bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust statistical methods for analysis of biomarkers measured with batch/experiment‐specific errors
Authors: Long Qi , Flanders W. Dana , Fedirko Veronika , Bostick Roberd M.
Published: December 2009

In many biological studies, biomarkers are measured with errors. In addition, study samples are often divided and measured in separate batches, and data collected from different experiments are used in a single analysis. Generally speaking, the structure of the measurement error is unknown and is not easy to ascertain. While the conditions under which the measurements are taken vary from one batch/experiment to another, they are often held steady within each batch/experiment. Thus, the measurement error can be considered batch/experiment specific, that is, fixed within each batch/experiment, which results into a rank‐preserving property within each batch/experiment. Under this condition, we study robust statistical methods for analyzing the association between an outcome variable and predictors measured with error, and evaluating the diagnostic or predictive accuracy of these biomarkers. Our methods require no assumptions on the structure and distribution of the measurement error, which are often unrealistic. Compared with existing methods that are predicated on normality and additive structure of measurement errors, our methods still yield valid inferences under departure from these assumptions. The proposed methods are easy to implement using off‐shelf software. Simulation studies show that under various measurement error structures, the performance of the proposed methods is satisfactory even for a fairly small sample size, whereas existing methods under misspecified structures and a naive approach exhibited substantial bias. Our methods are illustrated using a biomarker validation case–control study for colorectal neoplasms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specification of covariance structure in longitudinal data analysis for randomized clinical trials
Authors: Lu Kaifeng , Mehrotra Devan V.
Published: December 2009

Misspecification of the covariance structure for repeated measurements in longitudinal analysis may lead to biased estimates of the regression parameters and under or overestimation of the corresponding standard errors in the presence of missing data. The so‐called sandwich estimator can ‘correct’ the variance, but it does not reduce the bias in point estimates. Removing all assumptions from the covariance structure (i.e. using an unstructured (UN) covariance) will remove such biases. However, an excessive amount of missing data may cause convergence problems for iterative algorithms, such as the default Newton–Raphson algorithm in the popular SAS PROC MIXED. This article examines, both through theory and simulations, the existence and the magnitude of these biases. We recommend the use of UN covariance as the default strategy for analyzing longitudinal data from randomized clinical trials with moderate to large number of subjects and small to moderate number of time points. We also present an algorithm to assist in the convergence when the UN covariance is used. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversion of Ancestral Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Araki Ryoko , Jincho Yuko , Hoki Yuko , Nakamura Miki , Tamura Chihiro , Ando Shunsuke , Kasama Yasuji , Abe Masumi
Published: December 2009

The emergence of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from an ancestral somatic cell is one of the most important processes underlying their generation, but the mechanism has yet to be identified. This is principally because these cells emerge at a low frequency, about 0.1% in the case of fibroblasts, and in a stochastic manner. In our current study, we succeeded in identifying ancestral fibroblasts and the subsequent processes leading to their conversion to iPSCs. The ancestral fibroblasts were found to divide several times in a morphologically symmetric manner, maintaining a fibroblastic shape, and then gradually transform into embryonic stem-like cells. Interestingly, this conversion occurred within 48 hours after gene introduction in most iPSC generations. This is the first report to directly observe a cell lineage conversion of somatic cells to stem cells and provides a critical new insight into the “black box” of iPSCs, that is, the first three days of their generation.
Determination of Deep Frying Soybean Oil Disposal Point by a Sensory Method
Authors: Ravelli Débora , Matsuoka Carla Romero , Della Modesta Regina Célia , Vieira Thais Maria Ferreira de Souza , Regitano‐d'Arce Marisa Aparecida Bismara
Published: December 2009

Measurements of degradation in frying oils are mainly based on physico‐chemical properties. Total polar compounds (TPC) and free fatty acids (FFA) content in frying oils are used as a guide for discarding used oils. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sensory method in detecting degradation in soybean oils used in potato chips deep frying. The sensory evaluation of oil samples was determined by a trained panel; after rigorous selection and training steps. Free fatty acid, TPC and Rancimat induction period (IP) were quantified in the same samples. The proposed sensory method was sensitive to small differences in rancidity. The selected and trained sensory panel discarded oil samples with 0.175% FFA as oleic acid, 18.92% TPC, and 0.20 h IP. According to the results achieved in this research sensorial trained panel response is sensitive and accurate in refusing deteriorated frying oils. Besides this, soybean oil can be used for deep frying procedures and safely discarded according to the panel response, although presenting up to 7% linolenic acid.
Juvenile osteochondritis of femoral condyles: Treatment with transchondral drilling. Analysis of 40 cases
Authors: Hayan Rammal , Phillipe Gicquel , Ludovic Schneider , Claude Karger , Jean-Michel Clavert
Published: December 2009

Introduction

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the femoral condyle is a rare lesion.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study (level IV evidence) analyzing a series of 40 pediatric cases with juvenile femoral condyles osteochondritis treated by arthroscopic multiple transchondral drilling between February 1999 and June 2008 was undertaken. This lesion affected the medial condyle in 87.5% of cases. The average age at treatment was 13.4 years. Our study took into account the location of the lesion and its radiological evolutionary stage. The average follow up was 14.8 months. The postoperative evaluation was based on the clinical and radiological scores of Hughston.

Results

Good clinical and radiological results in 97.5 and 95% of cases, respectively were obtained, with a significant correlation ( P < 0.001) between clinical scores and radiological Hughston scores. The closed nature of the growth plate during surgery has a significant deleterious effect ( P < 0.001) on the clinical and radiological score of Hughston.

Conclusion

All patients presenting juvenile condylar osteochondritis with open growth plate during treatment had good clinical and radiological results, confirming the validity and effectiveness of multiple transchondral drilling in this type of lesion.
Verbal fluency as a possible predictor for psychosis
Authors: Becker H.E. , Nieman D.H. , Dingemans P.M. , van de Fliert J.R. , De Haan L. , Linszen D.H.
Published: December 2009

Background

Neurocognitive abnormalities are prevalent in both first episode schizophrenia patients and in ultra high risk (UHR) patients.

Aim

To compare verbal fluency performance at baseline in UHR in patients that did and did not make the transition to psychosis.

Method

Baseline verbal fluency performance in UHR-patients (n = 47) was compared to match first episode patients (n = 69) and normal controls (n = 42).

Results

Verbal fluency (semantic category) scores in UHR-patients did not differ significantly from the score in first episode schizophrenia patients. Both the UHR group (p < 0.003) and the patient group (p < 0.0001) performed significantly worse than controls. Compared to the non-transition group, the transition group performed worse on verbal fluency, semantic category (p < 0.006) at baseline.

Conclusions

Verbal fluency (semantic category) is disturbed in UHR-patients that make the transition to psychosis and could contribute to an improved prediction of transition to psychosis in UHR-patients.
Do treatment and illness beliefs influence adherence to medication in patients with bipolar affective disorder? A preliminary cross-sectional study
Authors: Hou R. , Cleak V. , Peveler R.
Published: December 2009

Adherence to medication is essential for achieving good outcomes for patients with bipolar affective disorder. This study tested whether treatment and illness beliefs are important predictors of adherence to medication. Results indicate that beliefs are predictive, and may be a suitable target for modification in efforts to change behaviour.
The [FeFe]‐hydrogenase maturase HydF from Clostridium acetobutylicum contains a CO and CN− ligated iron cofactor
Authors: Czech Ilka , Silakov Alexey , Lubitz Wolfgang , Happe Thomas
Published: December 2009

Biosynthesis of the [FeFe] hydrogenases active site (H‐cluster) requires three maturation factors whose respective roles are not understood yet. The clostridial maturation enzymes (CaHydE, CaHydF and CaHydG) were homologously overexpressed in their native host Clostridium acetobutylicum. CaHydF was able to activate Chlamydomonas reinhardtii [FeFe] hydrogenase apoprotein (CrHydA1apo) to almost 100% compared to the native specific hydrogen evolution activity. Based on electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy data the existence of a [4Fe4S] cluster and a CO and CN− ligand coordinated di‐iron cluster is suggested. This study contains the first experimental evidence that the bi‐nuclear part of the H‐cluster is assembled in HydF.
Long‐term effects of high lipid and high energy diet on serum lipid, brain fatty acid composition, and memory and learning ability in mice
Authors: Yu Huanling , Bi Yanxia , Ma Weiwei , He Lingling , Yuan Linhong , Feng Jinfang , Xiao Rong
Published: December 2009

Objective

It is well known that high lipid and high energy diet is harmful to health. But the different effects of high lipid diet composed of either saturated fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids have not been distinguished.

Method

Eighteen pregnant C57BL/6j (22–25 g) mice were randomly divided into three groups of six each and fed with chow or high lipid diet composed of either flaxseed oil (chow diet 84%, cholesterol 0.2%, flaxseed oil 15.8%) or lard fat (chow diet 84%, cholesterol 0.2%, lard fat 15.8%). After weaning, the offspring were fed the same diet as their mothers were fed during the experiment, and their spatial memory and learning ability were evaluated by Morris water maze when they were 8 weeks old. Next, the blood and tissues were sampled when they were 9 weeks old. Serum lipids were determined using kits, and brain fatty acids were measured using a gas chromatograph.

Results

Compared to chow diet (control), high flaxseed oil diet (HFO) increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL‐C) in the mothers but not in offspring; high lard fat diet (HLF) increased serum total cholesterol level (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol level (LDL‐C) both in mothers and offspring. Brain fatty acids profile was altered by HLF compared with chow diet. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids content were significantly lower in the HLF group than in the control group, but saturated fatty acids content were significantly higher in HLF group than those in control group. The changed fatty acids composition affected the spatial memory and learning ability of adult offspring.

Conclusions

A long‐term high lard diet increased offspring serum TC and LDL‐C levels and affected the brain's fatty acid composition, and memory and learning ability. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the brain may be correlated with serum cholesterol levels.
Urinary incontinence in hospital‐based nurses working in Turkey
Authors: Yağmur Yurdagül , Ulukoca Neşe
Published: December 2009

Objective

To determine the changes in quality of life due to urinary incontinence in female hospital‐based nurses working in Turkey and whether professional help was sought by the nurses. Another aim was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its risk factors in working nurses.

Methods

Data were collected through administration of a questionnaire and the Incontinence Quality‐of‐Life Instrument. The data were analyzed via χ2 test, t test, one‐way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 21.5%. Explanatory variables for developing urinary incontinence were age, parity, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Nurses with stress incontinence or urge incontinence had better quality of life than did those with mixed incontinence.

Conclusion

In the present study, urinary incontinence was common in working nurses, and had a negative impact on their general quality of life.
Prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and pregnancy outcomes in China
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Du Juan , Shao Ling , Zheng Liqiang , Wu Meiyan , Ai Mo , Zhang Yinling
Published: December 2009

Objective

To look for associations between pregnancy outcomes and prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain among Han women from Shenyang province, China.

Method

A total of 2586 women were distributed across 4 prepregnancy categories according to the Chinese classification of body mass index, and to 4 end‐of‐pregnancy categories according to median weekly gestational weight gain.

Results

The risks for gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm premature rupture of membranes were higher for those who were overweight or obese before becoming pregnant (P < 0.05). Moreover, a gestational weight gain of 0.50 kg per week or greater was associated with a higher risk for gestational hypertension, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and fetal macrosomia (P < 0.05). Women in the highest quartile for weight gain (≥ 0.59 kg per week) were at higher risk for pre‐eclampsia (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A high prepregnancy body mass index and excessive gestational weight gain were associated with increased risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Effects of defoliation on grain yield and water use of winter wheat
Authors: SHAO L. , ZHANG X. , HIDEKI A. , TSUJI W. , CHEN S.
Published: December 2009

Field and pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of defoliation on crop performance and the possibility of using defoliation as a method for conserving soil moisture. The study was conducted during 2006–2008, over two growing seasons of winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) in the North China Plain. Three levels of defoliation (mild, moderate and severe) were imposed on winter wheat in the field during the following crop phases and conditions: at heading, at anthesis under water deficit conditions and at anthesis under two or three levels of irrigation. Additional pot experiments with three levels of defoliation under two water regimes were arranged. The results showed that both the intensity of defoliation and the timing of defoliation significantly reduced grain production. Under wet conditions the reduction was over 20%, while under dry conditions the reduction wasc. 12%. Yield reduction was greater for defoliation at heading than at anthesis and it was mainly caused by a reduction in kernel weight. Mild defoliation (top three leaves retained) did not affect grain yield. Moderate defoliation (top two leaves retained) slightly reduced grain production. Root length density in the topsoil profile was significantly reduced by severe defoliation at anthesis under wet conditions, but it increased under dry conditions. Dry matter remobilization to grains under moderate and mild defoliation was increased and resulted in a relatively higher harvest index (HI). The photosynthetic rate of the leaves remaining after defoliation was enhanced under all soil moisture conditions. Although defoliation reduced the seasonal water use (ET), the yield reduction was much greater than the reduction in ET under severe defoliation, resulting in lower water use efficiency (WUE). The results show that conserving soil moisture by removing leaves might not be an economic choice. Under the conditions of the present study, the WUE of winter wheat was not improved by defoliation; however, in very dry conditions the reduction in ET by defoliation might help the crop survive.
Large eddy simulation of a stratified boundary layer under an oscillatory current
Authors: GAYEN BISHAKHDATTA , SARKAR SUTANU , TAYLOR JOHN R.
Published: December 2009

A numerical study based on large eddy simulation is performed to investigate a bottom boundary layer under an oscillating tidal current. The focus is on the boundary layer response to an external stratification. The thermal field shows a mixed layer that is separated from the external stratified fluid by a thermocline. The mixed layer grows slowly in time with an oscillatory modulation by the tidal flow. Stratification strongly affects the mean velocity profiles, boundary layer thickness and turbulence levels in the outer region although the effect on the near-bottom unstratified fluid is relatively mild. The turbulence is asymmetric between the accelerating and decelerating stages. The asymmetry is more pronounced with increasing stratification. There is an overshoot of the mean velocity in the outer layer; this jet is linked to the phase asymmetry of the Reynolds shear stress gradient by using the simulation data to examine the mean momentum equation. Depending on the height above the bottom, there is a lag of the maximum turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation and production with respect to the peak external velocity and the value of the lag is found to be influenced by the stratification. Flow instabilities and turbulence in the bottom boundary layer excite internal gravity waves that propagate away into the ambient. Unlike the steady case, the phase lines of the internal waves change direction during the tidal cycle and also from near to far field. The frequency spectrum of the propagating wave field is analysed and found to span a narrow band of frequencies clustered around 45°.
Temperamental and acute symptoms of borderline personality disorder: associations with normal personality traits and dynamic relations over time
Authors: Hopwood C. J. , Donnellan M. B. , Zanarini M. C.
Published: December 2009

Background

Recent research suggests the utility of distinguishing temperamental and acute symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Temperamental symptoms, such as chronic anger and odd thinking, remit relatively slowly and have been hypothesized to reflect a hyperbolic predisposition to emotional pain and negativistic cognitions, whereas acute symptoms, such as substance abuse and chaotic relationships, remit relatively quickly and have been hypothesized to represent the consequences of maladaptations to triggering environmental events.

Method

The relationships of temperamental and acute BPD symptoms with normal personality traits and stability and dynamic associations over time across these symptom sets were tested in a 10-year longitudinal study of 362 patients with personality disorders.

Results

Temperamental symptoms were associated with high neuroticism, whereas acute symptoms were associated with low agreeableness. These symptoms had similar rank-order stabilities and relative changes in symptom sets were reciprocally linked in a cross-lagged path model suggesting dynamic associations between temperamental and acute symptoms over time.

Conclusions

The distinction between temperamental and acute BPD symptoms is supported by differential relations of these symptom sets to normal personality traits. Moreover, these symptoms appear to be linked in a mutually reinforcing dynamic over time. This distinction should be kept in mind in future studies of the aetiology of BPD and in diagnostic and treatment considerations.
Childhood adversity, adult stressful life events, and risk of past-year psychiatric disorder: a test of the stress sensitization hypothesis in a population-based sample of adults
Authors: McLaughlin K. A. , Conron K. J. , Koenen K. C. , Gilman S. E.
Published: December 2009

Background

Childhood adversity (CA) is associated with adult mental disorders, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain inadequately understood. Stress sensitization, whereby CA increases vulnerability to mental disorders following adult stressful life events, has been proposed as a potential mechanism. We provide a test of the stress sensitization hypothesis in a national sample.

Method

We investigated whether the association between past-year stressful life events and the 12-month prevalence of major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other anxiety disorders, and perceived stress varies according to exposure to CA. We used data from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) (n=34 653).

Results

Past-year stressful life events were associated with an increased risk of major depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and perceived stress. However, the magnitude of the increased risk varied according to respondents' history of CA. For example, past-year major stressors were associated with a 27.3% increase in the 12-month risk of depression among individuals with ⩾3 CAs and a 14.8% increased risk among individuals without CAs. Stress sensitization effects were present for depression, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders in women and men, although gender differences were found in the threshold of past-year stress needed to trigger such effects. Stress sensitization was most evident among individuals with ⩾3 CAs.

Conclusions

CA is associated with increased vulnerability to the deleterious mental health effects of adult stressors in both men and women. High levels of CA may represent a general diathesis for multiple types of psychopathology that persists throughout the life course.
The Envisioning of Cells
Authors: Parnes Ohad
Published: December 2009

The Argument

Microscopical consideration played a crucial role in German physiology in the period of, grosso modo, 1780–1830. Specifically, a conception of material change was established, according to which all life is grounded in the process of the generation of microscopical forms out of an amorphous, primitive generative substance. Embryological development, tissue growth, and the generation of microorganisms were all considered to be the manifestation of this fundamental developmental process. In contrast to the common historiography, I try to understand Theodor Schwann's 1838 discovery of the cell theory in terms of the epistemological categories he applied to the prevailing conceptions of life and living matter. I argue that Schwann was able to discern cells not because of any superior microscopical methods, but rather as part of his wider investigative endeavor to explicate life processes according to specific causal agents. I argue that Schwann was able to demonstrate the existence of cells only when he considered animal tissues in terms of a causal relation between specific material agents and their effect, that is, the developmental history of tissue.
Wonders, Logic, and Microscopy in the Eighteenth Century: A History of the Rotifer
Authors: Ratcliff M. J.
Published: December 2009

The Argument

Contrary to the dominant historiography of microscopy, which tends to maintain that there was no microscopical program in the Enlightenment, this paper argues that there was such a program and attempts to illustrate one aspect of its dynamic character. The experiments, observations, and interpretations on rotifers and their management by scholars of that period show that there did exist a precise axis of research that can be followed historically. Indeed, the various controversies these scholars engaged in imply that they performed accurate microscopical experiments and observations and also carefully interpreted their visual data. Furthermore, the kinds of phenomena presented by the rotifer and other microscopic entities, such as their morphology or their revival from desiccation, helped to improve methodology on the use of the microscope. The paper also argues that this sort of inquiry is not fundamentally different from other research in the natural sciences of the eighteenth century.
Surveillance for outbreaks of influenza-like illness in the institutionalized elderly
Authors: ROSEWELL A. , CHIU C. , LINDLEY R. , DWYER D. E. , MOFFATT C. R. M. , SHINEBERG C. , CLARKE E. , BOOY R. , MacINTYRE C. R.
Published: December 2009

Respiratory outbreaks are common in aged-care facilities (ACFs), are both underreported and frequently identified late, and are often associated with considerable burden of illness and death. There is emerging evidence that active surveillance coupled with early and systematic intervention can reduce this burden. Active surveillance for influenza-like illness and rapid diagnosis of influenza were established in 16 ACFs in Sydney, Australia, prior to the winter of 2006. A point-of-care influenza test and laboratory direct immunofluorescence tests for common respiratory viruses were used for diagnosis. We achieved early identification of seven respiratory disease outbreaks, two of which were caused by influenza. For the influenza outbreaks, antiviral treatment and prophylaxis were initiated 4–6 days from symptom onset in the primary case. A simple active surveillance system for influenza was successfully implemented and resulted in early detection of influenza and other respiratory disease outbreaks. This enabled earlier implementation of prevention and control measures and increased the potential effectiveness of anti-influenza chemoprophylaxis.
Chlamydia pneumoniaeinfection is associated with elevated body mass index in young men
Authors: RANTALA A. , LAJUNEN T. , JUVONEN R. , BLOIGU A. , PALDANIUS M. , SILVENNOINEN-KASSINEN S. , PEITSO A. , VAINIO O. , LEINONEN M. , SAIKKU P.
Published: December 2009

Chlamydia pneumoniaeinfection is said to be associated with obesity. We studied the association betweenC. pneumoniaeinfection and inflammation and increased BMI in 891 Finnish military recruits. IgG seropositivity in arrival and departure serum samples during 6–12 months of military service was considered as persistence of antibodies and a possible indication of chronic infection. Persistently high C-reactive protein (CRP) level (elevated on arrival and departure) (OR 2·2, 95% CI 1·3–3·9), and persistentC. pneumoniaeantibodies (OR 2·1, 95% CI 1·5–2·8) were significant risk factors for overweight (BMI ⩾25 kg/m2). In addition, those who had persistent antibodies and persistently elevated CRP levels, or those who had either of them, had a significantly higher BMI (kg/m2) compared to those who had neither of them (25·8vs. 24·6vs. 23·5, respectively;P<0·001). These results provide new information about the association between possible chronicC. pneumoniaeinfection and obesity in young men.
Human alteration of the global nitrogen and phosphorus soil balances for the period 1970–2050
Authors: Bouwman A. F. , Beusen A. H. W. , Billen G.
Published: December 2009

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment scenarios for 2000 to 2050 describe contrasting future developments in agricultural land use under changing climate. Differences are related to the total crop and livestock production and the efficiency of nutrient use in agriculture. The scenarios with a reactive approach to environmental problems show increases in agricultural N and P soil balances in all developing countries. In the scenarios with a proactive attitude, N balances decrease and P balances show no change or a slight increase. In Europe and North America, the N balance will decline in all scenarios, most strongly in the environment‐oriented scenarios; the P balance declines (proactive) or increases slowly (reactive approach). Even with rapidly increasing agricultural efficiency, the global N balance, ammonia, leaching and denitrification loss will not decrease from their current levels even in the most optimistic scenario. Soil P depletion seems to be a major problem in large parts of the global grassland area.
Northward thinning of Tibetan crust revealed by virtual seismic profiles
Authors: Tseng Tai‐Lin , Chen Wang‐Ping , Nowack Robert L.
Published: December 2009

A new approach of constructing deep‐penetrating seismic profiles reveals significant, regional variations in crustal thickness under near‐constant elevation of Tibet. Over distances of hundreds of kilometers, the crust is as thick as 75 km in southern Tibet but shoals to just over 60 km under the Qiangtang terrane in central Tibet where the deviation from Airy isostasy is equivalent to a thickness of over 10 km in missing crust. Northward thinning of crust occurs gradually over a distance of about 200 km where mechanical deformation, instead of pervasive magmatism, also seems to have disrupted the crust‐mantle interface.
Identification of photoelectron energy peaks in Saturn's inner neutral torus
Authors: Schippers P. , André N. , Johnson R. E. , Blanc M. , Dandouras I. , Coates A. J. , Krimigis S. M. , Young D. T.
Published: December 2009

We present observations from the Cassini Plasma Electron Spectrometer (CAPS/ELS) of characteristic peaks in the electron energy spectrum that are identified in the innermost regions of the Saturnian magnetosphere during low‐latitude orbits of the Cassini spacecraft around Saturn. We show how a narrow electron energy peak at about 20 eV and a possible peak at about 42 eV can be extracted from the background in CAPS observations after the contamination from high‐energy particles has been removed from the measurements. We estimate the density of the newly discovered electron population to be a small fraction (10%) of the electron density measured in the CAPS/ELS energy range, and a much smaller fraction (about 1%) of the total electron density measured by Radio and Plasma Wave Science since our measurements are affected by spacecraft negative potential. We suggest that this population corresponds to photoelectrons generated by the solar EUV photoionization of the extended cloud of neutral gas observed in these regions. We use pitch angle information to assess the near‐equatorial source of these photoelectrons and a simple model of chemistry in order to further support our interpretation. Therefore, photoionization seems to be an additional process for plasma production in the innermost Saturnian magnetosphere. Finally, we mention that the comparison of the modeled and the observed photoelectron peak energies could be used to estimate the spacecraft potential in this region which is measured independently by the Langmuir Probe.
Reliability of prediction of the magnetosheath BZ component from interplanetary magnetic field observations
Authors: Šafránková J. , Hayosh M. , Gutynska O. , Němeček Z. , Přech L.
Published: December 2009

In the present statistical study, we discuss a probability of simultaneous observations of the same sign of the magnetic field BZ component in the solar wind and magnetosheath. The analysis is based on 5 min data from four spacecraft (Interball‐1, IMP 8, Cluster, and THEMIS) operating in different phases of the solar cycle in the magnetosheath. Their measurements are compared with Wind interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) observations, and other available upstream monitors (ACE, THEMIS B, and OMNI database) are tested for some sets. We can conclude that the probability of observations of the same BZ sign in the solar wind and in the magnetosheath is surprisingly very low from a general point of view. The probability changes through the solar cycle, being larger at the solar minimum. Regardless of the solar cycle phase, this probability is close to 0.5 (random coincidence) for IMF ∣BZ∣ < 1 nT, and it is a rising function of the BZ value. Distant solar wind monitors do not guarantee the same sign of the BZ component, even for values of IMF BZ exceeding ±9 nT, but such large values are observed about 3–5% of the time. A better probability profile is reached for a monitor located just upstream (less than 30 RE), as is demonstrated for the THEMIS project.
Triglyceride‐to‐HDL‐cholesterol Ratio and Metabolic Syndrome as Contributors to Cardiovascular Risk in Overweight Patients
Authors: Marotta Teodoro , Russo Barbara F. , Ferrara L. Aldo
Published: December 2009

Insulin resistance increases cardiovascular risk of obese patients. Triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL) ≥3.0 (in mg/dl) is a marker of insulin resistance in overweight persons. We aimed at assessing cardiovascular risk profile in 301 overweight elderly Neapolitan outpatients, according to TG/HDL ratio and metabolic syndrome (MS), diagnosed by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. TG/HDL ratio was ≥3.0 in 97 patients (group A) and <3.0 in 204 (group B). Overall, 93–97% of group A patients and 38–51% of group B patients had MS, depending on the diagnostic criterion. Group A patients with MS had significantly higher waist‐to‐hip ratio, total and non‐HDL cholesterol than group B patients with MS. In group B, MS and non‐MS patients had similar waist‐to‐hip ratio, blood pressure, total and non‐HDL cholesterol. Ten year coronary risk, calculated by the Framingham equations (n = 243), was 10.3 ± 5% in group B, non‐MS patients; 13.1 ± 6% in group B, MS patients; 19.9 ± 8% in group A (F = 32.8; P < 0.001). At the multiple regression analysis, TG/HDL ratio was associated with coronary risk (r2 = 0.227) more closely than gender, blood pressure, waist‐to‐hip ratio, non HDL cholesterol, and MS considered as a whole. A separate regression analysis showed that the logarithmically transformed TG/HDL ratio, an index of the HDL cholesterol esterification rate, is also associated with coronary risk (r2 = 0.252). Thus, TG/HDL ratio could help to characterize high‐risk overweight patients deserving a special therapeutic effort. Cardiovascular risk profile of insulin‐sensitive patients, identified by lower values of this parameter, is only moderately affected by MS.
Utilizing Ecological Momentary Assessment in Pediatric Obesity to Quantify Behavior, Emotion, and Sleep
Authors: Rofey Dana L. , Hull Ethan E. , Phillips Jennifer , Vogt Kristen , Silk Jennifer S. , Dahl Ronald E.
Published: December 2009

This study examined the feasibility of using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to examine important domains relevant to interregulatory health processes in overweight adolescent females in their natural environments. Participants were 20 overweight adolescent females engaged in a cognitive–behavioral and motivational interviewing intervention aimed at weight loss and improving mood (11–19 years old, 80% white, 15% African American, mean BMI = 39). During this EMA protocol, participants were asked to report their physical activity (PA), nutrition, mood, and sleep during 14 cellular phone calls over three extended weekends (Thursday to Monday). Simultaneously, participants wore an actigraph (armband and watch communicator) that provided instantaneous PA feedback (steps taken and kilocalories) and sleep parameters (duration and efficiency). EMA compliance rates for the armband and phone calls were 74.7 ± 0.3% and 64.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. Data from the armband and phone calls are presented to illustrate the depth of information acquired by utilizing this innovative methodology.
Molecular mechanisms of metabolic regulation by insulin in Drosophila
Authors: Teleman Aurelio A.
Published: December 2009

The insulin signalling pathway is highly conserved from mammals to Drosophila. Insulin signalling in the fly, as in mammals, regulates a number of physiological functions, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, tissue growth and longevity. In the present review, I discuss the molecular mechanisms by which insulin signalling regulates metabolism in Drosophila, comparing and contrasting with the mammalian system. I discuss both the intracellular signalling network, as well as the communication between organs in the fly.
Caught in the middle: the role of Bag3 in disease
Authors: McCollum Andrea K. , Casagrande Giovanna , Kohn Elise C.
Published: December 2009

Bag3 is a Bag family co-chaperone that regulates the ATPase activity of Hsp70 (heat-shock protein 70) chaperones. Recent studies have demonstrated that Bag3 can initiate macroautophagy in co-operation with small heat-shock protein HspB8. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Fuchs and co-workers have discovered the IPV motif in Bag3 that is necessary for binding to HspB8. The authors have also identified HspB6 as a new binding partner for Bag3 and characterized further the binding of both HspB8 and HspB6 in Bag3-mediated clearance of aggregated polyglutamine-containing protein Htt43Q (huntingtin exon 1 fragment with 43 CAG repeats). It is clear from recent identification of a Bag3 mutation that causes a form of muscular dystrophy that the full function of Bag3 in disease is not clear. We will apply the findings of Fuchs et al. in this issue to reconcile the phenotypes of Bag3 homologue knockouts with the emerging role of Bag3 in autophagy.
Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for production, haematological and gastrointestinal nematode-associated traits in Australian Angora goats
Authors: Bolormaa S. , Olayemi M. , van der Werf J. H. J. , Baillie N. , Le Jambre F. , Ruvinsky A. , Walkden-Brown S. W.
Published: December 2009

Genetic parameters for liveweight (LWT), greasy fleece weight (GFW), mean fibre diameter (MFD), standard deviation of MFD (MFD-s.d.), mean fibre curvature (CURVE) percentage of medullated (%MED) and kemp (%KEMP) fibres, faecal worm egg count (WEC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) mean corpuscular haemoglobin content (MCHC), circulating anti-nematode IgG (IgG) and counts of circulating eosinophils (EOS), lymphocytes (LYM), neutrophils (NEU), basophils (BASO) and monocytes (MONO) up to 18 months of age were estimated in Australian Angora goats (608 animals, 14 sires 3 years of birth). Measurements were made during a period of natural parasite challenge up to 5 months of age, or following artificial challenge with 10 000 infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis at 5.25 months of age. Year of birth had a significant impact on production and parasite-associated traits at all ages studied. Sex had a marked effect on production and erythrocyte traits. Birth type had no effect on any traits in animals older than 6 months. Maternal effects were not significant except for LWT at 3, 5 and 6 months and for IgG at 3 months. Most production traits were highly (LWT, GFW, MFD, %MED) or moderately (CURVE, MFD-s.d.) heritable (range 0.17–0.59) with only %KEMP having a low heritability (0.02–0.14). The heritability estimates (±s.e.) for CURVE are novel for goats and ranged from 0.18 ± 0.09 at first shearing to 0.44 ± 0.14 at third shearing. Heritability estimates were low for WEC (0.02–0.16) and for specific IgG during natural infection (0.14–0.15) but higher for IgG following artificial challenge with T. colubriformis (0.42 ± 0.13). Of the haematological variables NEU and all red cell traits were highly heritable (0.45–0.71), LYM and MONO were moderately to highly heritable (0.31–0.55), and EOS was weakly to moderately heritable (0.06–0.28).
Strong phenotypic correlations existed between production traits. MFD was positively correlated with GFW and negatively correlated with CURVE, indicating that finer fibres have a higher crimp or wave count. WEC had consistent negative phenotypic correlations with PCV, LYM and EOS, and positive correlations with NEU. Correlations with IgG were positive up to 5 months and negative thereafter. Phenotypic correlations between WEC and LWT as well as with GFW and MFD were negative. Heritability estimates for production traits were generally consistent with other studies. Haematological and fibre curvature findings are completely novel for Angora goats. Estimates of heritability for WEC fell in mid range of published findings for other goat breeds, and these results suggest that there is some scope for breeding for worm resistance in Angoras but the response is likely to be slow.
Quantification of wheat water-use efficiency at the shire-level in Australia
Authors: Doherty A. , Sadras V. O. , Rodriguez D. , Potgieter A.
Published: December 2009

In eastern Australia, latitudinal gradients in vapour pressure deficit (VPD), mean temperature (T), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and fraction of diffuse radiation (FDR) around the critical stage for yield formation affect wheat yield and crop water-use efficiency (WUE = yield per unit evapotranspiration). In this paper we combine our current understanding of these climate factors aggregated in a normalised phototermal coefficient, NPq = (PAR· FDR)/(T · VPD), with a shire-level dynamic model of crop yield and water use to quantify WUE of wheat in 245 shires across Australia. Three measures of WUE were compared: WUE, the ratio of measured yield and modelled evapotranspiration; WUEVPD, i.e. WUE corrected by VPD; and WUENPq, i.e. WUE corrected by NPq. Our aim is to test the hypothesis that WUENPq suits regional comparisons better than WUE or WUEVPD. Actual median yield at the shire level (1975–2000) varied from 0.5 to 2.8 t/ha and the coefficient of variation ranged from 18 to 92%. Modelled median evapotranspiration varied from 106 to 620 mm and it accounted for 42% of the variation in yield among regions. The relationship was non-linear, and yield stabilised at ~2 t/ha for evapotranspiration above 343 mm. There were no associations between WUE and rainfall. The associations were weak (R2 = 0.09) but in the expected direction for WUEVPD, i.e. inverse with seasonal rainfall and direct with off-season rainfall, and strongest for WUENPq (R2 = 0.40).We suggest that the effects of VPD, PAR, FDR, and T, can be integrated to improve the regional quantification of WUE defined in terms of grain yield and seasonal water use.
Effect of root rot and stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria maculans on yield of Brassica napus and measures for control in the field
Authors: Sprague S. J. , Kirkegaard J. A. , Howlett B. J. , Graham J.
Published: December 2009

Leptosphaeria maculans causes blackleg of Brassica napus (canola), manifesting in symptoms including leaf lesions, stem canker, and root rot. Root rot is an extension of the stem canker phase of the disease resulting from foliar infection; however, the role of root rot in grain yield loss has not been investigated. Field experiments were conducted in south-eastern Australia to determine the efficacy of fungicides and host resistance to stem canker for the control of root rot, along with the association between root rot severity and grain yield. Fungicides applied as a seed dressing (fluquinconazole) or coated on fertiliser (flutriafol) reduced root rot severity by 16 and 41%, respectively. Root rot severity was 78% less in a B. napus cultivar with an Australian Blackleg Rating (ABR) of 9.0 (highly resistant to stem canker) than in a moderately resistant cultivar (ABR 5.5), and was also reduced in Brassica species with good resistance to stem canker. Root rot caused little or no additional reduction in yield or harvest index of individual B. napus plants above that caused by stem canker. Individual upright plants with greater than 80% of the stem cross-section blackened had significantly reduced seed yield; however, this was influenced by rainfall during the grain-filling period. This study shows that current management strategies for stem canker caused by L. maculans also control root rot in B. napus, as although the symptoms in roots are severe, these symptoms have no additional effect on yield.
Dissolution kinetics of meta-torbernite under circum-neutral to alkaline conditions
Authors: Wellman Dawn M. , McNamara Bruce K. , Bacon Diana H. , Cordova Elsa A. , Ermi Ruby M. , Top Laken M.
Published: December 2009

Environmental context. Uranium-phosphate minerals have been identified as a long-term controlling phase that limit the mobility of uranium to groundwater in many contaminated subsurface environments. Complex, coupled processes confound the ability to isolate the rates attributed to individual processes. Results of this investigation provide the necessary information to refine current prediction on the release and long-term fate of uranium in subsurface environments.
Abstract. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a series of single-pass flow-through (SPFT) tests to (1) quantify the effect of temperature (23–90°C) and pH (6–10) on meta-torbernite dissolution; (2) compare the dissolution of meta-torbernite to other autunite-group minerals; and (3) evaluate the effect of aqueous phosphate on the dissolution kinetics of meta-torbernite. Results presented here illustrate meta-torbernite dissolution rates increase by ~100× over the pH interval of 6 to 10, irrespective of temperature. The power law coefficient for meta-torbernite, η = 0.59 ± 0.07, is greater than that quantified for Ca-meta-autunite, η = 0.42 ± 0.12. This suggests the stability of meta-torbernite is greater than that of meta-autunite, which is reflected in the predicted stability constants. The rate equation for the dissolution of meta-torbernite as a function of aqueous phosphate concentration is log rdissol (mol m–2 s–1) = –4.7 × 10–13 + 4.1 × 10–10[PO43–].
Positive selection identifies an in vivo role for FimH during urinary tract infection in addition to mannose binding
Authors: Chen Swaine L. , Hung Chia S. , Pinkner Jerome S. , Walker Jennifer N. , Cusumano Corinne K. , Li Zhaoli , Bouckaert Julie , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Hultgren Scott J.
Published: December 2009

FimH, the type 1 pilus adhesin of uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC), contains a receptor-binding domain with an acidic binding pocket specific for mannose. Thefimoperon, and thus type 1 pilus production, is under transcriptional control via phase variation of an invertible promoter element. FimH is critical during urinary tract infection for mediating colonization and invasion of the bladder epithelium and establishment of intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs).In silicoanalysis of FimH gene sequences from 279E. colistrains identified specific amino acids evolving under positive selection outside of its mannose-binding pocket. Mutating two of these residues (A27V/V163A) had no effect on phase variation, pilus assembly, or mannose binding in vitro. However, compared to wild-type, this double mutant strain exhibited a 10,000-fold reduction in mouse bladder colonization 24 h after inoculation and was unable to form IBCs even though it bound normally to mannosylated receptors in the urothelium. In contrast, the single A62S mutation altered phase variation, reducing the proportion of piliated cells, reduced mannose binding 8-fold, and decreased bladder colonization 30-fold in vivo compared to wild-type. A phase-locked ON A62S mutant restored virulence to wild-type levels even though in vitro mannose binding remained impaired. Thus, positive selection analysis of FimH has separated mannose binding from in vivo fitness, suggesting that IBC formation is critical for successful infection of the mammalian bladder, providing support for more general use ofin silicopositive selection analysis to define the molecular underpinnings of bacterial pathogenesis.