bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profound Obesity Secondary to Hyperphagia in Mice Lacking Kinase Suppressor of Ras 2
Authors: Revelli Jean‐Pierre , Smith Deon , Allen Jason , Jeter‐Jones Sabrina , Shadoan Melanie K. , Desai Urvi , Schneider Matthias , van Sligtenhorst Isaac , Kirkpatrick Laura , Platt Kenneth A. , Suwanichkul Adisak , Savelieva Katerina , Gerhardt Brenda , Mitchell Jay , Syrewicz James , Zambrowicz Brian , Hamman Brian D. , Vogel Peter , Powell David R.
Published: December 2010

The kinase suppressor of ras 2 (KSR2) gene resides at human chromosome 12q24, a region linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). While knocking out and phenotypically screening mouse orthologs of thousands of druggable human genes, we found KSR2 knockout (KSR2−/−) mice to be more obese and glucose intolerant than melanocortin 4 receptor−/− (MC4R−/−) mice. The obesity and T2D of KSR2−/− mice resulted from hyperphagia which was unresponsive to leptin and did not originate downstream of MC4R. The kinases AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are each linked to food intake regulation, but only mTOR had increased activity in KSR2−/− mouse brain, and the ability of rapamycin to inhibit food intake in KSR2−/− mice further implicated mTOR in this process. The metabolic phenotype of KSR2 heterozygous (KSR2+/minus;) and KSR2−/− mice suggests that human KSR2 variants may contribute to a similar phenotype linked to human chromosome 12q24.
Age-Related Changes in Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials Using a Modified Blood Pressure Manometer Feedback Method
Authors: Tourtillott Brandon M. , Ferraro John A. , Bani-Ahmed Ali , Almquist Elaine , Deshpande Nandini
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To collect age-specific vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) data and to characterize age-related differences in VEMP parameters using a modified blood pressure manometer (BPM) method of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle monitoring.

Methods

VEMPs were recorded on healthy adults ranging in age from 23 to 84 years with no history of dizziness, neuromuscular pathologies, or cervical complaints. Participants were assigned to 3 groups using a nonprobability static group assignment based on their age. VEMP P1 and N1 latency, threshold, peak-to-peak amplitude, and interamplitude difference (IAD) ratios were obtained at 130 dB SPL.

Results

Statistical differences were detected in peak-to-peak mean amplitude and threshold measures among groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that differences shown were between the young group and both older groups. No significant differences were noted in P1 and N1 latencies or IAD ratios.

Conclusions

This study confirmed a significant decline in VEMP amplitude and increase in VEMP thresholds in healthy older persons. Normative age-related data may be necessary to properly interpret VEMP recordings in a clinical setting when evaluating aging populations. The BPM method utilized for controlling SCM muscle may be a valuable alternative to control SCM muscle contraction when electromyography equipment is not available.
Five Reasons Why Nonspeech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOME) Do Not Work
Authors: Lof Gregory L. , Watson Maggie
Published: December 2010

Nonspeech oral motor exercises (NSOME) are used often by speech-language pathologists to help children improve their speech sound productions. However, the phonology, articulation, and motor speech development and disorders literature does not support their use. This article presents five reasons (four theoretical, one empirical) why NSOME are not an appropriate therapeutic technique for treating children's speech sound production problems.
Material Development for Language Intervention With Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Jansen Stephanie , Thompson Carmen , Mulder Andrea , McFarlane Lu-Anne
Published: December 2010

Few targeted resources exist for teaching speech and language to children with ADHD, despite the high prevalence of such deficits within this population. While these children can be challenging to teach given their deficits in selective and sustained attention, as well as their impulsivity and hyper-activity, success in learning improves when difficulties in processing physical, visual, and aural stimuli are addressed. This article will provide methods, strategies, and sample materials to support educational assistants, teachers, parents, and speech language pathologists in generating effective and motivating activities to optimize learning in children with ADHD.
A Year in the Life of RtI: The First Year
Authors: Dooley-Zawacki Lizbeth
Published: December 2010

A speech-language pathologist in a public elementary school (grades K-5) was asked to become a participant in reviewing a district design of Response to Intervention (RtI) services, while initiating a building based RtI program for speech-language therapy. The instructional support team (IST) would serve as an initiator and facilitator for the SLP, RtI process and the targeted struggling learners. The purpose of this article is to review the development and changes made to an RtI program during the first year of enactment.
The Rh oxide ultrathin film on Rh(100): An x-ray photoelectron diffraction study
Authors: Zhan Rong Rong , Vesselli Erik , Baraldi Alessandro , Lizzit Silvano , Comelli Giovanni
Published: December 2010

The surface and interface structure of the RhO2 ultrathin film grown on Rh(100) is investigated by means of x-ray photoelectron diffraction. Experimental and simulated one- and two-dimensional angular distribution intensities of the O1s and Rh3d5/2 chemically shifted core levels are quantitatively analyzed. The previously proposed O–Rh–O trilayer model is independently confirmed. A rippled buckling of the metal surface is observed at the oxide–metal interface, with a mean interfacial Rh–O distance which is 0.2 Å larger with respect to previous findings. The link between the local atomic rearrangement and the overall geometric and electronic properties of the oxide is discussed on the basis of a thorough comparison with the corresponding RhO2 rutile structure.
Investigation of emitting centers in SiO2 codoped with silicon nanoclusters and Er3+ ions by cathodoluminescence technique
Authors: Cueff Sébastien , Labbé Christophe , Dierre Benjamin , Fabbri Filippo , Sekiguchi Takashi , Portier Xavier , Rizk Richard
Published: December 2010

This study reports on the investigation and characterization of the different emitting centers within SiO2 codoped by Er3+ ions and silicon-excess. Erbium doped silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRSO:Er) thin films, fabricated by magnetron cosputtering at 500 °C, were analyzed by means of cathodoluminescence. The CL spectra of SRSO, Er-doped SiO2 and SRSO:Er were recorded and compared for various annealing temperatures. It was found that some specific optically-active point-defects called silicon-oxygen-deficient centers (SiODCs) are present in all kinds of samples. In the layers containing some excess Si, the phase separation between Si nanoclusters (Si-ncs) and SiO2 is observed when the annealing temperature reaches and exceeds 900 °C. The formation of Si-nc increases with annealing at the expense of SiODCs that was assumed to act as seeds for the growth of Si-nc. For SRSO:Er samples, the contribution of SiODCs overlaps that due to Er3+ transitions in the visible range. The emissions from SiODCs are drastically reduced when an SRSO sample is doped with Er ions, whereas the Er emissions in the visible range start to be distinctly observed. We propose a scenario of energy transfer from SiODCs toward the Er ions, especially as the emissions from the Si-based entities (SiODCs, Si-nc) and from some transitions of Er ions are located in a same visible broad range.
Three-dimensional nanoscale superconducting quantum interference device pickup loops
Authors: Romans E. J. , Osley E. J. , Young L. , Warburton P. A. , Li W.
Published: December 2010

Nanoscale superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) have sensitivities approaching that required for single-spin detection, but they only measure fields perpendicular to their plane and can be difficult to tightly couple to magnetic sources on the same chip. To remove these limitations we used focused-ion-beam-induced chemical vapor deposition to directly write a SQUID structure with three-dimensional, freestanding pickup loops using superconducting tungsten nanowires. By applying a localized field, we investigated the pickup loop response, and found that it exhibits Meissner screening corresponding to a penetration depth λ(T) consistent with BCS theory in the dirty limit and λ(0)=330 nm.
Direct-gap photoluminescence with tunable emission wavelength in Ge1−ySny alloys on silicon
Authors: Mathews J. , Beeler R. T. , Tolle J. , Xu C. , Roucka R. , Kouvetakis J. , Menéndez J.
Published: December 2010

Direct-gap photoluminescence has been observed at room temperature in Ge1−ySny alloys grown on (001) Si substrates. The emission wavelength is tunable over a 90 meV (200 nm) range by increasing the Sn concentration from y=0 to y=0.03. A weaker feature at lower energy is assigned to the indirect gap transitions, and the separation between the direct and indirect emission peaks is found to decrease as a function of y, as expected for these alloys. These results suggest that Ge1−ySny alloys represent an attractive alternative to Ge for the fabrication of laser devices on Si.
Self-assembled In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots on GaP
Authors: Song Yuncheng , Simmonds Paul J. , Lee Minjoo Larry
Published: December 2010

We demonstrate the growth and luminescence of coherently strained In0.5Ga0.5As self-assembled quantum dots on GaP. Cross-sectional and planar-view transmission electron microscopy confirmed the dislocation-free nature of the In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots and GaP cap layers. Intense photoluminescence from the quantum dots was measured at 80 K and was visible to the unaided eye in ambient lighting. The photoluminescence results show that emission energy can be controlled by varying the In0.5Ga0.5As deposition thickness. In combination with recent advances in the growth of GaP on Si, the In0.5Ga0.5As quantum dots demonstrated here could enable monolithic optoelectronic integration on Si.
Carbon-doped single-crystalline SiGe/Si thermistor with high temperature coefficient of resistance and low noise level
Authors: Radamson H. H. , Kolahdouz M. , Shayestehaminzadeh S. , Farniya A. Afshar , Wissmar S.
Published: December 2010

SiGe (C)/Si(C) multiquantum wells have been studied as a thermistor material for future bolometers. A thermistor material for uncooled Si-based thermal detectors with thermal coefficient of resistance of 4.5%/K for 100×100 μm2 pixel sizes and low noise constant (K1/f) value of 4.4×10−15 is presented. The outstanding performance of the devices is due to Ni-silicide contacts, smooth interfaces, and high quality multiquantum wells containing high Ge content.
Impact of temperature on the time required for the establishment of primordial biochemistry, and for the evolution of enzymes
Authors: Stockbridge Randy B. , Lewis Charles A. , Yuan Yang , Wolfenden Richard
Published: December 2010

All reactions are accelerated by an increase in temperature, but the magnitude of that effect on very slow reactions does not seem to have been fully appreciated. The hydrolysis of polysaccharides, for example, is accelerated 190,000-fold when the temperature is raised from 25 to 100 °C, while the rate of hydrolysis of phosphate monoester dianions increases 10,300,000-fold. Moreover, the slowest reactions tend to be the most heat-sensitive. These tendencies collapse, by as many as five orders of magnitude, the time that would have been required for early chemical evolution in a warm environment. We propose, further, that if the catalytic effect of a “proto-enzyme”—like that of modern enzymes—were mainly enthalpic, then the resulting rate enhancement would have increased automatically as the environment became cooler. Several powerful nonenzymatic catalysts of very slow biological reactions, notably pyridoxal phosphate and the ceric ion, are shown to meet that criterion. Taken together, these findings greatly reduce the time that would have been required for early chemical evolution, countering the view that not enough time has passed for life to have evolved to its present level of complexity.
Elements between the IgH variable (V) and diversity (D) clusters influence antisense transcription and lineage-specific V(D)J recombination
Authors: Giallourakis Cosmas C. , Franklin Andrew , Guo Chunguang , Cheng Hwei-Ling , Yoon Hye Suk , Gallagher Michael , Perlot Thomas , Andzelm Milena , Murphy Andrew J. , Macdonald Lynn E. , Yancopoulos George D. , Alt Frederick W.
Published: December 2010

Ig and T-cell receptor (TCR) variable-region gene exons are assembled from component variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) gene segments during early B and T cell development. The RAG1/2 endonuclease initiates V(D)J recombination by introducing DNA double-strand breaks at borders of the germ-line segments. In mice, the Ig heavy-chain (IgH) locus contains, from 5′ to 3′, several hundred VHgene segments, 13 D segments, and 4 JHsegments within a several megabase region. In developing B cells,IgHvariable-region exon assembly is ordered with D to JHrearrangement occurring on both alleles before appendage of a VHsegment. Also,IgHVHto DJHrearrangement does not occur in T cells, even though DJHrearrangements occur at low levels. In these contexts, V(D)J recombination is controlled by modulating substrate gene segment accessibility to RAG1/2 activity. To elucidate control elements, we deleted the 100-kb intergenic region that separates the VHand D clusters (generating ΔVH-D alleles). In both B and T cells, ΔVH-D alleles initiated high-level antisense and, at lower levels, sense transcription from within the downstream D cluster, with antisense transcripts extending into proximal VHsegments. In developing T lymphocytes, activated germ-line antisense transcription was accompanied by markedly increasedIgHD-to-JHrearrangement and substantial VHto DJHrearrangement of proximalIgHVHsegments. Thus, the VH-D intergenic region, and likely elements within it, can influence silencing of sense and antisense germ-line transcription from theIgHD cluster and thereby influence targeting of V(D)J recombination.
Methods to evaluate arc stability in plasma arc cutting torches
Authors: Kim Sungje , Heberlein Joachin , Lindsay Jon , Peters John
Published: December 2010

Plasma cutting is commonly used to cut metals in a variety of applications. This research is motivated by the lack of fundamental understanding of the dynamics of the plasma flow interacting with cold gas environment. It is focused on the characterization of the arc instabilities that affect the quality and consistency of a cut. The characterization of instabilities has been performed with high-speed Schlieren imaging technology to visualize the arc width and the light intensity fluctuations in the arc boundary layer. Measurements of arc symmetry using Fourier and wavelet transforms of the light intensity fluctuations in individual pixels in the Schlieren images are able to provide a quantitative measure for the degree of instability. Ambient gas entrainment into the plasma jet is measured using a CCD camera with a narrow bandpass filter centred on the nitrogen atomic line to detect nitrogen concentrations throughout the arc, thus showing the penetration of shield and ambient gas into the pure oxygen plasma. The effects of torch design features on these characteristics are investigated by comparing two different torch designs. The results show that the developed diagnostics are useful for evaluating new torch designs.
The effects of RF power on the interfacial property between Al2O3 and Si3N4 and on the memory property in a MANOS structure
Authors: Kim Hyungchul , Woo Sanghyun , Lee Jaesang , Lee Hyerin , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: December 2010

The interface stability and memory properties of an Al2O3 blocking oxide deposited using remote plasma atomic layer deposition (RPALD) at various RF powers were investigated. The plasma density increased with an increase in radio frequency (RF) power from 50 to 300 W due to increased neutral impact excitation rate. Based on x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and auger electron spectroscopy, an oxygen-deficient interfacial layer was formed for Al2O3 film deposition at 50 W. In addition, increased migrations of Si and N atoms were observed at low power due to the formation of fewer oxygen radicals. While reduced migrations of Si and N atoms from Si3N4 to Al2O3 were observed when the RF power was sufficient due to the sufficient oxygen radicals. Therefore, the interfacial reaction between Al2O3 and Si3N4 is dependent on the RF power. After applying 18 V, the program speed of Al2O3 with 100 W, 200 W and 300 W were 10−2 s, 10−5 s and 10−6 s, respectively.
Effect of heavy ion implantation on self-assembled single layer InAs/GaAs quantum dots
Authors: Sreekumar R , Mandal A , Chakrabarti S , Gupta S K
Published: December 2010

We report the degradation in photoluminescence efficiency of GaAs/(InAs/GaAs) quantum dot (QD) heterostructures subjected to 20 to 50 keV sulfur implantation. Sulfur ions of fluence ranging from 2.5 × 1013 to 2 × 1015 ions cm−2 were used for implantation. Implantation resulted in shift in photoluminescence emission towards lower wavelength and degradation in photoluminescence efficiency. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed reduction in crystalline quality of GaAs cap layer and an amorphous layer was accomplished with 50 keV sulfur implantation, with a fluence of 2.5 × 1014 ions cm−2. The amorphous layer was formed due to the overlap of defect clusters created during implantation, as a result of exceeding the critical nuclear energy density deposited in the GaAs system. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed damage zones in the cap layer and deformation of QDs upon 50 keV sulfur implantation. Creation of damaged/amorphous GaAs layer probably increased the compressive strain in InAs/GaAs QDs, which resulted in change in energy gap of QDs and blue shift in photoluminescence emission. Implantation resulted in decrease in activation energy from 111 meV (20 keV) to 10 meV (50 keV S). Increase in implantation energy created defects/damage profile at a depth in the vicinity of the QDs. Non-radiative recombination of carriers through these defects might be the possible reason for the degradation of photoluminescence efficiency.
Rationale and design of the multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT)
Authors: Gheorghiade Mihai , Albaghdadi Mazen , Zannad Faiez , Fonarow Gregg C. , Böhm Michael , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Botha Jaco , Moores Shelley , Lewis Eldrin F. , Rattunde Henning , Maggioni Aldo ,   on behalf of the ASTRONAUT investigators and study coordinators
Published: December 2010

Background

Hospitalizations for acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) are associated with high post‐discharge mortality and readmission rates in spite of available therapies. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonists improve outcomes in outpatients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction, however these therapies have not been tested in AHFS. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor (DRI) that is known to enhance RAAS inhibition, which may result in improved clinical outcomes in AHFS. The aim of the Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT) study is to evaluate the effect of aliskiren on cardiovascular death and HF in AHFS patients.

Methods

ASTRONAUT will be an event‐driven trial with an estimated enrolment of 1782 patients hospitalized with worsening chronic HF, a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥40 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients will be randomized 1:1 in a double‐blind fashion to receive aliskiren or placebo, in addition to standard HF therapy. The primary endpoint will be a composite of time to either cardiovascular death or first occurrence of HF re‐hospitalization.

Perspective

Aliskiren is a DRI with a favourable neurohormonal and haemodynamic profile that may benefit patients hospitalized with worsening HF. Given the neurohormonal abnormalities that are present during and after hospitalization for AHFS, it is hypothesized that adding aliskiren to standard therapy will reduce post‐discharge mortality and re‐hospitalization. NCT00894387.
Suppression of Soybean Yield Potential in the Continental United States by Plant Diseases from 2006 to 2009
Authors: Koenning Stephen R. , Wrather J. Allen
Published: December 2010

Research must focus on management of diseases that cause extensive losses, especially when funds for research are limited. Knowledge of the losses caused by various soybean diseases is essential when prioritizing research budgets. The objective of this project was to compile estimates of soybean yield potential losses caused by diseases for each soybean producing state in the United States from 2006 to 2009. This data is of special interest since the 4-year period summarized in this report, permits an examination of the impact of soybean rust that was first reported in the United States in 2004. Thus, in addition to the goal of providing this information to aid funding agencies and scientists in prioritizing research objectives and budgets, an examination of the impact of soybean rust on soybean yield losses relative to other diseases is warranted. Yield losses caused by individual diseases varied among states and years. Soybean cyst nematode caused more yield losses than any other disease during 2006 to 2009. Seedling diseases, Phytophthora root and stem rot, sudden death syndrome, Sclerotinia stem rot, and charcoal rot ranked in the top six of diseases that caused yield loss during these years. Soybean yield losses due to soybean rust and Sclerotinia stem rot varied greatly over years, especially when compared to other diseases.

Accepted for publication 21 October 2010. Published 22 November 2010.
Determining “Practical” Fungicide Resistance Development and Drift in the Control of Cucurbit Powdery Mildew in Pumpkin
Authors: Wyenandt Christian A. , Maxwell Nancy L.
Published: December 2010

In 2006 and 2007, nine fungicides were evaluated to determine if “practical” fungicide resistance could be identified and if fungicide resistance drift occurred in cucurbit powdery mildew of pumpkin. The fungicides and/or tank mixes whose active ingredient(s) were evaluated included: sulfur (FRAC code M1), chlorothalonil (M5), myclobutanil (3), pyraclostrobin (11), azoxystrobin (11), quinoxyfen (13), chlorothalonil + myclobutanil (M5 + 3), famoxadone + cymoxanil (11 + 27), pyraclostrobin + boscalid (11 + 7), and water only (control). Based on visual ratings of upper and lower leaf surfaces, a FRAC code 11 resistance cucurbit powdery mildew population was present in both years. Practical resistance and cross resistance were identified where a FRAC code 11 fungicide had not been applied season-long as well as where a FRAC code 11 fungicide was applied weekly or in rotation with another fungicide chemistry. Resistance to a FRAC code 3 fungicide was not identified where a FRAC code 3 fungicide had been applied season-long, or in rotation, or where no FRAC code 3 fungicide was applied. This study demonstrates that cucurbit powdery mildew populations resistant and/or cross resistant to FRAC code 11 fungicides can develop and have the potential to disseminate into and be detected in areas where no FRAC code 11 fungicides have been applied.

Accepted for publication 11 October 2010. Published 22 November 2010.
Blast-related fracture patterns: a forensic biomechanical approach
Authors: Ramasamy Arul , Hill Adam M. , Masouros Spyros , Gibb Iain , Bull Anthony M. J. , Clasper Jon C.
Published: December 2010

Improved protective measures and medical care has increased the survivability from battlefield injuries. In an attempt to reduce the debilitating consequences of blast injury, understanding and mitigating the effects of explosion on the extremities is key. In this study, forensic biomechanical analyses have been applied to determine mechanisms of injury after the traumatic event. The aims of this study were (i) to determine which effects of the explosion are responsible for combat casualty extremity bone injury in two distinct environments, namely open, free-field (open group), and in vehicle or in cover (enclosed group), and (ii) to determine whether patterns of combat casualty bone injury differed between environments. Medical records of casualties admitted to a military hospital in Afghanistan were reviewed over a six-month period. Explosive injuries have been sub-divided traditionally into primary, secondary and tertiary effects. All radiographs were independently reviewed by a military radiologist, a team of military orthopaedic surgeons and a team of academic biomechanists, in order to determine ‘zones of injury’ (ZoIs), and their related mechanisms. Sixty-two combat casualties with 115 ZoIs were identified. Thirty-four casualties in the open group sustained 56 ZoIs; 28 casualties in the enclosed group sustained 59 ZoIs. There was no statistical difference in mean ZoIs per casualty between groups (
p
= 0.54). There was a higher proportion of lower limb injuries in the enclosed group compared with the open group (
p
< 0.05). Of the casualties in the open group, 1 ZoI was owing to the primary effects of blast, 10 owing to a combination of primary and secondary blast effects, 23 owing to secondary blast effects and 24 owing to tertiary blast effects. In contrast, tertiary blast effects predominated in the enclosed group, accounting for 96 per cent of ZoIs. These data clearly demonstrate two distinct injury groups based upon the casualties' environment. The enclosed environment appears to attenuate the primary and secondary effects of the explosion. However, tertiary blast effects were the predominant mechanism of injury, with severe axial loading to the lower extremity being a characteristic of the fractures seen. The development of future mitigation strategies must focus on reducing all explosion-related injury mechanisms. Integral to this process is an urgent requirement to better understand the behaviour of bone in this unique environment.
Green fireballs and ball lightning
Authors: Hughes Stephen
Published: December 2010

This paper presents evidence of an apparent connection between ball lightning and a green fireball. On the evening of the 16 May 2006 at least three fireballs were seen by many people in the skies of Queensland, Australia. One of the fireballs was seen passing over the Great Divide about 120 km west of Brisbane, and soon after, a luminous green ball about 30 cm in diameter was seen rolling down the slope of the Great Divide. A detailed description given by a witness indicates that the phenomenon was probably a highly luminous form of ball lightning. A hypothesis presented in this paper is that the passage of the Queensland fireball meteor created an electrically conductive path between the ionosphere and ground, providing energy for the ball lightning phenomenon. A strong similarity is noted between the Queensland fireball and the Pasamonte fireball seen in New Mexico in 1933. Both meteors exhibit a twist in the tail that could be explained by hydrodynamic forces. The possibility that multiple sightings of fireballs across southeast Queensland were produced owing to fragments from comet 73P Schwassmann–Wachmann 3 is discussed.
A new Middle Miocene tarsier from Thailand and the reconstruction of its orbital morphology using a geometric–morphometric method
Authors: Chaimanee Yaowalak , Lebrun Renaud , Yamee Chotima , Jaeger Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2010

Tarsiusis an extant genus of primates endemic to the islands of Southeast Asia that is characterized by enormously enlarged orbits reflecting its nocturnal activity pattern. Tarsiers play a pivotal role in reconstructing primate phylogeny, because they appear to comprise, along with Anthropoidea, one of only two extant haplorhine clades. Their fossils are extremely rare. Here, we describe a new species ofTarsiusfrom the Middle Miocene of Thailand. We reconstructed aspects of its orbital morphology using a geometric–morphometric method. The result shows that the new species ofTarsiushad a very large orbit (falling within the range of variation of modernTarsius) with a high degree of frontation and a low degree of convergence. Its relatively divergent lower premolar roots suggest a longer mesial tooth row and therefore a longer muzzle than in extant species. The new species documents a previous unknown Miocene group ofTarsius, indicating greater taxonomic diversity and morphological complexity during tarsier evolution. The current restriction of tarsiers to offshore islands in Southeast Asia appears to be a relatively recent phenomenon.
Before senescence: the evolutionary demography of ontogenesis
Authors: Levitis Daniel A.
Published: December 2010

The age-specific mortality curve for many species, including humans, is U-shaped: mortality declines with age in the developing cohort (ontogenescence) before increasing with age (senescence). The field of evolutionary demography has long focused on understanding the evolution of senescence while largely failing to address the evolution of ontogenescence. The current review is the first to gather the few available hypotheses addressing the evolution of ontogenescence, examine the basis and assumptions of each and ask what the phylogenetic extent of ontogenescence may be. Ontogenescence is among the most widespread of life-history traits, occurring in every population for which I have found sufficiently detailed data, in major groups throughout the eukaryotes, across many causes of death and many life-history types. Hypotheses seeking to explain ontogenescence include those based on kin selection, the acquisition of robustness, heterogeneous frailties and life-history optimization. I propose a further hypothesis, arguing that mortality drops with age because most transitions that could trigger the risks caused by genetic and developmental malfunctions are concentrated in early life. Of these hypotheses, only those that frame ontogenescence as an evolutionary by-product rather than an adaptation can explain the tremendous diversity of organisms and environments in which it occurs.
Genome duplication and the evolution of conspecific pollen precedence
Authors: Baldwin Sarah J. , Husband Brian C.
Published: December 2010

Conspecific pollen precedence can be a strong reproductive barrier between polyploid and diploid species, but the role of genome multiplication in the evolution of this barrier has not been investigated. Here, we examine the direct effect of genome duplication on the evolution of pollen siring success in tetraploidChamerion angustifolium. To separate the effects of genome duplication from selection after duplication, we compared pollen siring success of synthesized tetraploids (neotetraploids) with that of naturally occurring tetraploids by applying 2x, 4x(neo or established) or 2x+ 4xpollen to diploid and tetraploid flowers. Seed set increased in diploids and decreased in both types of tetraploids as the proportion of pollen from diploid plants increased. Based on offspring ploidy from mixed-ploidy pollinations, pollen of the maternal ploidy always sired the majority of offspring but was strongest in established tetraploids and weakest in neotetraploids. Pollen from established tetraploids had significantly higher siring rates than neotetraploids when deposited on diploid (4xest= 47.2%, 4xneo= 27.1%) and on tetraploid recipients (4xest= 91.9%, 4xneo= 56.0%). Siring success of established tetraploids exceeded that of neotetraploids despite having similar pollen production per anther and pollen diameter. Our results suggest that, while pollen precedence can arise in association with the duplication event, the strength of polyploid siring success evolves after the duplication event.
The effect of boldness on decision-making in barnacle geese is group-size-dependent
Authors: Kurvers Ralf H. J. M. , Adamczyk Vena M. A. P. , van Wieren Sipke E. , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: December 2010

In group-living species, decisions made by individuals may result in collective behaviours. A central question in understanding collective behaviours is how individual variation in phenotype affects collective behaviours. However, how the personality of individuals affects collective decisions in groups remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of boldness on the decision-making process in different-sized groups of barnacle geese. Naive barnacle geese, differing in boldness score, were introduced in a labyrinth in groups with either one or three informed demonstrators. The demonstrators possessed information about the route through the labyrinth. In pairs, the probability of choosing a route prior to the informed demonstrator increased with increasing boldness score: bolder individuals decided more often for themselves where to go compared with shyer individuals, whereas shyer individuals waited more often for the demonstrators to decide and followed this information. In groups of four individuals, however, there was no effect of boldness on decision-making, suggesting that individual differences were less important with increasing group size. Our experimental results show that personality is important in collective decisions in pairs of barnacle geese, and suggest that bolder individuals have a greater influence over the outcome of decisions in groups.
Drugs and addiction: an introduction to epigenetics
Authors: Wong Chloe C. Y. , Mill Jonathan , Fernandes Cathy
Published: December 2010

Addiction is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, with a complex aetiology involving the interaction of inherited predispositions and environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations to the genome, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are important mechanisms underlying addiction and the neurobiological response to addictive substances. In this review, we introduce the reader to epigenetic mechanisms and describe a potential role for dynamic epigenetic changes in mediating addictive behaviours via long‐lasting changes in gene expression. We summarize recent findings from both molecular and behavioural experiments elucidating the role of epigenetic changes in mediating the addictive potential of various drugs of abuse, including cocaine, amphetamine and alcohol. The implications of these findings for molecular studies of addiction and the future development of novel therapeutic interventions are also discussed.
Increasing US mortality due to accidental poisoning: the role of the baby boom cohort
Authors: Miech Richard , Koester Steve , Dorsey‐Holliman Brook
Published: December 2010

Aims  In this study we examine whether the recent, sharp increase in mortality in the United States due to accidental poisoning since 2000 is the result of the aging of the baby boom cohort or, instead, a historical trend apparent among decedents of all ages.

Design  We conducted an age–period–cohort analysis using data from the US Vital Statistics and the US Census covering the period 1968–2007.

Setting and participants  The United States population aged 15–64 years.

Measurements  Cause of death and demographic data as recorded on death certificates.

Findings  The increase in mortality due to accidental poisoning since the year 2000 stems primarily from a historical period effect across all ages for whites, but results in large part from a rate spike in the baby boom cohort among blacks. For all demographic groups baby boomers had higher odds of death due to accidental poisoning than the cohorts that came before and after them. Historical influences acting across all ages led to an increase in accidental poisoning mortality that was almost 10‐fold for whites and threefold for blacks over the study period.

Conclusions  While the recent, sharp increase in accidental poisoning mortality stems in part from the aging of the baby boom cohort, substantially more of the increase results from influences unique to recent years that have affected all age groups. These results point to the need to bolster overdose prevention programs and policies as the historical increase in accidental poisoning mortality appears to continue unabated.
A longitudinal analysis of alcohol outlet density and domestic violence
Authors: Livingston Michael
Published: December 2010

Aims  A small number of studies have identified a positive relationship between alcohol outlet density and domestic violence. These studies have all been based on cross‐sectional data and have been limited to the assessment of ecological correlations between outlet density and domestic violence rates. This study provides the first longitudinal examination of this relationship.

Design  Cross‐sectional time‐series using aggregated data from small areas. The relationships between alcohol outlet density and domestic violence were assessed over time using a fixed‐effects model. Controls for the spatial autocorrelation of the data were included in the model.

Setting  The study uses data for 186 postcodes from within the metropolitan area of Melbourne, Australia for the years 1996 to 2005.

Measures  Alcohol outlet density measures for three different types of outlets (hotel/pub, packaged liquor, on‐premise) were derived from liquor licensing records and domestic violence rates were calculated from police‐recorded crime data, based on the victim's postcode.

Findings  Alcohol outlet density was associated significantly with rates of domestic violence, over time. All three licence categories were positively associated with domestic violence rates, with small effects for general (pub) and on‐premise licences and a large effect for packaged liquor licences. Conclusions: In Melbourne, the density of liquor licences is positively associated with rates of domestic violence over time. The effects were particularly large for packaged liquor outlets, suggesting a need for licensing policies that pay more attention to o off‐premise alcohol availability.
A variant of theLRP4gene affects the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia transformation to Richter syndrome
Authors: Rasi Silvia , Spina Valeria , Bruscaggin Alessio , Vaisitti Tiziana , Tripodo Claudio , Forconi Francesco , De Paoli Lorenzo , Fangazio Marco , Sozzi Elisa , Cencini Emanuele , Laurenti Luca , Marasca Roberto , Visco Carlo , Xu‐Monette Zijun Y. , Gattei Valter , Young Ken H. , Malavasi Fabio , Deaglio Silvia , Gaidano Gianluca , Rossi Davide
Published: December 2010

Richter syndrome (RS) represents the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) to aggressive lymphoma. Risk factors of CLL transformation to RS are only partly known. We explored the role of the host genetic background as a risk factor for RS occurrence. Forty‐five single nucleotide polimorphisms (SNPs) known to be relevant for CLL prognosis were genotyped in a consecutive cohort of 331 CLL, of which 21 had transformed to RS. After correcting for multiple testing and adjusting for previously reported RS risk factors, theLRP4rs2306029 TT variant genotype was the sole SNP independently associated with a higher risk of RS transformation (Hazard Ratio: 4·17;P = 0·001;q = 0·047). The enrichment ofLRP4TT genotype in RS was confirmed in an independent series (n = 44) used for validation purposes. The LRP4 protein was expressed in CLL (n = 66). Bioinformatic analysis scoredLRP4rs2306029 as a variant with possible deleterious and damaging variant of LRP4.LRP4genotyping may help the recognition of patients with increased risk of RS at the time of CLL diagnosis.
Efficacy, safety and immunological actions of butanol‐extracted Food Allergy Herbal Formula‐2 on peanut anaphylaxis
Authors: Srivastava K. , Yang N. , Chen Y. , Lopez‐Exposito I. , Song Y. , Goldfarb J. , Zhan J. , Sampson H. , Li X‐M.
Published: December 2010

Cite this as: K. Srivastava, N. Yang, Y. Chen, I. Lopez‐Exposito, Y. Song, J. Goldfarb, J. Zhan, H. Sampson and X‐M. Li, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 582–591.

Background
Therapies for peanut allergy (PNA) are urgently needed. Food Allergy Herbal Formula‐2 (FAHF‐2) has profound therapeutic effects in a murine PNA model and is safe for food‐allergic adults in clinical trials. However, the large FAHF‐2 pill‐load is not conducive to clinical studies in children. Thus, refining FAHF‐2 to decrease pill‐load is essential for the inclusion of children in clinical trials and to facilitate studying FAHF‐2 as a clinically useful botanical drug.

Objectives
Testing long‐term efficacy and safety of a butanol‐purified extract of FAHF‐2 (B‐FAHF‐2) in a murine model of PNA, and to explore its immunological mechanisms of action.

Methods
FAHF‐2 was purified by butanol extraction. C3H/HeJ mice with established PNA received the first course of B‐FAHF‐2 at 6 mg, twice daily for 7 weeks (PNA/B‐FAHF‐2) or water (PNA/sham) and were then challenged immediately after completing the treatment and six more times every 1–2 months post‐treatment up to week 50. Mice then received a second course of B‐FAHF‐2 treatment at week 52 and were challenged at week 65. In vivo and in vitro immunological effects on T, B and mast cells were also determined.

Results
Butanol purification reduced the volume of the effective dose ∼5‐fold. All PNA/B‐FAHF‐2 mice were completely protected from PN anaphylaxis until the fifth challenge after the first course of treatment, as compared with PNA/sham mice. Partial protection persisted up to 50 weeks. A second treatment course restored complete protection. B‐FAHF‐2 significantly suppressed Th2 cytokine, IgE and histamine levels in vivo, and showed direct inhibition of Th2, IgE‐producing B cells and mast cell activation in vitro. B‐FAHF‐2 had a high margin of safety.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
B‐FAHF‐2 produced long‐lasting protection against PN anaphylaxis for approximately half of the murine life span without side‐effects. B‐FAHF‐2 exhibited direct effects on multiple food allergy effector cells.
The challenges for nut‐allergic consumers of eating out
Authors: Leftwich J. , Barnett J. , Muncer K. , Shepherd R. , Raats M. M. , Hazel Gowland M. , Lucas J. S.
Published: December 2010

Cite this as: J. Leftwich, J. Barnett, K. Muncer, R. Shepherd, M. M. Raats, M. Hazel Gowland and J. S. Lucas, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 243–249.

Cite this as: J. Leftwich, J. Barnett,K. Muncer, R. Shepherd,M. M. Raats, M. Hazel Gowland and J. S. Lucas, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 243–249.

Background
For individuals with a nut allergy, the avoidance of allergens is particularly challenging in situations where they are not preparing their own food. Many allergic reactions occur when eating outside the home.

Objective
To identify and explore the challenges faced by nut‐allergic individuals (NAIs) when they are eating in restaurants and other eating establishments.

Methods
A qualitative interview study was conducted with 32 adults with a clinical history of allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts.

Results
The main strategies that participants adopted to manage the risk of allergic reactions when eating outside the home were avoidance and communication. They avoided types of restaurants, meal courses or particular foods. Seeking familiarity was a key strategy that enabled NAIs to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. Language differences were a major barrier to confident communication about food content. The need to check whether the food on offer may contain nuts was a source of social embarrassment for many participants and the desire to avoid this sometimes led to increased risk taking. Some did not disclose their allergy to restaurant staff as they feared a conservative reaction that would further constrain food choices. NAIs often have to plan where to eat out. The consequent lack of spontaneity was a source of regret to some.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
Communication patterns of nut‐allergic adults are often grounded in legitimate everyday social considerations around embarrassment, choice and spontaneity. Education and training strategies are needed that recognize and take account of this. Focusing on communication deficits of NAIs may be unhelpful; responsibility for food safety must be shared with the food industry.
Sex and PRNP Genotype Determination in Preimplantation Caprine Embryos
Authors: Guignot F , Perreau C , Cavarroc C , Touzé J‐L , Pougnard J‐L , Dupont F , Beckers J‐F , Rémy B , Babilliot J‐M , Bed’Hom B , Lamorinière JM , Mermillod P , Baril G
Published: December 2010

Contents

The objective of this study was to test the accuracy of genotype diagnosis after whole amplification of DNA extracted from biopsies obtained by trimming goat embryos and to evaluate the viability of biopsied embryos after vitrification/warming and transfer. Whole genome amplification (WGA) was performed using Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA). Sex and prion protein (PRNP) genotypes were determined. Sex diagnosis was carried out by PCR amplification of ZFX/ZFY and Y chromosome‐specific sequences. Prion protein genotype determination was performed on codons 142, 154, 211, 222 and 240. Embryos were collected at day 7 after oestrus and biopsied either immediately after collection (blastocysts and expanded blastocysts) or after 24 h of in vitro culture (compacted morulae). Biopsied embryos were frozen by vitrification. Vitrified whole embryos were kept as control. DNA of biopsies was extracted and amplified using MDA. Sex diagnosis was efficient for 97.4% of biopsies and PRNP genotyping was determined in 78.7% of biopsies. After embryo transfer, no significant difference was observed in kidding rate between biopsied and vitrified control embryos, whereas embryo survival rate was different between biopsied and whole vitrified embryos (p = 0.032). At birth, 100% of diagnosed sex and 98.2% of predetermined codons were correct. Offspring PRNP profiles were in agreement with parental genotype. Whole genome amplification with MDA kit coupled with sex diagnosis and PRNP genotype predetermination are very accurate techniques to genotype goat embryos before transfer. These novel results allow us to plan selection of scrapie‐resistant genotypes and kid sex before transfer of cryopreserved embryo.
Addition of Seminal Plasma to Post‐thawing Equine Semen: What is the Effect on Sperm Cell Viability?
Authors: de Andrade AFC , Zaffalon FG , Celeghini ECC , Nascimento J , Tarragó OFB , Martins SMMK , Alonso MA , Arruda RP
Published: December 2010

Contents

Effect of seminal plasma addition after thawing on viability or cryocapacitation is not definitively established. This experiment was performed to verify the effect of adding seminal plasma, autologous or homologous (from an animal with good semen freezability). Five ejaculates from each of four stallions with proven fertility were collected and cryopreserved. The semen was subsequently thawed and divided into the following three treatment groups: no seminal plasma addition after semen thawing (NOSP); the addition of homologous seminal plasma after semen thawing (HSP) and the addition of autologous seminal plasma after semen thawing (ASP). The addition of 20% of seminal plasma led to an increase in the cell population that simultaneously show plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The addition of seminal plasma did not alter the total motility, the amount of cells with mitochondrial membrane potential or the sperm velocities (average path velocity, straight‐line velocity and curvilinear velocity). However, the beat/cross‐frequency, straightness and linearity were reduced in ASP and HSP groups (p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, the addition of homologous seminal plasma reduced the proportion of cells with progressive motility (p < 0.05) and the addition of autologous seminal plasma reduced the amplitude of the lateral head displacement (p < 0.05). Based on the increase in the cell populations that had the plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity simultaneously identified in this study, we proposed that the addition of seminal plasma (autologous or homologous) into post‐thawed semen before insemination could increase semen fertility.