bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and identification of wheat–barley 2H chromosome translocation lines carrying the Isa gene
Authors: Zou Hongda , Wu Ying , Liu Hongkui , Lin Zhishan , Ye Xingguo , Chen Xiao , Yuan Yaping
Published: December 2011

With 4 figures and 2 tables

The bifunctional α‐amylase/subtilisin inhibitor (BASI) encoded by the Isa gene on barley chromosome 2HL could inhibit wheat α‐amylase activity, thereby reducing sprouting and improving the quality of wheat. Regenerated plants were derived from immature embryo culture of hybrids of common wheat varieties ‘Zhengmai 9023’, ‘CB037’ and ‘Zhongmai 16’ with the wheat–barley 2H alien substitution lines 2H(2A) and 2H(2B) after callus induction, subculture and differentiation. The presence of barley 2H chromatin was detected in regenerated plants (SC1) and their selfed progeny (SC2–5) using homoeologous group 2 SSR markers from barley and further identified in selected SC4 and SC5 lines using genomic in situ hybridization with barley genomic DNA as probe and CS genomic DNA for blocking. The Isa gene from the identified SC4 and SC5 lines was also amplified using Isa‐specific primers. We identified wheat–barley 2H chromosome translocation lines carring the Isa gene.
Salvage colectomy for endoscopically removed malignant colon polyps: is it possible to determine the optimal number of lymph nodes that need to be harvested?
Authors: Benhaim L. , Benoist S. , Bachet J.B. , Julié C. , Penna C. , Nordlinger B.
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The total number of lymph nodes examined after salvage colectomy for endoscopically removed malignant polyps was evaluated and an attempt was made to determine whether there was an optimal number of lymph nodes that should be harvested.

Method:  From 2000 to 2009, 531 patients underwent segmental resection for non‐metastatic colon cancer. Of these, 22 underwent a salvage colectomy for an endoscopically removed malignant polyp, the main indication for which was a resection margin of < 1 mm. The surgical procedure was identical to that used for all colon cancers.

Results:  The mean number of lymph nodes examined was 11.6 ± 7.6 for the 22 patients with an endoscopically removed malignant polyp and 26.2 ± 13.9 for the remaining 509 patients (P = 0.0006). Fewer than 12 lymph nodes were examined in 62 (12%) of the 509 patients and in 13 (59%) of the 22 patients with an endoscopically removed malignant polyp (P < 0.0001). In the group of 22 patients who underwent a salvage colectomy, the total number of lymph nodes examined ranged from 2 to 33. At a mean follow up of 41 ± 15.6 months, no local or distant recurrence was observed in the 22 patients.

Conclusion:  The total number of lymph nodes examined after colectomy for endoscopically removed malignant polyps varies and is less than the recommended number of 12 in most cases: this does not appear to have long‐term prognostic significance. There is no biological reason to explain this clinical observation.
Evaluation of maximum voided volume in Korean children by use of a 48‐h frequency volume chart
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ouck , Kim Kyung Do , Kim Young Sig , Kim Jun Mo , Moon Du Geon , Park Sungchan , Lee Sang Don , Chung Jae Min , Cho Won Yeol ,   The Korean Children's Continence and Enuresis Society
Published: December 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (validating cohort)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The relationship between the maximum voided volume followed a linear curve. The formula presented, bladder capacity (mL) = 12 ×[age (years) + 11], is thought to be a reasonable one for Korean children.

Korean children have a smaller bladder capacity than that reported in previous Western studies.

OBJECTIVE

To develop practical guidelines for the prediction of normal bladder capacity in Korean children measured by a frequency volume chart (FVC), maximum voided volume (MVV) is an important factor in the diagnosis of children with abnormal voiding function.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In all, 298 children, aged 3–13 years, with no history of voiding disorders volunteered for the study. The MVV was determined in 219 subjects by use of a completely recorded FVC.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis was used to define the exact relationship between age and bladder capacity. An approximate formula related age to bladder capacity as follows: bladder capacity (mL) = 12 ×[age (years) + 11].

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between the MVV measured by a FVC by age (3–13 years) of Korean children followed a linear curve.

When applied to normal voiding patterns, the formula presented appears to be a reasonable one for Korean children.
THE EFFECT OF HUSBAND'S JOB DISPLACEMENT ON THE TIMING AND SPACING OF BIRTHS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: AMIALCHUK ALIAKSANDR
Published: December 2011

I use husband's job displacement as an exogenous shock to identify the effect of income on the timing and spacing of births. Gradual adjustment of fertility to income shock is considered in life‐cycle model with uncertainty. Flexible hazard model, estimated jointly for the first three births, allows household's fertility to be affected not only in the period of displacement but also before and after. General displacements and layoffs have negative log‐run effect on the timing and spacing of only the first and the third births. The effect persists with nonparametric controls for woman‐ and transition‐specific heterogeneity, and after robustness checks. (JEL J13, J63, C41)
The growth of reading skills in children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Hulme Charles , Goetz Kristina , Brigstocke Sophie , Nash Hannah M. , Lervåg Arne , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: December 2011

There appears to be a close and probably causal relationship between early variations in phoneme skills and later reading skills in typically developing children, though the pattern in children with Down Syndrome is less clear. We present the results of a 2‐year longitudinal study of 49 children with Down Syndrome (DS) and 61 typically developing (TD) control children with similar initial levels of reading skill. Phoneme awareness and vocabulary were strong concurrent predictors of initial levels of reading skill in both groups. However, longitudinally phoneme awareness was a predictor of the growth of reading skills in TD children but not in children with DS. There was a very high degree of longitudinal stability in reading skills in children with DS, and initial levels of reading skills seemed to be highly constrained by general language skills, as indexed by vocabulary knowledge, in this population. We conclude that reading development in children with DS shows similarities and differences to the pattern observed in TD children and that phoneme awareness appears to be a less powerful influence on the development of reading skills in children with DS.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in 851 Chinese patients with psoriasis
Authors: He Z. , Lu C. , Basra M.K.A. , Ou A. , Yan Y. , Li L.
Published: December 2011

Background  The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is one of the most frequently used scales to evaluate the impact of skin disease on patients’ quality of life (QoL). There has not been psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of DLQI in Chinese patients with psoriasis.

Objective  The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of DLQI.

Methods  Patients with psoriasis (≥18 years old) visiting nine hospitals in various regions of China were enrolled in the study. The DLQI, Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) and Health Survey Short Form (SF‐36) were completed. Severity of psoriasis was assessed by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Reliability was estimated by internal consistency. Validity was assessed using known‐groups comparison, convergent validity and construct validity.

Results  In all, 851 patients were included in the study. The internal consistency reliability of the DLQI was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91). Known‐groups comparison showed that the DLQI discriminated well among patients who differed in age, geographical region, duration of psoriasis and the PASI score. Evidence of convergent validity of the DLQI was proved by high correlations with the PDI and four subscales of SF‐36 (role‐physical, bodily pain, social functioning and role‐emotional): r = 0.52–0.78. Construct validity was proved by the presence of one‐factor structure that accounted for 55.9% of the variance and fitted well into the unidimensional model.

Conclusion  The Chinese version of DLQI is a reliable and valid measure to assess patient‐reported impact of skin disease and could be used in QoL and health outcome studies on Chinese psoriasis patients.
Diseases of poultry and endemic birds in Galapagos: implications for the reintroduction of native species
Authors: Deem S. L. , Cruz M. B. , Higashiguchi J. M. , Parker P. G.
Published: December 2011

Reintroductions are increasingly utilized for the conservation of endangered avian species. To avert disease‐related failures, studies to determine disease risks should be performed prior to the implementation of any avian reintroduction program. The presence, and prevalence, of disease‐causing agents in both the source population and in birds at the site of reintroduction may help better direct reintroduction programs. In this study, we determined the prevalence of parasitic and pathogenic agents in chickens and wild birds on Floreana Island prior to the reintroduction of the critically endangered Floreana mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus. We investigated avian diseases on Floreana in 175 chickens and 274 wild birds. In addition to a number of clinical abnormalities, chickens tested positive for antibodies to paramyxovirus‐1 (30%), adenovirus (11.3%) and seven other pathogens of concern for both domestic and wild birds. Wild birds on Floreana had antibodies to paramyxovirus‐1 (3.0%) and adenovirus (2.4%). This is the first report of possible spillover of disease from domestic to wild birds in the archipelago. Based on these findings, and the lack of disease exposure documented in the source mockingbird population, we recommend improved poultry biosecurity measures on Floreana, and that mockingbirds only be reintroduced in areas on the island far from poultry and human presence and following further prerelease analyses. This study provides valuable data for the reintroduction of this iconic bird species and serves as a template for other avian reintroduction programs.
Influence of female moulting status on pairing decisions and size‐assortative mating in amphipods
Authors: Cornet S. , Luquet G. , Bollache L.
Published: December 2011

Precopulatory mate guarding is a common strategy, which has evolved in species where the female receptivity (and thus egg fertilization) is predictable, but also limited to a short period. Although males are larger than females in many amphipods, the largest males pair with the largest females, leading to a positive size‐assortative pairing. Size‐assortative pairing has received much attention but how moulting physiology could affect pairing decisions has rarely been studied. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the size‐assortative pairing in the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex is closely related to the female moult cycle. We characterized moulting status by observing the new cuticle formation then tested the influence of the moulting status on pairing decision. Overall, female moult stage influences the variation and intensity of size‐assortative pairing. Whereas individuals tended to pair at random as soon as the females become receptive (early beginning of the premoult stage), size‐assortative pairing was stronger as females were closer to the moult. Thus, moulting and pairing decision could not be dissociated and moulting should be controlled for when examining the behavioural ecology of mate choice decisions in crustaceans.
The importance of addressing heteroscedasticity in the reliability analysis of ratio‐scaled variables: an example based on walking energy‐cost measurements
Authors: BREHM MEREL‐ANNE , SCHOLTES VANESSA A , DALLMEIJER ANNET J , TWISK JOS W , HARLAAR JAAP
Published: December 2011

Aim  When analysing the reliability of ratio‐scaled variables, such as walking energy cost, variability of the error term often increases with increasing mean values. This phenomenon is called heteroscedasticity, and it makes the analysis of reliability more complicated. This study presents an examination of heteroscedasticity for walking energy cost before analysing the reliability.

Method  Walking energy cost was collected from 33 children with cerebral palsy (CP), with varying Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels (19 males; 14 females; mean age: 7y 6mo [SD 2y 6mo]; GMFCS levels I [n=16], II [n=7], and III [n=10]). It was assessed by measuring oxygen uptake during 10 minutes of resting and 5 minutes of walking at comfortable speed. Measurements were performed twice, within 4 to 6 weeks. Primary outcomes included gross energy cost, gross non‐dimensional energy cost, net energy cost, net non‐dimensional energy cost, speed, and non‐dimensional speed. Heteroscedasticity was analysed with Bland–Altman plots and Kendall’s tau.

Results  Visual inspection of the Bland–Altman plots showed heteroscedasticity for gross energy cost, gross non‐energy cost, and net energy cost. This was confirmed by Kendall’s tau coefficients. Accordingly, data were logarithmically transformed, and reliability was assessed with ratio statistics. For speed, heteroscedasticity was not observed.

Interpretation  Variability of gross energy cost, gross non‐energy cost, and net energy cost, assessed across different GMFCS levels in children with CP, was proportional to the mean, indicating the presence of heteroscedasticity. This finding emphasizes the importance of always performing a heteroscedasticity examination in reliability studies on energy cost and reporting the reliability statistics accordingly.
Functions of Aβ, sAPPα and sAPPβ : similarities and differences
Authors: Chasseigneaux Stéphanie , Allinquant Bernadette
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120 (Suppl. 1), 99–108.

Amyloid peptide (Aβ) is derived from the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), which also generates the soluble peptide APPβ (sAPPβ). An antagonist and major APP metabolic pathway involves cleavage by alpha secretase, which releases sAPPα. Although soluble Aβ oligomers are neurotoxic, Aβ monomers share similar properties with sAPPα. These include neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, as well as stimulation of neural‐progenitor proliferation. The properties of Aβ monomers and the neurotrophic capacity of sAPPβ to stimulate axonal outgrowth suggest that Aβ production is not deleterious per se. Consequently, therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease that are targeted at Aβ‐cleaving enzymes should modulate rather than inhibit Aβ generation. These strategies should focus on the factors that induce the conversion of Aβ monomers into toxic soluble oligomers. Another interesting therapeutic approach is to focus on the mechanisms of the different properties of sAPPα. Indeed, increasing sAPPα levels could shift proliferating cells towards tumorigenesis. In contrast to its neuroprotective effects, sAPPα is also able to activate microglia, leading to neurotoxicity. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the different properties of sAPPα could therefore lead to the development of therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer’s disease, which could be curative as well as preventive.
The management of missed miscarriage in an outpatient setting: 800 versus 600 μg of vaginal misoprostol
Authors: BARCELÓ Francisco , DE PACO Catalina , LÓPEZ‐ESPÍN Jose J. , SILVA Yolanda , ABAD Lorenzo , PARRILLA Juan J.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Many misoprostol regimens have been used to treat early pregnancy loss as an alternative to surgical evacuation, with differing adverse event and success rates.

Aims:  This study sought to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of 800 and 600 μg of misoprostol administered vaginally for the treatment of early pregnancy failure in an outpatient setting.

Methods:  A retrospective, observational study of 946 women with a missed miscarriage <12 weeks’ gestation was performed: 487 women received 800 μg (group 1) and 459 women received 600 μg (group 2) of vaginal misoprostol every 24 h for two days. The first follow‐up was seven days after treatment. Women were asked about symptoms, and a transvaginal ultrasound was performed. If an incomplete miscarriage or gestational sac was still found, then an additional dose of intravaginal misoprostol was prescribed, and a second follow‐up visit was arranged for seven days later. Surgical evacuation was scheduled for women who did not wish to continue medical treatment after the first or second follow‐up visit.

Results:  The total rate of complete miscarriage was 90.6% after 800 μg and 87.8% after 600 μg of intravaginal misoprostol. The percentage of women who underwent surgical evacuation after medical treatment was 9.4% for group 1 and 12.2% for group 2.

Conclusions:  Complete uterine evacuation after a missed miscarriage was effectively induced by both 600 and 800 μg of misoprostol. The overall success of medical treatment with intravaginal misoprostol demonstrates that the treatment is safe in an outpatient setting.
In Vitro Studies of Composite Bone Filler Based on Poly(Propylene Fumarate) and Biphasic α‐Tricalcium Phosphate/Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Powder
Authors: Wu Chang‐Chin , Yang Kai‐Chiang , Yang Shu‐Hua , Lin Min‐Huei , Kuo Tzong‐Fu , Lin Feng‐Huei
Published: December 2011

While many different filler materials have been applied in vertebral augmentation procedures, none is perfect in all biomechanical and biological characteristics. To minimize possible shortages, we synthesized a new biodegradable, injectable, and premixed composite made from poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and biphasic α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP)/hydroxyapatite (HAP) ceramics powder and evaluated the material properties of the compound in vitro. We mixed the PPF cross‐linked by N‐vinyl pyrrolidinone and biphasic α‐TCP/HAP powder in different ratios with benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The setting time and temperature were recorded, although they could be manipulated by modulating the concentrations of hydroquinone and N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine. Degradation, cytocompatibility, mechanical properties, and radiopacity were analyzed after the composites were cured by a cylindrical shape. We also compared the study materials with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PPF with pure HAP particles. Results showed that lower temperature during curing process (38–44°C), sufficient initial mechanical compressive fracture strength (61.1 ± 3.7 MPa), and gradual degradation were observed in the newly developed bone filler. Radiopacity in Hounsfield units was similar to PMMA as determined by computed tomography scan. Both pH value variation and cytotoxicity were within biological tolerable limits based on the biocompatibility tests. Mixtures with 70% α‐TCP/HAP powder were superior to other groups. This study indicated that a composite of PPF and biphasic α‐TCP/HAP powder is a promising, premixed, injectable biodegradable filler and that a mixture containing 70% α‐TCP/HAP exhibits the best properties.
Hall Effect in Electrolyte Flow Measurements: Introduction to Blood Flow Measurements
Authors: Szwast Maciej , Piatkiewicz Wojciech
Published: December 2011

The Hall effect has been applied to electrolyte flow measurement. It has been proven that Hall voltage does not depend on electrolyte concentration; however, there is a linear relationship between Hall voltage and flow velocity. Obtained results for electrolyte allow us to suppose that Hall effect can be used to determine blood flow. Research on blood will be conducted as the next step.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND WARMING ON THE MORTALITY AND DISSOLUTION OF CORALLINE ALGAE1
Authors: Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo , Anthony Kenneth R. N. , Kline David I. , Dove Sophie , Hoegh‐Guldberg Ove
Published: December 2011

Coralline algae are among the most sensitive calcifying organisms to ocean acidification as a result of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO2). Little is known, however, about the combined impacts of increased pCO2, ocean acidification, and sea surface temperature on tissue mortality and skeletal dissolution of coralline algae. To address this issue, we conducted factorial manipulative experiments of elevated CO2 and temperature and examined the consequences on tissue survival and skeletal dissolution of the crustose coralline alga (CCA) Porolithon (=Hydrolithon) onkodes (Heydr.) Foslie (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) on the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. We observed that warming amplified the negative effects of high pCO2 on the health of the algae: rates of advanced partial mortality of CCA increased from <1% to 9% under high CO2 (from 400 to 1,100 ppm) and exacerbated to 15% under warming conditions (from 26°C to 29°C). Furthermore, the effect of pCO2 on skeletal dissolution strongly depended on temperature. Dissolution of P. onkodes only occurred in the high‐pCO2 treatment and was greater in the warm treatment. Enhanced skeletal dissolution was also associated with a significant increase in the abundance of endolithic algae. Our results demonstrate that P. onkodes is particularly sensitive to ocean acidification under warm conditions, suggesting that previous experiments focused on ocean acidification alone have underestimated the impact of future conditions on coralline algae. Given the central role that coralline algae play within coral reefs, these conclusions have serious ramifications for the integrity of coral‐reef ecosystems.
SCREENING OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC O2‐EVOLVING PROKARYOTES FOR AN INSULIN‐LIKE ANTIGEN1
Authors: Khursheed Saima , Anwer Razique , Zutshi Sunaina , Fatma Tasneem
Published: December 2011

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder, is becoming a major health problem worldwide. Insulin is the single hope for management of type 1 diabetes, but it is not always available or suitable. For finding additional bioresources, the present study was performed. ELISA‐based preliminary screening of cyanobacterial biomass using antihuman insulin antibody have detected an insulin‐like antigen in Spirulina platensis S‐5, Spirulina NCCU‐482, and Spirulina NCCU‐483. Their similarity with insulin‐like antigen was further confirmed by electrophoretic mobility using bovine insulin as marker.
RESPONSE OF TRACHYDISCUS MINUTUS (XANTHOPHYCEAE) TO TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT1
Authors: Gigova Liliana , Ivanova Natalia , Gacheva Gergana , Andreeva Raina , Furnadzhieva Sevdalina
Published: December 2011

The effects of different temperatures and light intensities on growth, pigments, sugars, lipids, and proteins, as well as on some antioxidant and proteolytic enzymes of Trachydiscus minutus (Bourr.) H. Ettl, were investigated. The optimum growth temperature and light intensity were 25°C and 2 × 132 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, respectively. Under these conditions, proteins were the main biomass components (33.45% dry weight [dwt]), with high levels of carbohydrates (29% dwt) and lipids (21.77% dwt). T. minutus tolerated temperatures between 20°C and 32°C, with only moderate changes in cell growth and biochemical composition. Extremely low (15°C) and high (40°C) temperatures decreased chl and RUBISCO contents and inhibited cell growth. The biochemical response of the alga to both unfavorable conditions was an increase in lipid content (up to 35.19% dwt) and a decrease in carbohydrates (down to 13.64% dwt) with much less of a change in total protein content (in the range of 30.51%–38.13% dwt). At the same time, the defense system of T. minutus was regulated differently in response to heat or cold treatments. Generally, at 40°C, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and proteases were drastically elevated, and three polypeptides were overexpressed, whereas the glutathione reductase (GR) and peroxidase (POD) activities were reduced. In contrast, at 15°C, all these enzymes except GR were suppressed. The effect of light was to enhance or decrease the temperature stress responses, depending on intensity. Our studies demonstrate the broad temperature adaptability of T. minutus as well as the potential for the production of valuable algal biomass.
Chronic Alcohol Exposure Alters Gene Expression in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Pochareddy Sirisha , Edenberg Howard J.
Published: December 2011

Background:  The liver is the primary site of alcohol metabolism and is highly vulnerable to injuries due to chronic alcohol abuse. Several molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress and altered cellular metabolism, have been implicated in the development and progression of alcoholic liver disease. We sought to gain further insight into the molecular pathogenesis by studying the effects of ethanol exposure on the global gene expression in HepG2 cells.

Methods:  HepG2 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 75 mM ethanol for 9 days, with fresh media daily. Global gene expression changes were studied using Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Exon 1.0 ST Arrays. Gene expression differences were validated for 13 genes by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. To identify biological pathways affected by ethanol treatment, differentially expressed genes were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software.

Results:  Long‐term ethanol exposure altered the expression of 1,093 genes (false discovery rate ≤ 3%); many of these changes were modest. Long‐term ethanol exposure affected several pathways, including acute phase response, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:  Global measurements of gene expression show that a large number of genes are affected by chronic ethanol, although most show modest effect. These data provide insight into the molecular pathology resulting from extended alcohol exposure.
Callosal Thickness Reductions Relate to Facial Dysmorphology in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Yang Yaling , Phillips Owen R. , Kan Eric , Sulik Kathleen K. , Mattson Sarah N. , Riley Edward P. , Jones Kenneth L. , Adnams Colleen M. , May Philip A. , O’Connor Mary J. , Narr Katherine L. , Sowell Elizabeth R.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Structural abnormalities of the corpus callosum (CC), such as reduced size and increased shape variability, have been documented in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). However, the regional specificity of altered CC structure, which may point to the timing of neurodevelopmental disturbances and/or relate to specific functional impairments, remains unclear. Furthermore, associations between facial dysmorphology and callosal structure remain undetermined.

Methods:  One hundred and fifty‐three participants (age range 8 to 16) including 82 subjects with FASD and 71 nonexposed controls were included in this study. The structural magnetic resonance imaging data of these subjects was collected at 3 sites (Los Angeles and San Diego, California, and Cape Town, South Africa) and analyzed using classical parcellation schemes, as well as more refined surface‐based geometrical modeling methods, to identify callosal morphological alterations in FASD at high spatial resolution.

Results:  Reductions in callosal thickness and area, specifically in the anterior third and the splenium, were observed in FASD compared with nonexposed controls. In addition, reduced CC thickness and area significantly correlated with reduced palpebral fissure length.

Conclusions:  Consistent with previous reports, findings suggest an adverse effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on callosal growth and further indicate that fiber pathways connecting frontal and parieto‐occipital regions in each hemisphere may be particularly affected. Significant associations between callosal and facial dysmorphology provide evidence for a concurrent insult to midline facial and brain structural development in FASD.
Neural Mechanisms of Risk Taking and Relationships with Hazardous Drinking
Authors: Claus Eric D. , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: December 2011

Background

Impulsivity, particularly risk taking, is believed to play a significant role in alcohol use disorders (AUDs). While risk taking has been measured using questionnaires, recent performance‐based tasks such as the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) have shown considerable promise in understanding risky decision‐making processes in drinkers. While the number of studies using the BART has grown significantly over the past decade, the neural mechanisms that underlie risky choices on the BART have only begun to be explored. The current study was designed to assess both the neural mechanisms of risk taking on the BART and to explore relationships between risk taking and hazardous drinking.

Methods

Seventy‐nine individuals with an AUD completed an fMRI compatible version of the BART that required pumping simulated air into risky or nonrisky balloons to earn points on each trial, and deciding when to terminate pumping to earn points accumulated. Hazardous drinking was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT).

Results

Comparison of risky and nonrisky decisions revealed differences in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), anterior insula, and striatum. Comparison of Cashout responses and Explosions revealed increased responses in lateral prefrontal cortex, insula, ACC, and middle temporal gyrus during Explosions and greater response in inferior parietal lobe and caudate during Cashouts. When examining relationships between hazardous drinking and neural measures of risk taking, we found significant negative relationships with insula, striatum, and dACC.

Conclusions

The current results suggest that risk taking is associated with increased response in the dACC and anterior insula, regions previously implicated in representing error likelihood and negative outcome magnitudes, respectively. In addition, hazardous drinking was associated with responses in the dACC, possibly suggesting a reduced ability to predict the likelihood of errors and to predict negative outcomes associated with risk taking.
Rapid Testing of SNPs and Gene–Environment Interactions in Case–Parent Trio Data Based on Exact Analytic Parameter Estimation
Authors: Schwender Holger , Taub Margaret A. , Beaty Terri H. , Marazita Mary L. , Ruczinski Ingo
Published: December 2011

Summary Case–parent trio studies concerned with children affected by a disease and their parents aim to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a preferential transmission of alleles from the parents to their affected offspring. A popular statistical test for detecting such SNPs associated with disease in this study design is the genotypic transmission/disequilibrium test (gTDT) based on a conditional logistic regression model, which usually needs to be fitted by an iterative procedure. In this article, we derive exact closed‐form solutions for the parameter estimates of the conditional logistic regression models when testing for an additive, a dominant, or a recessive effect of a SNP, and show that such analytic parameter estimates also exist when considering gene–environment interactions with binary environmental variables. Because the genetic model underlying the association between a SNP and a disease is typically unknown, it might further be beneficial to use the maximum over the gTDT statistics for the possible effects of a SNP as test statistic. We therefore propose a procedure enabling a fast computation of the test statistic and the permutation‐based p‐value of this MAX gTDT. All these methods are applied to whole‐genome scans of the case–parent trios from the International Cleft Consortium. These applications show our procedures dramatically reduce the required computing time compared to the conventional iterative methods allowing, for example, the analysis of hundreds of thousands of SNPs in a few minutes instead of several hours.
A Pseudo‐Bayesian Shrinkage Approach to Regression with Missing Covariates
Authors: Zhang Nanhua , Little Roderick J.
Published: December 2011

Summary We consider the linear regression of outcome Y on regressors W and Z with some values of W missing, when our main interest is the effect of Z on Y, controlling for W. Three common approaches to regression with missing covariates are (i) complete‐case analysis (CC), which discards the incomplete cases, and (ii) ignorable likelihood methods, which base inference on the likelihood based on the observed data, assuming the missing data are missing at random (Rubin, 1976b), and (iii) nonignorable modeling, which posits a joint distribution of the variables and missing data indicators. Another simple practical approach that has not received much theoretical attention is to drop the regressor variables containing missing values from the regression modeling (DV, for drop variables). DV does not lead to bias when either (i) the regression coefficient of W is zero or (ii) W and Z are uncorrelated. We propose a pseudo‐Bayesian approach for regression with missing covariates that compromises between the CC and DV estimates, exploiting information in the incomplete cases when the data support DV assumptions. We illustrate favorable properties of the method by simulation, and apply the proposed method to a liver cancer study. Extension of the method to more than one missing covariate is also discussed.
Bayesian Semiparametric Nonlinear Mixed‐Effects Joint Models for Data with Skewness, Missing Responses, and Measurement Errors in Covariates
Authors: Huang Yangxin , Dagne Getachew
Published: December 2011

Summary It is a common practice to analyze complex longitudinal data using semiparametric nonlinear mixed‐effects (SNLME) models with a normal distribution. Normality assumption of model errors may unrealistically obscure important features of subject variations. To partially explain between‐ and within‐subject variations, covariates are usually introduced in such models, but some covariates may often be measured with substantial errors. Moreover, the responses may be missing and the missingness may be nonignorable. Inferential procedures can be complicated dramatically when data with skewness, missing values, and measurement error are observed. In the literature, there has been considerable interest in accommodating either skewness, incompleteness or covariate measurement error in such models, but there has been relatively little study concerning all three features simultaneously. In this article, our objective is to address the simultaneous impact of skewness, missingness, and covariate measurement error by jointly modeling the response and covariate processes based on a flexible Bayesian SNLME model. The method is illustrated using a real AIDS data set to compare potential models with various scenarios and different distribution specifications.
Barium Neodymium Titanium Borate Glass‐Based High k Dielectrics
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Jo Yeon Hwa , Kim Hyo Eun , Mohanty Bhaskar C. , Cho Yong Soo
Published: December 2011

A nonconventional high k glass based on BaO·Nd2O3·TiO2·B2O3, which is combined with typical fillers of Al2O3 and BaTiO3, has been investigated for the purpose of generating potential k (dielectric constant) ~20 and k ~ 40 dielectric materials as a result of densification at 850°C. Crystallization, densification, and dielectric properties depended strongly on the type and content of the fillers. Glass itself was crystallized mainly with BaTi(BO3)2. The Al2O3 filler did not seem to be directly involved in the crystallization process as only non Al‐containing crystalline phases, such as NdBO3, Nd2Ti4O11, and BaNd2Ti5O14, were observed. On the contrary, the BaTiO3 filler resulted in the crystallization of two phases, BaTi(BO3)2 and BaNd2Ti5O14. As an example of a promising dielectric candidate, a composite sample consisting of the glass and 30 wt% Al2O3 exhibited k ~ 22 and tan δ ~ 0.009 with nearly full densification at 850°C.
A Novel Oxidation Resistant SiC/B4C/C Nanocomposite Derived from a Carborane‐Containing Conjugated Polycarbosilane
Authors: Wang Canfeng , Huang Farong , Jiang Yun , Zhou Yan , Du Lei
Published: December 2011

A novel oxidation resistant SiC/B4C/C nanocomposite was prepared by the pyrolysis of carborane‐containing poly(silyleneethynylenephenyleneethynylene) (CB‐PSEPE) at 1450°C in argon. The phase composition and microstructure of the carbon‐rich ceramic were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The β‐SiC (~12 nm) and B4C (~20 nm) nanocrystalline phases were formed during the pyrolysis process of CB‐PSEPE. The presence of boron in CB‐PSEPE promotes the growth of β‐SiC nanocrystals. The ceramic shows excellent thermooxidative stability based on thermogravimetric analysis in air. A borosilicate layer was formed on the surface of the ceramic after oxidation. This carborane‐containing conjugated polycarbosilane could be a potential precursor for oxidation resistant carbon‐based materials.
Effect of Electrical Field/Current on Sintering of Fully Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Baraki Raschid , Schwarz Sebastian , Guillon Olivier
Published: December 2011

To highlight the peculiarities of sintering under electric field, 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) specimens were tested in a sinter‐forging apparatus equipped with laser scanners and power supply. This enables to monitor axial and radial shrinkage under controlled ac field with current limitation. Current flow results in expansion related to an increase of several hundreds of °C. This proves that the whole specimen experiences, due to Joule heating, significantly higher temperatures than its environment.
Cross‐talk between DNA methylation and active histone modifications regulates aberrant expression of ZAP70 in CLL
Authors: Amin Shilu , Walsh Meagan , Wilson Caroline , Parker Anton E. , Oscier David , Willmore Elaine , Mann Derek , Mann Jelena
Published: December 2011

Zeta‐associated protein of 70 kD (ZAP70) is a recognized adverse prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) associated with enhanced B‐cell receptor signalling, significantly more aggressive disease course and poor overall survival. Zeta‐associated protein of 70 kD is ordinarily expressed in T cells where it has a crucial role in T‐cell receptor signalling, whereas its aberrant expression in CLL leads to enhanced B‐cell receptor signalling and significantly more aggressive disease course. Although much is known about the activation of ZAP70 following engagement of T‐cell receptor, there are little data on the regulation of ZAP70 gene expression in normal T cells or CLL. To understand the molecular events underpinning epigenetic regulation of ZAP70 gene in CLL, we have defined ZAP70 promoter region and outlined the regions crucial in regulating the gene activity. Following a direct comparison of ZAP70+ and ZAP70− primary CLLs, we show ZAP70 promoter in expressing CLLs to be associated with a spectrum of active histone modifications, some of which are tightly linked to aberrant DNA methylation in CLL. Cross‐talk between histone modifications and reduced DNA methylation culminates in transcriptional de‐repression of ZAP70. Moreover, treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methylation inhibitors results in recovery of ZAP70 expression, which provides a possible explanation for the failure of HDAC inhibitors in CLL treatment and might serve as a cautionary warning for their future use in treatment of this leukaemia.
Density‐dependent dispersal and the formation of range borders.
Authors: Kubisch Alexander , Poethke Hans‐Joachim , Hovestadt Thomas
Published: December 2011

Knowledge about the mechanisms of range formation is crucial for scientifically based species conservation strategies in the face of ongoing global climate change. In recent years an increasing amount of studies have focused on the influences of density‐dependent dispersal on demographic and biogeographical patterns. However, it still remains unclear, to what extent and in what ways this strategy would affect the range formation of species. In order to fill this gap, we present a study using individual‐based simulations of a species with discrete generations living along a dispersal mortality gradient. We compare the evolution of range sizes for species following density‐dependent and density‐independent emigration. Furthermore we assess the influence of environmental stochasticity and Allee effects on range formation, as both processes are known to play an important role for dispersal evolution. We find that density‐dependent dispersal always results in much wider ranges than unconditional dispersal. Increasing environmental stochasticity, a predicted consequence of climate change, can remarkably expand the ranges of species living in such connectivity gradients if dispersal decisions are based on local population density. A strong Allee effect causes range contraction for both strategies, but the effect is considerably less dramatic under density‐dependent compared to density‐independent emigration. We strongly recommend accounting for these findings in future attempts to model species’ range shifts due to climate change.
Patterns of change over time in darter (Teleostei: Percidae) assemblages of the Arkansas River basin, northeastern Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Gillette David P. , Fortner Allison M. , Franssen Nathan R. , Cartwright Sara , Tobler Courtney M. , Wesner Jeff S. , Reneau Paulette C. , Reneau Franz H. , Schlupp Ingo , Marsh‐Matthews Edie C. , Matthews William J. , Broughton Richard E. , Lee Corey W.
Published: December 2011

Rivers and streams are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, and their fish assemblages have been modified by anthropogenic habitat alteration and introductions of non‐native species. Consequently, two frequently observed patterns of assemblage change over time are species loss and biotic homogenization. In the present study, we compared contemporary (2006–2007) and historical (1948–1955) assemblages of darters, a group of small benthic fishes of the family Percidae, in the Arkansas River drainage of northeastern Oklahoma, USA. Results showed species loss between the two sampling periods, with historical estimates of overall species diversity across the study area exceeding contemporary estimates by five to eight species. Assemblages showed a low degree of darter similarity based on species presence and absence, with pairwise site comparisons (Jaccard's similarity index) between historical and contemporary samples averaging < 0.35. No significant homogenization or differentiation of assemblages occurred. Range expansion of widespread species, one of the primary mechanisms of biotic homogenization, was not observed; rather, all species occurred at a smaller proportion of sites in contemporary samples. Our results highlight the threat posed by anthropogenic habitat alteration to taxonomic groups such as darters, most of which are habitat specialists. However, our results suggest that biotic homogenization is unlikely to occur in the absence of immigration, especially if assemblages are subjected to ‘novel disturbances’ such as dam construction and watershed‐scale habitat degradation which negatively affect all components of the assemblage.
THERE WERE ALTERNATIVES: LESSONS FROM EFFORTS TO ADVANCE BEYOND KEYNESIAN AND NEOLIBERAL ECONOMIC POLICIES IN THE 1970s
Authors: Schmidt Ingo
Published: December 2011

The article begins with a critique of analyses of neoliberalism that present the rise and hegemony of this form of capitalism as an inevitable adjustment of state apparatuses and policies to economic and social changes that had undermined previously existing Keynesian welfare states. Contrary to such view, the article argues that the New Left, labor militancy, and new social movements have thrown the Keynesian welfare state into a legitimation crisis in the early 1970s that was exacerbated by the world economic crisis 1974/1975. The second half of the decade saw a contest between progressive alternatives to the Keynesian welfare state and neoliberalism. The former failed because of the inability of progressive movements to build a historical bloc that would have been able to pursue alternative economic policies, and ultimately the transition to socialism, against opposition from capital owners and their middle‐class allies. Empirical evidence from Britain, France, Germany, and Sweden is presented to develop this historical argument. The last part of the article makes some comparisons between the legitimation and the economic crises of the 1970s and today. It concludes that progressive alternative relies on the convergence of the interests of certain social strata into a historical bloc for progressive change.
UNIONS AS ORGANIZATIONS: STRATEGY VERSUS ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Hall Angela T. , Fiorito Jack , Horn Marko , Langford Christopher R.
Published: December 2011

Empirical studies typically examine unions in aggregate, that is, whether union presence or absence affects important outcomes. Only recently have researchers analyzed unions as distinct organizations. In order to address this void in the literature, key union officials were surveyed regarding their unions' ability to manage and shape their environment, as well as selected critical strategic issues. The results suggest that unions can and do take measures to manage their environments and control their destinies, but consistent with some prior work, union strategy is best seen as “emergent” from cumulative choices rather than a “grand design.”
RELIGION AND LABOR: PERSPECTIVE IN ISLAM
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: December 2011

This paper, a noncomparative study which without trying to prove that Islam is the best system to follow, argues that in order to understand Islamic provisions on labor rights, one needs to look at original sources, i.e., Quran and Sunnah. The current article explores the possibility of using Islam as the basic source in creation and adoption of labor codes in Muslim world. This article also identifies the role of government in employment relationship through Hisbah institution. By comparing Islamic teachings on labor relations with the current situation in the most Islamic state in the world, we find out that it is not religion which is oppressing the individual and collective rights in the Muslim world, rather, these are the rulers which interpret religion in such a way to legitimize their un‐Islamic rules.
Cost Comparisons of Aquifer Heterogeneity Characterization Methods
Authors: Illman Walter A. , Berg Steven J. , Alexander Matthew
Published: December 2011

The characterization of heterogeneity in hydraulic conductivity (K) is a major challenge for subsurface remediation projects. There are a number of field studies that compare the K estimates obtained using various techniques, but to our knowledge, no field‐based studies exists that compare the performance of estimated K heterogeneity fields or the associated characterization costs. In this paper, we compare the costs of characterizing the three‐dimensional K heterogeneity and its uncertainty estimates of a glaciofluvial aquifer‐aquitard sequence at a 15 m × 15 m × 18 m field site situated on the University of Waterloo campus. We compare geostatistical analysis of high resolution permeameter K data obtained from repacked core samples in five boreholes and hydraulic tomography analysis of four pumping tests consisting of up to 41 monitoring points per test. Aside from the comparison of costs, we also assess the performance of each method by predicting several pumping tests. Our analysis reveals that hydraulic tomography is somewhat more costly than the geostatistical analysis of high resolution permeameter K data due to the higher capital costs associated with the method. However, the equipment may be reused at other sites; hence these costs may be recovered over the life of the equipment. More significantly, hydraulic tomography is able to capture the most important features of the aquifer‐aquitard sequence leading to more accurate predictions of independent pumping tests. This suggests that more robust remediation systems may be designed if site characterization is performed with hydraulic tomography.