of a disease segregating stop mutation (Q342X) in the intraflagellar transport 74 (IFT74) gene in family 476 (F476), but no mutation was detected within IFT74 in family 2 (F2). While neither family was sufficiently informative to definitively implicate or exclude IFT74 mutations as a cause of chromosome 9-linked ALS-FTD, the nature of the mutation observed within F476 (predicted to truncate the protein by 258 amino acids) led us to sequence the open reading frame of this gene in a large number of ALS and FTD cases (n = 420). An additional sequence variant (G58D) was found in a case of sporadic semantic dementia. I55L sequence variants were found in three other unrelated affected individuals, but this was also found in a single individual among 800 Human Diversity Gene Panel samples.

Conclusion

Confirmation of the pathogenicity of IFT74 sequence variants will require screening of other chromosome 9p-linked families.
Consenting of the vulnerable: the informed consent procedure in advanced cancer patients in Mexico
Authors: Verástegui Emma L
Published: December 2006

Background

A topic of great concern in bioethics is the medical research conducted in poor countries sponsored by wealthy nations. Western drug companies increasingly view Latin America as a proper place for clinical research trials. The region combines a large population, modern medical facilities, and low per capita incomes. Participants from developing countries may have little or non alternative means of treatment other than that offered through clinical trials. Therefore, the provision of a valid informed consent is important.

Methods

To gain insight about some aspects of the informed consent procedure in a major cancer centre in Mexico, we conducted a three-step evaluation process: 1) a ten point multiple choice survey questionnaires, was used to explore some aspects of the patients' experiences during the informed consent process, 2) researchers' knowledge about specific aspects of the informed consent was evaluated in this study using survey questionnaires; and 3) the comprehensibility, readability and number of pages of the consent forms were analysed. The socioeconomic and educational level of the patients, were also considered. Results were reported using a numerical scale.

Results

Thirty five patients, 20 doctors, and 10 individuals working at the hospital agreed to participate in the study. Eighty three percent of the patients in the study were classified as living in poverty; education level was poor or non existent, and 31% of the patients were illiterate. The consent forms were difficult to understand according to 49% of the patients, most doctors agreed that the forms were not comprehensible to the patients. The average length of the IC documents analysed was 14 pages, and the readability average score was equivalent to 8TH Grade.

Conclusion

The results presented in this work describe some relevant characteristics of the population seen at public health care institutions in Mexico. Poverty, limited or no education, and the complexity of the information provided to the patients may question the validity of the informed consent procedure in this group of patients.
Relationship of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and p21WAF1/CIP1 expression to cell apoptosis and clinical outcome in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Mizokami Ken , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Oda Shinya , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: December 2006

Background

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays an essential role in oxygen homeostasis. The expression of HIF-1α-inducible genes is associated with tumor progression. p21 mediates cell cycle arrest and is one of the downstream genes targeted by HIF-1.

Patients and methods

We examined the relationship between HIF-1α and p21 expression, apoptosis and tumor progression using tissue specimens obtained surgically from 126 patients with gastric cancer.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that loss of p21 expression correlated positively with patient age and tumor size. Lymph node metastasis was significantly more frequent in tumors with loss of p21 expression (P = 0.022). HIF-1α-positive/p21-negative tumors had a lower apoptotic index than any other tumor samples, and patients with HIF-1α-positive/p21-negative tumors also had a significantly poorer prognosis than the other patient populations.

Conclusion

These results suggest that loss of HIF-1α-dependent p21 expression results in decreased apoptosis, increased cell survival and more aggressive tumors.
Pathways to health: a framework for health-focused research and practice
Authors: Fleischer Nancy L , Weber Ann M , Gruber Susan , Arambula Karina Z , Mascarenhas Maya , Frasure Jessica A , Wang Constance , Syme S Leonard
Published: December 2006

Public health research and practice is faced with three problems: 1) a focus on disease instead of health, 2) consideration of risk factor/disease relationships one at a time, and 3) attention to individuals with limited regard for the communities in which they live. We propose a framework for health-focused research and practice. This framework encompasses individual and community pathways to health while incorporating the dynamics of context and overall population vulnerability and resilience. Individual pathways to health may differ, but commonalities will exist. By understanding these commonalities, communities can work to support health-promoting pathways in addition to removing barriers. The perspective afforded by viewing health as a dynamic process instead of as a collection of risk factors and diseases expands the number of approaches to improving health globally. Using this approach, multidisciplinary research teams working with active community participants have the potential to reshape health and intervention sciences.
Exploring existing and deliberated community perspectives of newborn screening: informing the development of state and national policy standards in newborn screening and the use of dried blood spots
Authors: Muchamore Ian , Morphett Luke , Barlow-Stewart Kristine
Published: December 2006

Objective

Since the 1960s newborn screening (NBS) for several rare and serious disorders has been in place across Australia. Testing of a simple blood spot now enables the early detection of over 30 conditions. Policies across Australian states have diverged in some aspects of NBS, especially in the retention and further use of dried blood spots collected as part of the screening and attempts are underway to bring some further national consistency. Whilst this has initiated debate amongst health professionals and policy makers there is limited empirical evidence of wider community attitudes to such issues.

Methods

This research has explored the range and depth of views held by the wider community in New South Wales through moderated small group discussions. It has also assessed the range and depth of responses where the groups are reconvened after being given further information.

Results

The findings suggest that there is limited community awareness of the public health importance of NBS and especially that resulting biological samples are stored. Members of the wider community presented with opportunities to consider current procedures and policies appear reassured and to have high levels of trust. However there are clearly some groups who have concerns with the storage of dried blood spot specimens and perceive that these may be abused.

Policy implications and conclusion

The findings will inform health professionals and policy makers as to the perceived benefits and future challenges NBS raises for the wider community. The findings have implications for improving current communications about NBS, maintaining public confidence and the development of state and national initiatives in genetic health.
Characterization of Cold Sensitivity and Thermal Preference Using an Operant Orofacial Assay
Authors: Rossi Heather L , Vierck Charles J , Caudle Robert M , Neubert John K
Published: December 2006

Background

A hallmark of many orofacial pain disorders is cold sensitivity, but relative to heat-related pain, mechanisms of cold perception and the development of cold allodynia are not clearly understood. Molecular mediators of cold sensation such as TRPM8 have been recently identified and characterized using in vitro studies. In this study we characterized operant behavior with respect to individually presented cold stimuli (24, 10, 2, and −4°C) and in a thermal preference task where rats chose between −4 and 48°C stimulation. We also evaluated the effects of menthol, a TRPM8 agonist, on operant responses to cold stimulation (24, 10, and −4°C). Male and female rats were trained to drink sweetened milk while pressing their shaved faces against a thermode. This presents a conflict paradigm between milk reward and thermal stimulation.

Results

We demonstrated that the cold stimulus response function was modest compared to heat. There was a significant effect of temperature on facial (stimulus) contacts, the ratio of licking contacts to stimulus contacts, and the stimulus duration/contact ratio. Males and females differed only in their facial contacts at 10°C. In the preference task, males preferred 48°C to −4°C, despite the fact that 48°C and −4°C were equally painful as based on their reward/stimulus and duration/contact ratios. We were able to induce hypersensitivity to cold using menthol at 10°C, but not at 24 or −4°C.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a strong role for an affective component in processing of cold stimuli, more so than for heat, which is in concordance with human psychophysical findings. The induction of allodynia with menthol provides a model for cold allodynia. This study provides the basis for future studies involving orofacial pain and analgesics, and is translatable to the human experience.
Differential expression of type X collagen in a mechanically active 3-D chondrocyte culture system: a quantitative study
Authors: Yang Xu , Vezeridis Peter S , Nicholas Brian , Crisco Joseph J , Moore Douglas C , Chen Qian
Published: December 2006

Objective

Mechanical loading of cartilage influences chondrocyte metabolism and gene expression. The gene encoding type X collagen is expressed specifically by hypertrophic chondrocytes and up regulated during osteoarthritis. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the mechanical microenvironment resulting from higher levels of local strain in a three dimensional cell culture construct would lead to an increase in the expression of type X collagen mRNA by chondrocytes in those areas.

Methods

Hypertrophic chondrocytes were isolated from embryonic chick sterna and seeded onto rectangular Gelfoam sponges. Seeded sponges were subjected to various levels of cyclic uniaxial tensile strains at 1 Hz with the computer-controlled Bio-Stretch system. Strain distribution across the sponge was quantified by digital image analysis. After mechanical loading, sponges were cut and the end and center regions were separated according to construct strain distribution. Total RNA was extracted from the cells harvested from these regions, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR was performed to quantify mRNA levels for type X collagen and a housing-keeping gene 18S RNA.

Results

Chondrocytes distributed in high (9%) local strain areas produced more than two times type X collagen mRNA compared to the those under no load conditions, while chondrocytes located in low (2.5%) local strain areas had no appreciable difference in type X collagen mRNA production in comparison to non-loaded samples. Increasing local strains above 2.5%, either in the center or end regions of the sponge, resulted in increased expression of Col X mRNA by chondrocytes in that region.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the threshold of chondrocyte sensitivity to inducing type X collagen mRNA production is more than 2.5% local strain, and that increased local strains above the threshold results in an increase of Col X mRNA expression. Such quantitative analysis has important implications for our understanding of mechanosensitivity of cartilage and mechanical regulation of chondrocyte gene expression.
Apolipoprotein E decreases tau kinases and phospho-tau levels in primary neurons
Authors: Hoe Hyang-Sook , Freeman Jacob , Rebeck G William
Published: December 2006

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) receptors act as signaling molecules in neurons, altering phosphorylation of numerous proteins after extracellular ligand binding and affecting neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and neuronal migration. Since apoE is important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we tested whether apoE treatment of neurons affected molecules important to phosphorylation of tau, such as GSK 3β, P35, and CDK5, and the phosphorylation of tau itself. Treatment of primary neurons with 2 uM apoE (or an apoE-derived peptide) decreased levels of phospho-GSK 3β, P35 and CDK5, and decreased levels of phosphorylated forms of tau. A lower concentration of apoE (100 nM) had no effect on these molecules. The alteration of tau phosphorylation by apoE was blocked by an inhibitor of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, demonstrating the effects were due to receptor interactions. These results demonstrate that apoE affects several downstream signaling cascades in neurons: decreased tau kinases phosphorylation and inhibition of tau phosphorylation at Thr171 and Ser202/Thr205 epitopes. We conclude that apoE can alter levels of tau kinases and phospho-tau epitopes, potentially affecting tau neuropathological changes seen in AD brains.
Distinct regulation of autoreactive CD4 T cell expansion by interleukin-4 under conditions of lymphopenia
Authors: Hill Natasha J , Stotland Aleksandr B , Sarvetnick Nora E
Published: December 2006

IL-4 is protective against Type 1 diabetes in the NOD mouse. IL-4 promotes T cell survival in vitro, but little is known about the effect of IL-4 on clonal expansion in vivo. Here, we show that IL-4 only enhances the expansion of autoreactive CD4 T cells during lymphopenia and that neither the presence of islet IL-4 nor IL-4 deficiency affects T cell expansion significantly under conditions of immunosufficiency. The accumulation of proliferating cells induced by IL-4 in a lymphopenic host is inhibited incrementally by increasing the number of bystander cells and is prevented by cell numbers well below that of unmanipulated NOD mice. The ability of IL-4 to promote autoreactive CD4 T cell expansion is therefore sensitive to the degree of host immunodeficiency. Paradoxically, IL-4 receptor-deficient, autoreactive CD4 T cells proliferate more extensively than wild-type T cells in immunodeficient hosts, suggesting that the growth-promoting effect of islet IL-4 acts indirectly. These results suggest that IL-4-mediated protection against autoimmunity and diabetes may be outweighed during immunodeficiency by a pathogenic, IL-4-induced expansion of autoreactive T cells.