bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jonquetella anthropi gen. nov., sp. nov., the first member of the candidate phylum ‘Synergistetes’ isolated from man
Authors: Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Carlier Jean-Philippe , Jean-Pierre Hélène , Citron Diane , Bernard Kathryn , Damay Audrey , Gay Bernard , Teyssier Corinne , Campos Josiane , Marchandin Hélène
Published: November 2007

Six clinical isolates of a hitherto unknown, strictly anaerobic, Gram-negative rod showing fastidious growth were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study, including phenotypic, genomic and phylogenetic feature analyses. 16S rRNA gene sequenced-based phylogeny revealed that the novel strains represent a homogeneous group distant from any recognized species in the candidate phylum ‘Synergistetes’. The novel isolates were most closely related to species of the genusDethiosulfovibrio, with 88.2–88.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Large-scale chromosome structure and DNA G+C content also differentiated the novel strains from members of the genusDethiosulfovibrio. The novel strains were asaccharolytic. Major metabolic end products in trypticase/glucose/yeast extract broth were acetic, lactic, succinic and isovaleric acids and the major cellular fatty acids iso-C15 : 0and C16 : 0. Based on the data presented here, a new genus,Jonquetellagen. nov., is proposed with one novel species,Jonquetella anthropisp. nov.J. anthropiis the first characterized species of the candidate phylum ‘Synergistetes’ that includes human isolates. The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain ofJ. anthropiADV 126T(=AIP 136.05T=CIP 109408T=CCUG 53819T) is 59.4 mol%.
The Metabolic Syndrome and Dyslipidemia Among Asian Indians: A Population With High Rates of Diabetes and Premature Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Enas Enas A. , Mohan Vishwanathan , Deepa Mohan , Farooq Syed , Pazhoor Suraj , Chennikkara Hancy
Published: November 2007

South Asians have high rates of diabetes and the highest rates of premature coronary artery disease in the world, both occuring about 10 years earlier than in other populations. The metabolic syndrome (MS), which appears to be the antecedent or “common soil” for both of these conditions, is also common among South Asians. Because South Asians develop metabolic abnormalities at a lower body mass index and waist circumference than other groups, conventional criteria underestimate the prevalence of MS by 25% to 50%. The proposed South Asian Modified National Cholesterol Education Program criteria that use abdominal obesity as an optional component and the South Asian‐specific waist circumference recommended by the International Diabetes Federation appear to be more appropriate in this population. Furthermore, Asian Indians have at least double the risk of coronary artery disease than that of whites, even when adjusted for the presence of diabetes and MS. This increased risk appears to be due to South Asian dyslipidemia, which is characterized by high serum levels of apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a), and triglycerides and low levels of apolipoprotein A1 and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In addition, the HDL particles are small, dense, and dysfunctional. MS needs to be recognized as a looming danger to South Asians and treated with aggressive lifestyle modifications beginning in childhood and at a lower threshold than in other populations.
Fatty Acid Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome Components: The GOCADAN Study
Authors: Ebbesson Sven O. E. , Tejero M. Elizabeth , Nobmann Elizabeth D. , Lopez‐Alvarenga Juan Carlos , Ebbesson Lars , Romenesko Terri , Carter Elizabeth A. , Resnick Helaine E. , Devereux Richard B. , MacCluer Jean W. , Dyke Bennett , Laston Sandra L. , Wenger Charlotte R. , Fabsitz Richard R. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Howard Barbara V.
Published: November 2007

Fatty acids (FAs) have been related to changes in glucose and lipid metabolism. In this article, the authors assess the association between intake of specific FAs and components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in adult Eskimos. A total of 691 Inupiat Eskimos (325 men and 366 women), aged 34 to 75 years, were examined as part of the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) study. The investigation included a physical examination, blood pressure measurements, blood sampling under fasting conditions, 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test, and a personal interview including a validated food frequency questionnaire. Components of MS were defined according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel criteria. Consumption of individual FAs showed associations with MS components. Long‐chain omega‐3 FAs, from fish and sea mammals, were associated with lower blood pressure, serum triglycerides, and 2‐hour glucose and higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment. Saturated fat consumption was associated with higher triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Trans‐FA consumption was associated with higher blood pressure. Consumption of long‐chain omega‐3 FAs from marine sources may improve certain MS components, and thus may reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. High consumption of saturated FAs and trans‐FAs may have an adverse effect on MS.
The Metabolic Syndrome in American Indians: The Strong Heart Study
Authors: Russell Marie , Simone Giovanni de , Resnick Helaine E. , Howard Barbara V.
Published: November 2007

Although the underlying cause of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is not entirely clear, it is thought that MS results from central obesity and insulin resistance (IR). IR has long been known to be a predictor of type 2 diabetes in many populations, including American Indians, the group with a rising prevalence of obesity and the highest rate of diabetes in the United States. In addition to being a predictor of diabetes, MS has now been shown to be associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of diabetes, in American Indians as well as in other ethnic groups. Furthermore, MS may carry a risk beyond that of single risk factors. Identifying MS in American Indians and treating the factors that comprise it may reduce risk of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this population.
The Frobenius action on local cohomology modules in mixed characteristic
Authors: Shimomoto Kazuma
Published: November 2007

Heitmann’s proof of the direct summand conjecture has opened a new approach to the study of homological conjectures in mixed characteristic. Inspired by his work and by the methods of almost ring theory, we discuss a normalized length for certain torsion modules, which was introduced by Faltings. Using the normalized length and the Frobenius map, we prove some results of local cohomology for local rings in mixed characteristic, which has an immediate implication for the subject of splinters studied by Singh.
A Single-Loop Approach for System Reliability-Based Design
Optimization
Authors: Liang Jinghong , Mourelatos Zissimos P. , Nikolaidis Efstratios
Published: November 2007

An efficient approach for series system reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) is presented. The key idea is to apportion optimally the system reliability among the failure modes by considering the target values of the failure probabilities of the modes as design variables. Critical failure modes that contribute the most to the overall system reliability are identified. This paper proposes a computationally efficient, system RBDO approach using a single-loop method where the searches for the optimum design and for the most probable failure points proceed simultaneously. Specifically, in each iteration, the optimizer uses approximated most probable failure points from the previous iteration to search for the optimum. A second-order Ditlevsen upper bound is used for estimating the system failure probability considering the joint failure probabilities of failure modes. Also, an easy to implement active strategy set is employed to improve algorithmic stability. The approach is demonstrated on two design examples involving a beam and an internal combustion engine.
Geometric Design for a Gerotor Pump With High Area Efficiency
Authors: Hsieh Chiu-Fan , Hwang Yii-Wen
Published: November 2007

This paper proposes a gerotor profile design based on the theory of gearing. Presented first is the curve of the outer rotor, whose conjugate profile is the inner rotor. Next, the analysis assesses the feasibility of three different design curves: an epitrochoid curve, a hypotrochoidal curve, and a curve made by continuously connecting the epicycloid and hypocycloid. The undercutting equation derived from the mathematical model—which is presented in parametric form—facilitates identification of the design parameter limits, while the sealing property and nonundercutting on the profile are estimated using curvature analyses. Finally, the offset concept is applied to the gerotor design. First, two conjugate curves are obtained, whose offset curves are then found. Pump performance—including area efficiency and sealing—is also compared for these designs, which include both offset and nonoffset rotor profiles.
Algorithms for On-Line Monitoring of Micro Spheres in an Optical Tweezers-Based Assembly Cell
Authors: Peng Tao , Balijepalli Arvind , Gupta Satyandra K. , LeBrun Tom
Published: November 2007

Optical tweezers have emerged as a powerful tool for micro- and nanomanipulation. Using optical tweezers to perform automated assembly requires on-line monitoring of components in the assembly workspace. This paper presents algorithms for estimating three-dimensional positions of microspheres in the assembly workspace. Algorithms presented in this paper use images obtained by optical section microscopy. The images are first segmented to locate areas of interest and then image gradient information from the areas of interest is used to locate the positions of individual micro spheres in the XY plane. Finally, signature curves are computed and utilized to obtain the Z locations of spheres. We have tested these algorithms with glass microspheres of two different sizes under different illumination conditions. Our experiments indicate that the algorithms described in this paper provide sufficient computational speed and accuracy to support the operation of optical tweezers.
On Flux-Limiting-Based Implicit Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Grinstein Fernando F. , Fureby Christer
Published: November 2007

Recent progress in understanding the theoretical basis and effectiveness of implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) is reviewed in both incompressible and compressible flow regimes. We use a modified equation analysis to show that the leading-order truncation error terms introduced by certain hybrid high resolution methods provide implicit subgrid scale (SGS) models similar in form to those of conventional mixed SGS models. Major properties of the implicit SGS model are related to the choice of high-order and low-order scheme components, the choice of a flux limiter, which determines how these schemes are blended locally depending on the flow, and the designed balance of the dissipation and dispersion contributions to the numerical solution. Comparative tests of ILES and classical LES in the Taylor–Green vortex case show robustness in capturing established theoretical findings for transition and turbulence decay.
Comprehensive comparisons with nonlinear flow data of a consistently unconstrained Brownian slip-link model
Authors: Schieber Jay D. , Nair Deepa M. , Kitkrailard Thidaporn
Published: November 2007

A consistently unconstrained Brownian slip-link model (CUBS) with constant chain friction is used to predict the nonlinear rheological behavior of linear, entangled, polymeric liquids. The model naturally incorporates primitive-path-length fluctuations, segment connectivity, monomer density fluctuations, entanglement fluctuations, and constraint release without making any closure approximations. Constraint release is imposed on the level of the dynamics of the chain, and the relaxation modulus follows from these rigorously. The model is a mean-field, single-chain slip-link model, or temporary network model, with a single phenomenological time constant, τe, fit by linear viscoelasticity. The nonlinear flow predictions are made without adjusting any additional parameters. We find that the addition of constant chain friction noticeably improves the model predictions in all the flows considered. In contradiction with tube models, the results suggest that the additional physics of constraint release and convective constraint release are not very important in predicting the nonlinear shear properties, except at low shear rates (close to the LVE regime).
Evolution to Pathogenicity of the Parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice in Immunodeficient Mice Involves Genetic Heterogeneity at the Capsid Domain That Determines Tropism
Authors: López-Bueno Alberto , Segovia José C. , Bueren Juan A. , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Wang Feng , Tattersall Peter , Almendral José M.
Published: November 2007

Very little is known about the role that evolutionary dynamics plays in diseases caused by mammalian DNA viruses. To address this issue in a natural host model, we compared the pathogenesis and genetics of the attenuated fibrotropic and the virulent lymphohematotropic strains of the parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM), and of two invasive fibrotropic MVM (MVMp) variants carrying the I362S or K368R change in the VP2 major capsid protein, in the infection of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. By 14 to 18 weeks after oronasal inoculation, the I362S and K368R viruses caused lethal leukopenia characterized by tissue damage and inclusion bodies in hemopoietic organs, a pattern of disease found by 7 weeks postinfection with the lymphohematotropic MVM (MVMi) strain. The MVMp populations emerging in leukopenic mice showed consensus sequence changes in the MVMi genotype at residues G321E and A551V of VP2 in the I362S virus infections or A551V and V575A changes in the K368R virus infections, as well as a high level of genetic heterogeneity within a capsid domain at the twofold depression where these residues lay. Amino acids forming this capsid domain are important MVM tropism determinants, as exemplified by the switch in MVMi host range toward mouse fibroblasts conferred by coordinated changes of some of these residues and by the essential character of glutamate at residue 321 for maintaining MVMi tropism toward primary hemopoietic precursors. The few viruses within the spectrum of mutants from mice that maintained the respective parental 321G and 575V residues were infectious in a plaque assay, whereas the viruses with the main consensus sequences exhibited low levels of fitness in culture. Consistent with this finding, a recombinant MVMp virus carrying the consensus sequence mutations arising in the K368R virus background in mice failed to initiate infection in cell lines of different tissue origins, even though it caused rapid-course lethal leukopenia in SCID mice. The parental consensus genotype prevailed during leukopenia development, but plaque-forming viruses with the reversion of the 575A residue to valine emerged in affected organs. The disease caused by the DNA virus in mice, therefore, involves the generation of heterogeneous viral populations that may cooperatively interact for the hemopoietic syndrome. The evolutionary changes delineate a sector of the surface of the capsid that determines tropism and that surrounds the sialic acid receptor binding domain.
Role of Alveolar Macrophages in Respiratory Transmission of Visna/Maedi Virus
Authors: McNeilly Tom N. , Baker Alison , Brown Jeremy K. , Collie David , MacLachlan Gerry , Rhind Susan M. , Harkiss Gordon D.
Published: November 2007

A major route of transmission ofVisna/maedi virus(VMV), an ovine lentivirus, is thought to be via the respiratory tract, by inhalation of either cell-free or cell-associated virus. In previous studies, we have shown that infection via the lower respiratory tract is much more efficient than via upper respiratory tissues (T. N. McNeilly, P. Tennant, L. Lujan, M. Perez, and G. D. Harkiss, J. Gen. Virol.88:670-679, 2007). Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are prime candidates for the initial uptake of virus in the lower lung, given their in vivo tropism for VMV, abundant numbers, location within the airways, and role in VMV-induced inflammation. Furthermore, AMs are the most likely cell type involved in the transmission of cell-associated virus. In this study, we use an experimental in vivo infection model that allowed the infection of specific segments of the ovine lung. We demonstrate that resident AMs are capable of VMV uptake in vivo and that this infection is associated with a specific up-regulation of AM granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor mRNA expression (P< 0.05) and an increase in bronchoalveolar lymphocyte numbers (P< 0.05), but not a generalized inflammatory response 7 days postinfection. We also demonstrate that both autologous and heterologous VMV-infected AMs are capable of transmitting virus after lower, but not upper, respiratory tract instillation and that this transfer of virus appears not to involve the direct migration of virus-infected AMs from the airspace. These results suggest that virus is transferred from AMs into the body via an intermediate route. The results also suggest that the inhalation of infected AMs represents an additional mechanism of virus transmission.
Modeling and Statistical Analysis of DPPH Scavenging Activity of Phenolics
Authors: Velkov Zhivko A. , Kolev Mikhail K. , Tadjer Alia V.
Published: November 2007

Investigations addressing correlation between antioxidant activity and theoretical descriptors are plentiful in the literature. This task is quite ambitious, bearing in mind the rather complicated interactions in living cells. In this study we have tried to simplify the problem by looking for direct correlations between calculated characteristics and scavenging activity, neglecting the specificity of cellular environment. To address the problem of antioxidant activity, a set of 20 phenolic compounds and their phenoxyl radicals were investigated at the unrestricted B3LYP level of theory using the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set. Three important descriptors of the considered compounds were related to the results of the DPPH scavenging activity. Significant linear correlations were obtained in several cases.
Thermoregulatory responses during competitive singles tennis
Authors: Morante S M , Brotherhood J R
Published: November 2007

Objectives:

To provide examples of thermoregulatory responses during competitive singles tennis and comparisons with continuous, steady-state running.

Methods:

Typical examples of body core (rectal) temperature, skin temperature and heart rate were selected to show the differing characteristics of tennis and running, and the corresponding thermal environments. Rectal and skin temperatures were logged each minute and heart rate logged every 15 seconds throughout the competitive “best of three sets” singles tennis matches and 60-minute continuous, steady-state running trials. Tennis matches were completed outdoors in widely varying thermal environments, and the running trials were completed in the laboratory under stable conditions.

Results:

Rectal temperature in tennis was raised only slightly above resting levels, reaching a plateau relative to the exercise intensity. Rectal temperature during tennis was found to take longer to reach a plateau than continuous, steady-state exercise. Skin temperature during tennis varied widely depending on environmental air temperature, and was lower than that of runners at the same air temperature. Heart rate was very similar between opponents for both average and response characteristics during tennis. A wider range and higher peak values were found for tennis players compared with runners.

Conclusions:

This report provides a descriptive account of thermoregulatory response characteristics during singles tennis. Differences between outdoor tennis and continuous, steady-state running in the laboratory for each of these responses were found.
The relationship between changes in interstitial creatine kinase and game-related impacts in rugby union
Authors: Smart D J , Gill N D , Beaven C M , Cook C J , Blazevich A J
Published: November 2007

Aim:

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pre-game to post-game changes in creatine kinase concentration (Δ[CK]) and impact-related game statistics in elite rugby union players.

Methods:

Twenty-three elite male rugby union players each provided interstitial fluid samples obtained via electrosonophoresis (ESoP) 210 min before and within a maximum time of 30 min after up to five rugby union games. Specific game statistics that were deemed to be important in determining the relationship between impact and [CK] were obtained from AnalyRugby software for each individual player. Regression equations to predict Δ[CK] from game statistics were created using a backwards random-effects maximum likelihood regression.

Results:

The Δ[CK] (mean (SD)) from pre-game to post-game was 926.8 (204.2) IU. Game time and time defending were significantly correlated to Δ[CK] in both the forwards and backs. The predicted Δ[CK] (mean (95% confidence limit)) was 1439.8 (204.9) IU for the forwards and 545.3 (78.0) IU for the backs and was significantly correlated with the actual Δ[CK] (r = 0.69 and r = 0.74).

Conclusions:

CK increased from pre-game to post-game in a position-specific manner. A large proportion of the Δ[CK] can be explained by physical impact and thus can be predicted using a prescribed number of game statistics. As the Δ[CK] is an indicator of muscle damage, the prediction of Δ[CK] provides a theoretical basis for recovery strategies and adjustment of subsequent training sessions after rugby union games.
Teaching medical students about fair distribution of healthcare resources
Authors: Leget C , Hoedemaekers R
Published: November 2007

Healthcare package decisions are complex. Different judgements about effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and disease burden influence the decision-making process. Moreover, different concepts of justice generate different ideas about fair distribution of healthcare resources. This paper presents a decision model that is used in medical school in order to familiarise medical students with the different concepts of justice and the ethical dimension of making concrete choices. The model is based on the four-stage decision model developed in the Netherlands by the Dunning Committee and the discussion that followed its presentation in 1991. Having to deal with 10 medical services, students working with the model learn to discern and integrate four different ideas of distributive justice that are integrated in a flow chart: libertarian, communitarian, egalitarian and utilitarian.
Thinking historically about public health
Authors: Bashford Alison , Strange Carolyn
Published: November 2007

This paper argues that analysing past public health policies calls for scholarship that integrates insights not just from medical history but from a broad range of historical fields. Recent studies of historic infectious disease management make this evident: they confirm that prior practices inhere in current perceptions and policies, which, like their antecedents, unfold amidst shifting amalgams of politics, culture, law and economics. Thus, explaining public health policy of the past purely in medical or epidemiological terms ignores evidence that it was rarely, if ever, designed solely on medical grounds at the time.
Disease burden of adult lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease from passive tobacco smoking in China
Authors: Gan Quan , Smith Kirk R , Hammond S Katharine , Hu Teh-wei
Published: November 2007

Objective:

To address the health hazards tobacco smoking imposes upon non-smokers in China, this paper estimates the burden of diseases in adults from passive tobacco smoking for two major diseases—lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

Methods:

The disease burden was estimated in terms of both premature mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs), a measure that accounts for both the age at death and the severity of the morbidity.

Results:

Passive smoking caused more than 22 000 lung cancer deaths in 2002 according to these estimates. When the toll of disability is added to that of mortality, passive smoking was responsible for the loss of nearly 230 000 years of healthy life from lung cancer. Using the evidence from other countries that links IHD to passive smoking, we estimated that approximately 33 800 IHD deaths could be attributable to passive smoking in China in 2002. Passive smoking is also responsible for the loss of more than one quarter of a million years of healthy life from IHD. Although most of the disease burden caused by active smoking occurs among men, women bear nearly 80% of the total burden from passive smoking. The number of deaths among women caused by passive smoking is about two-thirds of that caused by smoking for the two diseases we examined.

Conclusion:

Even without considering the passive smoking risks for other diseases and among children that have been documented in other countries, passive smoking poses serious health hazards for non-smokers, especially for adult female non-smokers in China, adding more urgency to the need for measures to be taken immediately to protect the health of non-smokers and curb the nation’s tobacco epidemic.
Use of nicotine replacement therapy to reduce or delay smoking but not to quit: prevalence and association with subsequent cessation efforts
Authors: Levy Douglas E , Thorndike Anne N , Biener Lois , Rigotti Nancy A
Published: November 2007

Objective:

To assess the prevalence of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) use for purposes other than quitting smoking and examine the relation of this non-standard NRT use (NSNRT) with subsequent smoking cessation efforts.

Design:

A population based cohort study of adult smokers who were interviewed by telephone at baseline (2001–2) and at two year follow-up. The association between NSNRT use to cut down on smoking or to delay smoking before baseline and cessation attempts and smoking outcomes at two year follow-up was assessed using logistic regression to adjust for multiple potential confounding factors.

Setting:

Massachusetts, USA.

Subjects:

1712 adult smokers in Massachusetts who were selected using a random digit dial telephone survey.

Main outcome measures:

Quit attempt in 12 months before follow-up, NRT use at quit attempt in 12 months before follow-up, smoking cessation by follow-up, or 50% reduction in cigarettes smoked per day between baseline and follow-up.

Results:

18.7% of respondents reported ever having used NSNRT. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, there was no statistically significant association between past NSNRT use and quit attempts (ORcut down = 0.89, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.33; ORdelay = 1.29, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.29), smoking cessation (ORcut down = 0.74, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.24; ORdelay = 1.22, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.50) or 50% reduction in cigarettes smoked per day (ORcut down = 0.93, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.38; ORdelay = 0.80, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.49) at follow-up. Past use of NRT to cut down on cigarettes was associated with use of NRT at a follow-up quit attempt (ORcut down = 2.28, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.47) but past use of NRT to delay smoking was not (ORdelay = 1.25, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.34).

Conclusions:

Use of NRT for reasons other than quitting smoking may be more common than was previously estimated. This population based survey finds no strong evidence that NRT use for purposes other than quitting smoking is either harmful or helpful.
Assessing the impact of smoking cessation services on reducing health inequalities in England: observational study
Authors: Bauld Linda , Judge Ken , Platt Stephen
Published: November 2007

Objective:

NHS stop smoking services are expected to play a key part in achieving the infant mortality and life expectancy health inequality targets in England by reducing smoking prevalence in deprived areas. This paper assesses the extent to which services have made a contribution to reducing inequalities in smoking between 2003–4 and 2005–6.

Methods:

Synthetic estimates of baseline smoking prevalence data were compared with national monitoring data about the numbers of smokers in receipt of services and the proportion who self report quitting at four weeks. The social distribution of service recipients and quitters was compared with estimates of smoking prevalence to assess impact on inequalities. Comparisons were made between officially designated disadvantaged areas (the Spearhead Group) and others.

Results:

Short-term cessation rates were lower in disadvantaged areas (52.6%) than elsewhere (57.9%) (p<0.001), but the proportion of smokers being treated was higher (16.7% compared with 13.4%) (p<0.001). The net effect was that a higher proportion of smokers in the most disadvantaged areas reported success (8.8%) than in more advantaged areas (7.8%) (p<0.001). Using the evidence-based assumption that three-quarters of short-term quitters will relapse within one year, the absolute and relative rate gaps in smoking prevalence between Spearhead areas and others are estimated to fall by small but statistically significant amounts from 5.2 and 1.215 (CIs: 1.216 to 1.213) to 5.0 and 1.212 (CIs: 1.213 to 1.210) between 2003–4 and 2005–6.

Conclusion:

NHS stop smoking services have probably made a modest contribution to reducing inequalities in smoking prevalence. To achieve government targets, however, requires both the development of more innovative cessation interventions for the most addicted smokers and action to ensure that other aspects of tobacco control policy make a larger contribution to inequality goals.
Estimating natural interstage egg mortality of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in the Northeast Atlantic using a stochastic model
Authors: Portilla Enrique , McKenzie Eddie , Beare Doug , Reid Dave
Published: November 2007

Egg mortality is a key parameter for understanding early life histories of fish. Small variations in estimated mortality cause large differences on adult fish biomass estimates. Therefore, the assumption of a constant egg mortality rate may be misleading. Here, we show how to estimate mortality rates for the individual egg stages of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) from triennial surveys conducted since 1977. We use a standard, continuous-time Markov process model that combines the numbers of eggs sampled in each stage with experimental data on egg stage duration (dependent on water temperature). This is the first attempt to study mortality among egg stages in such detail and the first comprehensive effort to estimate horse mackerel egg mortality in the Northeast Atlantic. The results include detailed descriptions of spatial–temporal dependencies in mortality. The daily egg mortality rates estimated are ~0.56·day–1 for Atlantic mackerel (far higher than suggested in the literature) and 0.54·day–1 for horse mackerel. Although it was not possible to estimate stage 1 egg mortality directly, the results suggest high mortality in the first stage. This might lead to underestimation of fish biomass when assessed traditionally by egg survey data alone.
Whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) respiration rate governs intra-otolith variation of δ13C values in Lake Annecy
Authors: Dufour Elise , Gerdeaux Daniel , Wurster Christopher M
Published: November 2007

We generated 10 high-resolution profiles of stable carbon and oxygen isotope values (δ13Coto and δ18Ooto) of sagittal otoliths of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) from Lake Annecy (France) to determine the factors that control intra-individual δ13Coto variation. Dominant patterns of intra-otolith variation compared well with seasonal and age-specific respiration modeling. Conversely, intra-otolith variation of δ13C values did not compare well with measured dietary and environmental variation. We infer that the proportion of metabolically sourced carbon (M) is the dominant control on intra-otolith variation. Current models of otolith carbon incorporation provide different estimates of M. Once appropriate fractionation factors among otolith, endolymph, blood, and carbon sources are elucidated, δ13Coto values will reveal energetic, environmental, and dietary information of teleost fish for past and present populations. Used in conjunction with δ18Ooto values, δ13Coto values will be powerful proxies of fish environment, behavior, and evolution.
Analysis of behavior using genetical genomics in mice as a model: from alcohol preferences to gene expression differences
Authors: Singh Shiva M. , Treadwell Julie , Kleiber Morgan L. , Harrison Michelle , Uddin Raihan K.
Published: November 2007

Most familial behavioral phenotypes result from the complex interaction of multiple genes. Studies of such phenotypes involving human subjects are often inconclusive owing to complexity of causation and experimental limitations. Studies of animal models argue for the use of established genetic strains as a powerful tool for genetic dissection of behavioral disorders and have led to the identification of rare genes and genetic mechanisms implicated in such phenotypes. We have used microarrays to study global gene expression in adult brains of four genetic strains of mice (C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, A/J, and BALB/c). Our results demonstrate that different strains show expression differences for a number of genes in the brain, and that closely related strains have similar patterns of gene expression as compared with distantly related strains. In addition, among the 24 000 genes and ESTs on the microarray, 77 showed at least a 1.5-fold increase in the brains of C57BL/6J mice as compared with those of DBA/2J mice. These genes fall into such functional categories as gene regulation, metabolism, cell signaling, neurotransmitter transport, and DNA/RNA binding. The importance of these findings as a novel genetic resource and their use and application in the genetic analysis of complex behavioral phenotypes, susceptibilities, and responses to drugs and chemicals are discussed.
Investigations of 5S rDNA of Vitis vinifera L.: sequence analysis and physical mapping
Authors: Falistocco E. , Passeri V. , Marconi G.
Published: November 2007

Here we report the first results of a study of 5S rDNA of Vitis vinifera . 5S rDNA sequences from seven genotypes were amplified by PCR, cloned, and sequenced. Three types of repeats were found. Two variants, denominated long repeat and short repeat, appeared to be the main components of the 5S rDNA of this species, since they were found in all genotypes analyzed. They differed markedly from each other in both the length and the nucleotide composition of the spacers. The third variant, classified as DEL short repeat, differs from the short repeat owing to a large deletion in the spacer region. It appears to be the most recent repeat type, since it was identified in only one genotype. The organization of the 5S rDNA repeat unit variants was investigated by amplifying the genomic DNA with primers designed on the sequence of the long and short spacers. The PCR-amplified fragments showed that the long repeat is associated with the other two repeats, indicating that in V. vinifera different repeat units coexist within the same tandem array. FISH analysis demonstrated that 5S rRNA genes are localized at a single locus. The variability of 5S rDNA repeats is discussed in relation to the putative allopolyploid origin of V. vinifera.
Corticotropin releasing hormoneis a promising candidate gene for marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in beef cattle
Authors: Wibowo Tito A. , Michal Jennifer J. , Jiang Zhihua
Published: November 2007

The gene corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is mapped on bovine chromosome 14 (BTA14), where more than 30 fat-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported in dairy and beef cattle. The gene product regulates secretion of adrenocorticotrophin hormone, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and multiple hypothalamic functions; therefore, we hypothesized that CRH is a promising candidate gene for beef marbling score (BMS) and subcutaneous fat depth (SFD) in a Wagyu × Limousin F2population. Two pairs of primers were designed and a total of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified: g.9657C>T, c.10718G>C, c.10841G>A, c.10893A>C, and c.10936G>C (AAFC03076794.1). Among the 4 cSNPs, c.10718G>C, c.10841G>A, and c.10936G>C are missense mutations leading to amino acid changes from arginine to proline, from serine to asparagine, and from aspartic acid to histidine, respectively. These 5 SNPs were genotyped on ~250 F2progeny, but only 4 were selected as tagging SNPs for association analysis because no historical recombination was observed between c.10718G>C and c.10893A>C. Statistical analysis showed that g.9657C>T, c.10718G>C, and c.10936G>C and their haplotypes had significant effects on SFD, but only c.10936G>C was significantly associated with BMS. The SNP in the promoter (g.9657C>T) led to gain/loss of a CpG site and 4 potential regulatory binding sites. Different haplotypes among the 4 cSNPs significantly affected mRNA secondary structures but were not associated with phenotypes. Overall, our results provide further evidence that CRH is a promising candidate gene for a concordant QTL related to lipid metabolism in mammals.
Structure, function, and evolution of plantO-methyltransferases
Authors: Lam Kevin C. , Ibrahim Ragai K. , Behdad Bahareh , Dayanandan Selvadurai
Published: November 2007

Plant O-methyltransferases (OMTs) constitute a large family of enzymes that methylate the oxygen atom of a variety of secondary metabolites including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. O-Methylation plays a key role in lignin biosynthesis, stress tolerance, and disease resistance in plants. To gain insights into the evolution of the extraordinary diversity of plant O-methyltransferases, and to develop a framework phylogenetic tree for improved prediction of the putative function of newly identified OMT-like gene sequences, we performed a comparative and phylogenetic analysis of 61 biochemically characterized plant OMT protein sequences. The resulting phylogenetic tree revealed two major groups. One of the groups included two sister clades, one comprising the caffeoyl CoA OMTs (CCoA OMTs) that methylate phenolic hydroxyl groups of hydroxycinnamoyl CoA esters, and the other containing the carboxylic acid OMTs that methylate aliphatic carboxyl groups. The other group comprised the remaining OMTs, which act on a diverse group of metabolites including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results suggest that some OMTs may have undergone convergent evolution, while others show divergent evolution. The high number of unique conserved regions within the CCoA OMTs and carboxylic acid OMTs provide an opportunity to design oligonucleotide primers to selectively amplify and characterize similar OMT genes from many plant species.
Effect of in-season creatine supplementation on body composition and performance in rugby union football players
Authors: Chilibeck Philip D. , Magnus Charlene , Anderson Matthew
Published: November 2007

Rugby union football requires muscular strength and endurance, as well as aerobic endurance. Creatine supplementation may enhance muscular performance, but it is unclear if it would interfere with aerobic endurance during running because of increased body mass. The purpose of this study was to determine if creatine supplementation during 8 weeks of a season of rugby union football can increase muscular performance, without negatively affecting aerobic endurance. Rugby union football players were randomized to receive 0.1 g·kg–1·d–1 creatine monohydrate (n = 9) or placebo (n = 9) during 8 weeks of the rugby season. Players practiced twice per week for approximately 2 h per session and played one 80 min game per week. Before and after the 8 weeks, players were measured for body composition (air displacement plethysmography), muscular endurance (number of repetitions at 75% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) for bench press and leg press), and aerobic endurance (Leger shuttle-run test with 1 min stages of progressively increasing speed). There were time main effects for body mass (–0.7 ± 0.4 kg; p = 0.05), fat mass (–1.9 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05), and a trend for an increase in lean tissue mass (+1.2 ± 0.5 kg; p = 0.07), with no differences between groups. The group receiving creatine supplementation had a greater increase in the number of repetitions for combined bench press and leg press tests compared with the placebo group (+5.8 ± 1.4 vs. +0.9 ± 2.0 repetitions; p < 0.05). There were no changes in either group for aerobic endurance. Creatine supplementation during a rugby union football season is effective for increasing muscular endurance, but has no effect on body composition or aerobic endurance.
Prohibition of artificial hypoxic environments in sports: health risks rather than ethics
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Franchini Massimo , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: November 2007

There is actual debate on a recent position of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which has cautiously refrained from banning hypoxic tents and intends to monitor their health risk. Regardless of teleological and deontological concepts, we highlight that the health risks inherent to the widespread use of these artificial performance-enhancing devices would make them as unsafe as other forms of blood doping.
Associations between abdominal adiposity, exercise, morbidity, and mortality
Authors: Kuk Jennifer Linchee
Published: November 2007

The increasing prevalence of abdominal obesity worldwide poses a serious public health problem and thus presents a target for research designed to improve the assessment or treatment of abdominal obesity. Specifically, the first study in this thesis investigated the influence of age and gender on visceral (VAT) and abdominal (ASAT) subcutaneous adipose tissue for a given waist circumference (WC) in 481 men and women varying widely in age and body mass index (BMI). Significant gender differences in VAT and ASAT for a given WC were observed; however, only the relationship between WC and VAT was substantially influenced by age. The second study examined whether the associations between VAT, ASAT, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) were altered depending on the measurement methodology used to assess VAT and ASAT. The odds ratio (OR) for MetS was higher for total VAT volume (OR = 7.26), and for partial volumes at T12–L1 (OR = 7.46) and L1–L2 (OR = 8.77) compared with the classic L4–L5 (OR = 3.94) measurement. The OR for MetS was not substantially different among the ASAT measures (OR∼2.6). Measurement site for VAT, but not ASAT, has a substantial influence on the magnitude of the association with MetS. The third study examined the independent associations between VAT, ASAT, liver fat, and all-cause mortality in 291 men (97 decedents and 194 controls, mortality follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.3 y). In a model including VAT, ASAT, liver fat, age, and length of follow-up, only VAT (1.93 (1.15–3.23)) remained a significant predictor of mortality. We concluded that VAT is a strong, independent predictor of all-cause mortality in men. The purpose of the final study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise dose (energy expenditure) on WC in sedentary, overweight or obese postmenopausal women (n = 424). The women were randomly assigned to a control group or one of three aerobic exercise groups that exercised at energy expenditures of 4, 8, or 12 kcal·kg body mass–1·week–1. On comparison with controls, there were significant reductions in WC in the exercise groups (~3 cm, p < 0.05), which were independent of weight loss. However, the amount of exercise performed was not associated with reductions in WC in a dose-dependent manner.
Physical activity guidelines for children and youthThis article is part of a supplement entitled Advancing physical activity measurement and guidelines in Canada: a scientific review and evidence-based foundation for the future of Canadian physical activity guidelines co-published by Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism and the Canadian Journal of Public Health. It may be cited as Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 32(Suppl. 2E) or as Can. J. Public Health 98(Suppl. 2).
Authors: Janssen Ian
Published: November 2007

The aim of this review is to provide a scientific update on evidence related to the biological and psycho-social health benefits of physical activity in school-aged children and youth. To accomplish this aim, the first part of the paper reviews existing physical activity guidelines for school-aged children and youth, with an emphasis placed on how Canada’s guidelines compare and contrast with those of other countries and organizations. The paper then provides an overview of physical activity levels of Canadian children and youth, which indicates that few Canadian youngsters meet current physical activity recommendations. The next section of the paper summarizes the literature that informs how much physical activity is required to promote health and well-being in children and youth. The paper then provides suggestions on modifications that could be made to Canada’s physical activity guidelines for children and youth. Specifically, consideration should be given to setting both minimal (≥60 min/d) and optimal (up to several hours per day) physical activity targets. The final section identifies future research needs. In this section, a need is noted for comprehensive dose–response studies of physical activity and health in the paediatric age group.
Physical activity for preschool children — how much and how?This article is part of a supplement entitledAdvancing physical activity measurement and guidelines in Canada: a scientific review and evidence-based foundation for the future of Canadian physical activity guidelinesco-published byApplied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolismand theCanadian Journal of Public Health. It may be cited as Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 32(Suppl. 2E) or as Can. J. Public Health 98(Suppl. 2).
Authors: Timmons Brian W. , Naylor Patti-Jean , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: November 2007

Alarming trends in childhood obesity even among preschool children have re-focused attention on the importance of physical activity in this age group. With this increased attention comes the need to identify the amount and type of physical activity appropriate for optimal development of preschool children. The purpose of this paper is to provide the scientific evidence to support a link between physical activity and biological and psychosocial development during early childhood (ages 2–5 years). To do so, we summarize pertinent literature informing the nature of the physical activity required to promote healthy physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development during these early years. A particular focus is on the interaction between physical activity and motor skill acquisition. Special emphasis is also placed on the nature of physical activity that promotes healthy weight gain during this period of childhood. The paper also discusses the strongest determinants of physical activity in preschool-age children, including the role of the child’s environment (e.g., family, child-care, and socio-economic status). We provide recommendations for physical activity based on the best available evidence, and identify future research needs.