bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of the methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) marker for detection of DNA methylation polymorphism and epigenetic population structure in a wild barley species (Hordeum brevisubulatum)
Authors: Li Yidan , Shan Xiaohui , Liu Xiaoming , Hu Lanjuan , Guo Wanli , Liu Bao
Published: January 2008

We report here that by using a modified scoring criterion, the methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism or MSAP marker can be used effectively to detect polymorphism in DNA methylation patterns within and among populations of a perennial wild barley species, Hordeum brevisubulatum. Twenty‐four selected individual genotypes representing four natural populations of H. brevisubulatum distributed in the Songnen Prairie in northeastern China were studied. The utility of MSAP was evidenced by its detection of high levels of polymorphism in DNA methylation patterns between individuals within a given population, and the clear inter‐population differentiation in methylation patterns (methylation‐based epigenetic population structure) revealed among the four populations. The resolving power of MSAP to detect DNA methylation polymorphism was found to be comparable with that of a retrotransposon‐based sequence‐specific amplified polymorphism marker, or SSAP, to detect genetic polymorphism in the same set of plants, suggesting that MSAP with a modified scoring criterion can be used efficiently to detect DNA methylation polymorphism and assess epigenetic population structure in natural plant populations.
Gene expression signature associated with BRAF mutations in human primary cutaneous melanomas
Authors: Kannengiesser Caroline , Spatz Alain , Michiels Stefan , Eychène Alain , Dessen Philippe , Lazar Vladimir , Winnepenninckx Véronique , Lesueur Fabienne , Druillennec Sabine , Robert Caroline , van den Oord Joost J. , Sarasin Alain , Bressac-de Paillerets Brigitte
Published: January 2008

With the aim to correlate BRAF mutation status with gene expression in human primary cutaneous melanomas, and thus to get more insight on the consequences of BRAF mutation on cell biology, we analyzed all expression data obtained in melanomas from which DNA was extracted from the same tissue slides that were used for the expression study.

A cohort of 69 frozen primary melanoma whose oligonucleotide micro‐array expression data were available, were genotyped for BRAF and NRAS genes. The expression data from these melanomas were re‐analyzed according to BRAF mutational status.

A set of 250 probes representing 209 genes that were significantly (raw P≤0.001) associated with BRAF mutation status was identified and 17 of these were previously shown to be implicated in cutaneous melanoma progression or pigmentation pathway‐associated genes driven by the microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF). The list of 34 top probes contained no more than 1% of false discoveries with a probability of 0.95. Among the genes that differentiated most strongly between BRAF mutated and non‐mutated melanomas, there were those involved in melanoma immune response such as MAGE‐D2, CD63, and HSP70.

These findings support the immunogenicity of BRAFV600E, eliciting patients T‐cell responses in various in vitro assays. The genes whose expression is associated with BRAF mutations are not simply restricted to the MAPK/ERK signaling but also converge to enhanced immune responsiveness, cell motility and melanosomes processing involved in the adaptative UV response.
3‐Bromopyruvate as inhibitor of tumour cell energy metabolism and chemopotentiator of platinum drugs
Authors: Ihrlund Linda Strandberg , Hernlund Emma , Khan Omar , Shoshan Maria C.
Published: January 2008

Tumour cells depend on aerobic glycolysis for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, making energy metabolism an interesting therapeutic target. 3‐Bromopyruvate (BP) has been shown by others to inhibit hexokinase and eradicate mouse hepatocarcinomas. We report that similar to the glycolysis inhibitor 2‐deoxyglucose (DG), BP rapidly decreased cellular ATP within hours, but unlike DG, BP concomitantly induced mitochondrial depolarization without affecting levels of reducing equivalents. Over 24h, and at equitoxic doses, DG reduced glucose consumption more than did BP. The observed BP‐induced loss of ATP is therefore largely due to mitochondrial effects. Cell death induced over 24h by BP, but not DG, was blocked by N‐acetylcysteine, indicating involvement of reactive oxygen species. BP‐induced cytotoxicity was independent of p53. When combined with cisplatin or oxaliplatin, BP led to massive cell death. The anti‐proliferative effects of low‐dose platinum were strikingly potentiated also in resistant p53‐deficient cells. Together with the reported lack of toxicity, this indicates the potential of BP as a clinical chemopotentiating agent.
A randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention v. standard care in adults with type 2 diabetes immediately after initiating insulin therapy
Authors: Barratt Rachel , Frost Gary , Millward D. J. , Truby Helen
Published: January 2008

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are inextricably linked. It is therefore unfortunate that insulin, the ultimate treatment to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, is associated with significant weight gain. The aim of the present investigation was to ascertain whether a dietitian-led intensive lifestyle intervention could attenuate weight gain associated with commencing insulin therapy. Subjects (n 50) with type 2 diabetes, within 4 weeks of starting insulin therapy, were randomly allocated to a control or intervention group. The control group continued with standard care whilst the intervention group followed a dietitian-led intensive lifestyle intervention. Over 6 months the control group gained 4·9 (sd 3·6) kg (P < 0·001), whilst the intervention group maintained their weight ( − 0·6 (sd 5·1) kg (NS). The difference in weight change between the groups was 5·5 kg (P < 0·001). The control group had significant increases whilst the intervention group had slight decreases in: BMI (+1·7 (sd 1·3) kg/m2 (P < 0·001) v. − 0·3 (sd 2·0) kg/m2 (NS)), waist circumference (+5·3 (sd 5·0) cm (P < 0·001) v. − 0·4 (sd 5·2) cm (NS)) and percentage body fat (+1·5 (sd 2·0) % (P < 0·001) v. − 0·4 (sd 2·8) % (NS)). Differences between the groups for these parameters were significant (P < 0·01). Throughout the study, both groups experienced significant reductions in HbA1c, but only minor changes in blood lipids. The present study demonstrates that weight gain is not an inevitable consequence of starting insulin therapy, but attenuation of the weight gain requires a high level of intervention. The first 6 months to 1 year after initiating insulin therapy provides the ideal ‘window of opportunity’.
Vitamin D status and its determinants in adolescents from the Northern Ireland Young Hearts 2000 cohort
Authors: Hill Tom R. , Cotter Alice A. , Mitchell Sarah , Boreham Colin A. , Dubitzky Werner , Murray Liam , Strain J. J. , Flynn Albert , Robson Paula J. , Wallace Julie M. W. , Kiely Mairead , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: January 2008

Despite recent concerns about the high prevalence of sub-clinical vitamin D deficiency in adolescents, relatively few studies have investigated the underlying reasons. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D inadequacy among a large representative sample of adolescents living in Northern Ireland (54–55°N). Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were analysed by enzyme-immunoassay in a subgroup of 1015 of the Northern Ireland Young Hearts 2000 cohort; a cross-sectional study of 12 and 15 year-old boys and girls. Overall mean 25(OH)D concentration throughout the year was 64·3 (range 5–174) nmol/l; 56·7 and 78·1 nmol/l during winter and summer, respectively. Reported intakes of vitamin D were very low (median 1·7 μg/d). Of those adolescents studied, 3 % and 36 % were vitamin D deficient and inadequate respectively, as defined by serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 25 and < 50 nmol/l. Of the subjects, 46 % and 17 % had vitamin D inadequacy during winter and summer respectively. Gender differences were also evident with 38 % and 55 % of boys and girls respectively classified as vitamin D inadequate during winter (P < 0·001). Predictors of vitamin D inadequacy during winter were vitamin D intake and gender. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in white-skinned adolescents in Northern Ireland, particularly during wintertime and most evident in girls. There is a clear need for dietary recommendations for vitamin D in this age group and for creative strategies to increase overall vitamin D status in the population.
Validation of ActiReg® to measure physical activity and energy expenditure against doubly labelled water in obese persons
Authors: Hustvedt Bo-Egil , Svendsen Mette , Løvø Arne , Ellegård Lars , Hallén Jostein , Tonstad Serena
Published: January 2008

ActiReg® is an instrument that uses combined recordings of body position and motion to calculate energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity (PA). The aim of the study was to compare mean total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by ActiReg® and doubly labelled water (DLW) in obese subjects. TEE was measured by the DLW method during a period of 14 d in fifty obese men and women with metabolic risk factors. During the same period ActiReg® recordings were obtained for 7 d. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry and also estimated by standardized equations. Because EE may be disproportionately increased in obese subjects during weight-bearing activities, we established a new set of physical activity ratios (PAR). These ratios were based on oxygen uptake measurements during treadmill walking. The mean TEE according to the DLW was 13·94 (sd 2·47) MJ/d. Mean TEE calculated from the ActiReg® data and measured RMR was 13·39 (sd 2·26) MJ/d, an underestimation of 0·55 MJ (95 % CI 0·13, 0·98; P = 0·012) or 3·9 %. RMR derived from standard equations based on weight, age and sex were overestimated while the RMR based on fat-free mass values in addition was underestimated. Despite slight underestimation ActiReg® may be used to measure TEE in obese subjects on two premises: RMR should be measured, and the increased EE during weight-bearing activities in obese subjects should be considered.
Consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide reduces 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Sasajima Naho , Aramaki Akiko , Sonoyama Kei
Published: January 2008

Strategies to manipulate the intestinal microbiota have been considered to promote immune health. The aim of the present study was to examine whether fructo-oligosaccharide, a typical prebiotic, could suppress antigen-specific skin inflammation by favourably changing the population of intestinal microbiota. Female BALB/c mice were fed a synthetic diet with or without fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation for 3 weeks and were then epicutaneously immunised with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. Afterwards, mice continued to receive their respective diets. At 5 d after immunisation, the mice were ear challenged with the hapten. Ear swelling after the challenge was significantly reduced in the mice fed the diet supplemented with fructo-oligosaccharide than in mice fed the control diet. To characterise the change in the intestinal microbiota, DNA samples isolated from fresh faeces were subjected to PCR–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and real-time PCR based on 16S rDNA gene sequences. Dietary fructo-oligosaccharide altered the composition of intestinal microbiota. The numbers of bifidobacteria, but not lactobacilli, were significantly higher in mice fed the fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented diet than in mice fed the control diet. Ear swelling was negatively correlated with the numbers of bifidobacteria in the faeces. Sequence analysis revealed thatBifidobacterium pseudolongumwas the most predominant bifidobacteria in the intestine of mice fed the fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented diet. These results suggest that consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide reduces contact hypersensitivity, which is associated with proliferation ofB. pseudolongumin the intestinal tract of mice.
A GALAXY CALLED ‘MIKROKOSMOS’ – A COMPOSER'S VIEW
Authors: Hajdu Andre
Published: January 2008

In music's huge jungle somebody, once, wanted to build a road: a road you can walk on and one which leads somewhere. Such a road is Bartók's Mikrokosmos. A conceptual work, not a mere succession of pieces: each of them is part of a total vision based on similar elements and unfolding according to similar principles. If you are even a little familiar with them, you will recognize their flavor even if you turn on the radio in the middle of a piece.
On the design of traps for feeding 3D parts on vibratory tracks
Authors: Goemans Onno C. , van der Stappen A. Frank
Published: January 2008

In the context of automated feeding (orienting) of industrial parts, we study the algorithmic design of traps in the bowl feeder track that filter out all but one orientation of a given polyhedral part. We propose a new class of traps that removes a V-shaped portion of the track. The proposed work advances the state-of-the-art in algorithmic trap design by extending earlier work1,6,17—which focuses solely on 2D parts—to 3D parts, and by incorporating a more realistic part motion model in the design algorithm. We exploit the geometric structure of the design problem and build on concepts and techniques from computational geometry to obtain an efficient algorithm that reports the complete set of valid traps.
Editorial
Authors: Salkovskis Paul
Published: January 2008

Following a great deal of careful and thoughtful work by a number of key individuals and organizations, including the BABCP, the initiative to increase access to psychological therapies (IAPT) has become a reality. As the readers of this journal will now know, this is not an exercise in redistributing resources but rather the creation of an entirely new high quality way of delivering evidence-based psychological therapies to the maximum number of people possible, and doing so in their local area.
Fuelwood, forests and community management – evidence from household studies
Authors: COOKE PRISCILLA , KÖHLIN GUNNAR , HYDE WILLIAM F.
Published: January 2008

This paper reviews the state of economic understanding about fuelwood in developing countries. It synthesizes the main results from numerous empirical studies with the intent of identifying implications for policy and pointing out where important questions remain unanswered. Overall, the empirical results reviewed reinforce the contention that households alter their behavior in the presence of sufficient scarcity in ways that are least costly to them. Still, the cost can be substantial and many cases remain where policy intervention is justified to address concerns of both equity and efficiency. Addressing the coping capabilities of the very poor and the open access conditions of woodlands appear to be two ways of dealing with fuelwood scarcity that are likely to yield high social rates of return. Community forestry has the potential to address these two important areas, but there is little evidence to date that this is being done with fuelwood in mind.
‘Key issues for attention from ecological economists’: a comment
Authors: DE ZEEUW AART
Published: January 2008

Paul Ehrlich has written a wonderful article with the purpose to convince economists to switch their research interests to what he calls ecological economics. His argument is twofold. If our intellectual capacity is not geared towards these issues, humanity may be heading for a big disaster. Secondly, it gives tremendous opportunities for economists: the ones who switch will end up in the centre of the profession, because society will be in big need of their expertise.
Comments on ‘Key issues for attention from ecological economists’ by Paul Ehrlich
Authors: POLASKY STEPHEN
Published: January 2008

Paul Ehrlich has a clear message for the economics profession: humanity faces a number of serious environmental problems and economists have a central role to play if we are to successfully address them. The article lays out an important research agenda for economists, which includes climate change, loss of biodiversity, release of toxic substances, epidemiological concerns, population, and over-consumption. Even if one disagrees with some of the particulars, and my guess is that many economists who read the article will, the big ideas contained in this article and the main messages are worthy of close attention. Rather than being on the periphery of the economics profession, those of us in economics who focus on environmental issues, whether called ecological economists, environmental economists or resource economists, should be at the heart of an economics profession focused on the most important and relevant issues facing society.
International water transfer and sharing: the case of the Ganges River
Authors: BHADURI ANIK , BARBIER EDWARD B.
Published: January 2008

The following paper is concerned with water sharing of the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh, with possible augmentation through water transfers from Nepal. We analyzed the case when water from Nepal can be transferred to Bangladesh through the upstream country, India, as the local geography only permits such water transfer. A game theoretic model is formulated to determine the optimal share of water diverted to Bangladesh by India, and the optimal amount of water transfer from Nepal. India may gain positive externalities from such water transfer. The positive externalities generated from water transfer from Nepal may influence the water share of both India and Bangladesh. In the absence of altruism, India would allow less water flow to Bangladesh than in the case when there is no provision to buy water from Nepal. We also explored whether positive externalities could induce India to buy water jointly with Bangladesh, and such a case will only occur if the countries possess altruistic concerns and share water according to an agreement.
Intergenerational transfers, lifetime welfare, and resource preservation
Authors: VALENTE SIMONE
Published: January 2008

This paper analyzes overlapping-generations models where natural capital is owned by selfish agents. Transfers in favor of young agents reduce the rate of depletion and increase output growth. It is shown that intergenerational transfers may be preferred to laissez-faire by an indefinite sequence of generations: if the resource share in production is sufficiently high, the welfare gain induced by preservation compensates for the loss due to taxation. This conclusion is reinforced when other assets are available, e.g. man-made capital, claims on monopoly rents, and R&D investment. Transfers raise the welfare of all generations, except that of the first resource owner: if resource endowments are taxed at time zero, all successive generations support resource-saving policies for purely selfish reasons.
Who knows, who cares? The determinants of enactment, awareness, and compliance with community Natural Resource Management regulations in Uganda
Authors: NKONYA EPHRAIM , PENDER JOHN , KATO EDWARD
Published: January 2008

At the community level, bylaws and other regulations are commonly used to manage natural resources. However, there is limited research on how communities enact these regulations and what determines awareness and compliance with these regulations. A survey of 273 communities was conducted in Uganda with an objective of analyzing the determinants of enactment, awareness and compliance with community Natural Resource Management (NRM) regulations. Presence in the community of programs and organizations with focus on agriculture and the environment increases the probability to enact and to be aware of NRM regulations. The probability to comply with regulations enacted by village councils was greater than the case with such regulations passed by higher legislative bodies, suggesting the important role played by decentralization in NRM. Poverty is associated with lower compliance with NRM regulations. This supports the poverty-natural resource degradation trap hypothesis, and suggests that measures to reduce poverty can also improve NRM.
Public health nutrition practice in Canada: a situational assessment
Authors: Fox Ann , Chenhall Cathy , Traynor Marie , Scythes Cindy , Bellman Jane
Published: January 2008

Objective

Renewed focus on public health has brought about considerable interest in workforce development among public health nutrition professionals in Canada. The present article describes a situational assessment of public health nutrition practice in Canada that will be used to guide future workforce development efforts.

Methods

A situational assessment is a planning approach that considers strengths and opportunities as well as needs and challenges, and emphasizes stakeholder participation. This situational assessment consisted of four components: a systematic review of literature on public health nutrition workforce issues; key informant interviews; a PEEST (political, economic, environmental, social, technological) factor analysis; and a consensus meeting.

Findings

Information gathered from these sources identified key nutrition and health concerns of the population; the need to define public health nutrition practice, roles and functions; demand for increased training, education and leadership opportunities; inconsistent qualification requirements across the country; and the desire for a common vision among practitioners.

Conclusions

Findings of the situational assessment were used to create a three-year public health nutrition workforce development strategy. Specific objectives of the strategy are to define public health nutrition practice in Canada, develop competencies, collaborate with other disciplines, and begin to establish a new professional group or leadership structure to promote and enhance public health nutrition practice. The process of conducting the situational assessment not only provided valuable information for planning purposes, but also served as an effective mechanism for engaging stakeholders and building consensus.
Nutrition change strategies: the new frontier
Authors: McLachlan Milla , Garrett James
Published: January 2008

Objective

To advance understanding of nutrition change dynamics and strategies needed to tackle complex global nutrition challenges.

Design

Two frameworks, a descriptive framework of orders of change and a change model (Theory U), are introduced to advance understanding of how to promote effective action on a complex social problem like nutrition. The descriptive framework explores the types of change pursued by four current global nutrition initiatives and the strategies they use to achieve their goals. Theory U provides a conceptual model to help understand breakthrough or transformative change, i.e. change that shifts the entire system.

Setting

The focus is on global and regional nutrition initiatives.

Results

Using the criteria of desired outcomes, purpose, participation and process, the orders of change framework categorizes programme strategies according to the levels of change likely to be achieved. Such a framework can help to structure conversations among actors about prerequisites for, and the likelihood of, transformative change. Theory U provides a conceptual framework to facilitate transformative change by providing insight into change processes and levers for action.

Conclusions

Nutrition is a complex social issue, and not only a biological or technical challenge. But nutritionists seldom inquire into the nature of changes required to achieve goals or the processes through which change occurs. Lack of understanding and failure to address such change processes directly mean that nutrition policies and programmes continue to fall short. There is a need to understand the dynamics of change in nutrition; to learn from current change experiences; and to create dynamic learning communities.
Increasing activity and improving nutrition through a schools-based programme: Project Energize. 1. Design, programme, randomisation and evaluation methodology
Authors: Graham David , Appleton Sarah , Rush Elaine , McLennan Stephanie , Reed Peter , Simmons David
Published: January 2008

Project Energize is a through-school nutrition and activity programme that is being evaluated in a 2-year, cluster-randomised, longitudinal study. The present paper describes the background of the programme and study, the programme development and delivery, the study methodology including randomisation, measurement and analysis tools and techniques, and the mix of the study population. The programme is being delivered to sixty-two primary schools with sixty-two control schools, each limb containing about 11 000 students. The children in the evaluation cohort are 5 or 10 years old at enrolment; the randomisation protocol has achieved post-consent enrolment of 3000 evaluation participants, who are comparable by age, sex and school decile. End-point measures include body composition and associated physical characteristics, fitness, home and school environment and practice.
Is obesity related to the type of dietary fatty acids? An ecological study
Authors: Moussavi Nadiah , Gavino Victor , Receveur Olivier
Published: January 2008

Background

Animal studies and a few clinical trials lend credibility to the hypothesis that not all types of fatty acids carry the same potential for weight gain. Only a few epidemiological studies concerning this issue are currently available and results are conflicting.

Aim

The purpose of the present ecological study was to test the existence of an association between obesity prevalence and the types of fat available in 168 countries.

Methods

Data on the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) for women over 15 years of age were obtained from the WHO Global InfoBase. Food balance sheets for the years 1998 to 2002 were obtained from the FAOSTAT database. Five-year means for energy, total fat, MUFA, PUFA, SFA and ‘other fat’ per capita were calculated, with their standard deviations, for each country. Bivariate correlations and a multiple linear regression model were used to test for the association between prevalence of obesity and types of fat available in these countries.

Results

Not surprisingly, dietary energy supply, SFA, PUFA and ‘other fat’ were positively associated with the prevalence of obesity. We also found, however, a strong negative association between MUFA availability and obesity prevalence (β= −0·68,P< 0·0001).

Conclusion

Populations with a lower prevalence of obesity seem to consume a greater amount of MUFA. Considering the partial correlations between variables, our results suggest that in countries with higher obesity prevalence, it is the shift from MUFA to PUFA that particularly appears to be associated with the risk of obesity.
The effects of socio-economic status on BMI, waist:hip ratio and waist circumference in a group of Iranian women
Authors: Shahraki Mansour , Shahraki Touran , Ansari Hossein
Published: January 2008

Objective

To assess the effects of socio-economic status (SES) on BMI, waist:hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) in a group of Iranian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 888 women in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. SES was measured using level of education. In addition, parity, marital status and physical activity were assessed. Standardized measurements were taken, BMI and WHR were calculated.

Results

Low education level was a strong determinant of overweight and obesity among Iranian women. After controlling for age, women with higher education level had significantly lower BMI, WC and parity. Multiple linear regression analysis found a significant negative association of BMI and WC with education level and a significant positive association of BMI and WC with parity. Significant factors associated with obesity by a logistic regression model were education level (OR for university graduates v. illiterate or low literacy levels: 1·00 v. 3·70; P = 0·01), living with spouse (OR for married v. single subjects: 1·00 v. 0·15; P = 0·05), parity (OR for more than five v. less than two pregnancies: 1·00 v. 0·34; P = 0·03) and WC (OR for <0.88 cm v. ≥0.88 cm: 1·00 v. 11·20; P = 0·001).

Conclusion

The present study revealed that educational level, multiple pregnancies, marital status and lack of exercise are some possible explanations for the obesity among Sistan and Baluchestan women.
Querying XML documents in logic programming
Authors: ALMENDROS-JIMÉNEZ J. M. , BECERRA-TERÓN A. , ENCISO-BAÑOS F. J.
Published: January 2008

Extensible Markup Language (XML)is a simple, very flexible text format derived from SGML. Originally designed to meet the challenges of large-scale electronic publishing, XML is also playing an increasingly important role in the exchange of a wide variety of data on the Web and elsewhere.XPathlanguage is the result of an effort to provide address parts of an XML document. In support of this primary purpose, it becomes in aquery languageagainst an XML document. In this paper we present a proposal for the implementation of theXPathlanguage in logic programming. With this aim we will describe the representation of XML documents by means of alogic program.Rulesandfactscan be used for representing the document schema and the XML document itself. In particular, we will presenthow to index XML documentsin logic programs: rules are supposed to be stored inmain memory, however facts are stored insecondary memoryby using two kind of indexes: one for each XML tag, and other for each group of terminal items. In addition, we will study how to query by means of theXPathlanguage against a logic program representing an XML document. It evolves thespecialization of the logic programwith regard to theXPathexpression. Finally, we will also explain how tocombine the indexing and the top-down evaluationof the logic program.
Significance of cutoff in meandering river dynamics
Authors: Camporeale C. , Perucca E. , Ridolfi L.
Published: January 2008

The occurrence of cutoff events, although sporadic, is a key component in the complex dynamics of meandering rivers. In the present work, we show that cutoff has a twofold role: (1) It removes older meanders, limiting the planform geometrical complexity (geometrical role), and (2) it generates an intermittent noise that is able to influence the spatiotemporal dynamics of the whole river (dynamical role). The geometrical role limits the spatial evolution of the meanders, sporadically eliminating portions of the river planimetry. In this way it stabilizes the mean river geometry around a statistically steady state. The dynamical role is due to the propagation of a noise wave that is triggered by cutoff events. Because of the spatial memory component which is present in the meandering dynamics, such waves propagate all along the river, thus affecting its meandering dynamics.
Mean magnitude variations of earthquakes as a function of depth: Different crustal stress distribution depending on tectonic setting
Authors: Wyss M. , Pacchiani F. , Deschamps A. , Patau G.
Published: January 2008

The mean magnitude of earthquakes in the Gulf of Corinth is found to increase strongly with depth (b‐value decreases), whereas the dip of fault planes decreases. The b‐value difference of 0.25, between shallow and deep earthquake distributions, is based on about 7,000 events and therefore is statistically highly significant. The same is true in California, but opposite patterns are observed in southern Iceland and in western Nagano, Japan. Because large mean magnitudes (low b‐values) are indicative of relatively high stress levels, we propose that in the detachment layer at about 9 ± 2 km depth, earthquakes are generated at higher stresses than in the shallower parts of the crust. The correlation of low b‐values with low faulting dips can be taken as line of evidence that low b‐values map high stress regimes.
Ancestral heritage saves tribes during 1 April 2007 Solomon Islands tsunami
Authors: Fritz Hermann M. , Kalligeris Nikos
Published: January 2008

The 1 April 2007 magnitude Ms 8.1 earthquake off the New Georgia Group in the Solomon Islands generated a tsunami that killed 52 with locally focused run‐up heights of 12 m, local flow depths of 5 m as well as tectonic uplift up to 3.6 m and subsidence down to −1.5 m. A reconnaissance team deployed within one week investigated 65 coastal settlements on 13 remote Islands. The ancestral heritage “run to high ground after an earthquake” passed on to younger generations by survivors of smaller historic tsunamis triggered an immediate spontaneous self evacuation containing the death toll.
Neglecting ice‐atmosphere interactions underestimates ice sheet melt in millennial‐scale deglaciation simulations
Authors: Pritchard Michael S. , Bush Andrew B. G. , Marshall Shawn J.
Published: January 2008

Dynamic and thermodynamic interactions between the atmosphere and underlying ice sheets are generally not represented in the traditional one‐way boundary condition forcing used to drive ice sheet models. This shortcoming is investigated through a series of idealized millennial‐scale deglaciation simulations designed to isolate the mechanisms regulating the deglaciation timescale of the Laurentide ice sheet. Sensitivity experiments indicate that the conventional use of one‐way (non‐interactive) atmospheric forcing fields leads to an unrealistically insensitive melt response in the ice sheet model even when atmospheric carbon dioxide is set to modern preindustrial levels and Earth's angle of obliquity is set to its early Holocene value. A more realistic deglaciation timescale is obtained only through the application of a new two‐way (interactive) asynchronous ice‐atmosphere coupling scheme and a seasonal ice albedo parameterization that accounts for the observed darkening of ice in the moist summertime ablation zone.
How the North Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation may have influenced the Indian summer monsoon during the past two millennia
Authors: Feng Song , Hu Qi
Published: January 2008

Observations have indicated that the North Atlantic SST variations have persistent effects on the Indian summer monsoon rainfall at multidecadal and longer timescales. The question of how such influences may have been achieved is addressed in this study using both instrumentation data of the 20th century and proxy records of the last 2000 years. Major results show that the North Atlantic SST anomalies strongly affect the Tibetan Plateau surface temperature and heat sources. The latter cause changes in the meridional temperature gradient between Tibetan Plateau and the tropical Indian Ocean. Through the thermal wind effect, the meridional temperature gradient anomalies change the lower tropospheric zonal winds and the monsoon circulation and rainfall.
Permeability anisotropy and its relations with porous medium structure
Authors: Clavaud Jean‐Baptiste , Maineult Alexis , Zamora Maria , Rasolofosaon Patrick , Schlitter Camille
Published: January 2008

The complete permeability tensor of 18 porous rock cores was determined by means of X‐ray tomography monitoring during the displacement of a salty tracer. To study the effect of the pore space geometry on the anisotropy of permeability, we compared the three‐dimensional shape of the invasion front with the X‐ray porosity maps obtained before injection. The samples (clean and shale‐bearing sandstones, limestones, and volcanic rocks) belong to a broad variety of granulometry and pore space geometry. Their porosity ranges from 12 to 57%, and their permeability ranges from 1.5 × 10−14 to 4 × 10−12 m2. For sandstones the permeability anisotropy is well correlated with the presence of bedding. For volcanic rocks it is clearly related to the orientation of vesicles or cracks. However, for limestones, no evident link between the geometry of the porous network and the permeability anisotropy appears, probably because of the influence of the nonconnected porosity that does not contribute to the hydraulic transport. This systematic work evidences the ability and the limitations of the tracer method to characterize the anisotropy of permeability in the laboratory in a simple and rapid way.
Spatial and temporal variability of column‐integrated aerosol optical properties in the southern Arabian Gulf and United Arab Emirates in summer
Authors: Eck T. F. , Holben B. N. , Reid J. S. , Sinyuk A. , Dubovik O. , Smirnov A. , Giles D. , O'Neill N. T. , Tsay S.‐C. , Ji Q. , Al Mandoos A. , Ramzan Khan M. , Reid E. A. , Schafer J. S. , Sorokine M. , Newcomb W. , Slutsker I.
Published: January 2008

A mesoscale network of 14 AERONET Sun photometers was established in the UAE and adjacent Arabian Gulf from August through September 2004 as a component of the United Arab Emirates Unified Aerosol Experiment (UAE2). These measurements allowed for spatial, temporal and spectral characterization of the complex aerosol mixtures present in this environment where coarse mode desert dust aerosols often mix with fine mode pollution aerosols largely produced by the petroleum industry. Aerosol loading was relatively high with 2‐month averages of aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 500 nm (τa500) ranging from 0.40 to 0.53. A higher fine mode fraction of AOD was observed over Arabian Gulf island sites with Angstrom exponent at 440–870 nm (α440–870) of 0.77 as compared to an average of 0.64 over coastal sites and 0.50–0.57 at inland desert sites. During pollution events with α440–870 > 1 the retrieved fine mode radius was larger over an island site than a desert site probably because of hygroscopic growth over the humid marine environment. For these same pollution cases, single scattering albedo (ωo) at all wavelengths was ∼0.03 higher (less absorption) over the marine environment than over the desert, also consistent with aerosol humidification growth. At an inland desert location, the ωo at 440 nm remained relatively constant as Angstrom exponent varied since the fine mode pollution and coarse mode dust were both strong absorbers at short wavelengths. However, at longer wavelengths (675–1020 nm) the dust was much less absorbing than the pollution resulting in dynamic ωo as a function of α440–870.
Growth inhibition of myeloma cells by anti‐idiotype antibodies in the absence of membrane‐bound immunoglobulin
Authors: Moshitzky Shiri , Kukulansky Tova , Haimovich Joseph , Hollander Nurit
Published: January 2008

Immunoglobulins are expressed as membrane‐bound or secreted forms. Plasma cells produce little or no membrane immunoglobulin but secrete immunoglobulin molecules in large amounts. Immunoglobulin idiotypes of malignant B cells are tumor‐specific antigens that may be targeted for immunotherapy. Thus, idiotype vaccination is being evaluated in clinical trials to control residual disease in multiple myeloma and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is traditionally considered that anti‐idiotype antibodies are not effective against plasma cell tumors, because the large amounts of immunoglobulin molecules secreted by the tumors block anti‐idiotype antibodies, and because the absence of membrane immunoglobulin on the surface of these tumor cells renders them resistant to the effect of anti‐idiotype antibodies. While the obstacle of abundant circulating idiotype may be obviated by reducing tumor burden to minimal residual disease, the absence of membrane immunoglobulin has been considered as a limiting factor that prevents tumor eradication by anti‐idiotype antibodies. We demonstrate here that murine plasmacytoma cells can produce small amounts of membrane immunoglobulin M (IgM) heavy chains. However, the latter are precursor molecules that do not reach the cell surface. Although membrane‐bound IgM is absent, the cells stain positively for surface IgM, reflecting molecules of the secreted form in the process of secretion. In spite of the relatively low levels of secreted immunoglobulin on the cell surface, anti‐idiotype antibodies are effective in retardation of tumor growth in vivo. Thus, while there is no doubt that idiotype‐specific cell‐mediated responses are very important, myeloma patients in complete remission may additionally benefit from idiotype‐specific humoral responses.
CD45RA T‐cell activation without proliferation by a partial agonist monoclonal antibody to β1 integrin
Authors: Billard Matthew J , McIntyre Bradley W
Published: January 2008

CD45RA T cells are fully co‐activated by natural β1 integrin ligands fibronectin (FN) and VCAM‐1, as well as monoclonal antibody (mAb) 19H8, which binds a combinatorial epitope of the α4β1 heterodimer. These integrin ligands stimulate CD3‐dependent proliferation and the upregulation of early activation markers CD25 and CD69. However, β1‐specific antibody 33B6, which binds to a similar range of the predominant T‐cell integrins as natural ligands FN (α4β1 and α5β1) and VCAM‐1 (α4β1), failed to costimulate proliferation in the CD45RA subset, while retaining the ability to costimulate early activation markers CD25 and CD69. After addition of exogenous human interleukin‐2 to the culture media, 33B6 costimulation of proliferation is restored. These data provide evidence that a branch of the α4β1 integrin‐signaling pathway in CD45RA T cells can be independently regulated and exploited through the use of partial agonist ligands, including mAbs to the integrin heterodimer.
Mechanisms of endoplasmic-reticulum export of glycine transporter-1 (GLYT1)
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez Enrique , Díez-Guerra F. Javier , Cubelos Beatriz , Giménez Cecilio , Zafra Francisco
Published: January 2008

The GLYT1 (glycine transporter-1) regulates both glycinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission by controlling the reuptake of glycine at synapses. Trafficking to the cell surface of GLYT1 is critical for its function. In the present paper, by using mutational analysis of the GLYT1 C-terminal domain, we identified the evolutionarily conserved motif R575L576(X8)D585 as being necessary for ER (endoplasmic reticulum) export. This is probably due to its capacity to bind Sec24D, a component of the COPII (coatomer coat protein II) complex. This ER export motif was active when introduced into the related GLYT2 transporter but not in the unrelated VSVG (vesicular-stomatitis virus glycoprotein)–GLYT1 protein in which this motif was mutated but was not transported to the plasma membrane, although this effect was rescued by co-expressing these mutants with wild-type GLYT1. This behaviour suggests that GLYT1 might form oligomers along the trafficking pathway. Cross-linking assays performed in rat brain synaptosomes and FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) microscopy in living cells confirmed the existence of GLYT1 oligomers. In summary, we have identified a motif involved in the ER exit of GLYT1 and, in analysing the influence of this motif, we have found evidence that oligomerization is important for the trafficking of GLYT1 to the cell surface. Because this motif is conserved in the NSS (sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter transporter) family, it is possible that this finding could be extrapolated to other related transporters.
Involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Akt in the induction of muscle protein degradation by proteolysis-inducing factor
Authors: Russell Steven T. , Eley Helen L. , Wyke Stacey M. , Tisdale Michael J.
Published: January 2008

In the present study the role of Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) in PIF- (proteolysis-inducing factor) induced protein degradation has been investigated in murine myotubes. PIF induced transient phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 within 30 min, which was attenuated by the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) inhibitor LY294002 and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Protein degradation was attenuated in myotubes expressing a dominant-negative mutant of Akt (termed DNAkt), compared with the wild-type variant, whereas it was enhanced in myotubes containing a constitutively active Akt construct (termed MyrAkt). A similar effect was observed on the induction of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Phosphorylation of Akt has been linked to up-regulation of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway through activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) in a PI3K-dependent process. Protein degradation was attenuated by rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), when added before, or up to 30 min after, addition of PIF. PIF induced transient phosphorylation of mTOR and the 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase. These results suggest that transient activation of Akt results in an increased protein degradation through activation of NF-κB and that this also allows for a specific synthesis of proteasome subunits.
Human heart LIM protein activates atrial-natriuretic-factor gene expression by interacting with the cardiac-restricted transcription factor Nkx2.5
Authors: Zheng Bin , Han Mei , Wen Jin-kun , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2008

hhLIM [human heart LIM (Lin-11/IsI-1/Mec-3) protein] is a muscle-specific LIM-only protein that consists of two LIM motifs. hhLIM functions as a positive regulator for cardiac hypertrophy. Here we report that hhLIM serves as a cofactor regulating the expression of the ANF (atrial natriuretic factor) gene in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cells. We found that hhLIM promoted the expression of the ANF gene in H9c2 cells, but not in A293 human embryonic kidney cells. Furthermore, we showed that hhLIM interacted with Nkx2.5 (a cardiac-restricted transcription factor) in vivo and in vitro using its N-terminal LIM domain and enhanced the binding ability of Nkx2.5 to the NKE (Nkx2.5-binding element) boxes in the ANF promoter. These results suggest that hhLIM promotes the specific expression of the ANF gene by co-operating with Nkx2.5.
Association of partially folded lens βB2-crystallins with the α-crystallin molecular chaperone
Authors: Evans Paul , Slingsby Christine , Wallace B. A.
Published: January 2008

Age-related cataract is a result of crystallins, the predominant lens proteins, forming light-scattering aggregates. In the low protein turnover environment of the eye lens, the crystallins are susceptible to modifications that can reduce stability, increasing the probability of unfolding and aggregation events occurring. It is hypothesized that the α-crystallin molecular chaperone system recognizes and binds these proteins before they can form the light-scattering centres that result in cataract, thus maintaining the long-term transparency of the lens. In the present study, we investigated the unfolding and aggregation of (wild-type) human and calf βB2-crystallins and the formation of a complex between α-crystallin and βB2-crystallins under destabilizing conditions. Human and calf βB2-crystallin unfold through a structurally similar pathway, but the increased stability of the C-terminal domain of human βB2-crystallin relative to calf βB2-crystallin results in the increased population of a partially folded intermediate during unfolding. This intermediate is aggregation-prone and prevents constructive refolding of human βB2-crystallin, while calf βB2-crystallin can refold with high efficiency. α-Crystallin can effectively chaperone both human and calf βB2-crystallins from thermal aggregation, although chaperone-bound βB2-crystallins are unable to refold once returned to native conditions. Ordered secondary structure is seen to increase in α-crystallin with elevated temperatures up to 60 °C; structure is rapidly lost at temperatures of 70 °C and above. Our experimental results combined with previously reported observations of α-crystallin quaternary structure have led us to propose a structural model of how activated α-crystallin chaperones unfolded βB2-crystallin.