bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA and epigenetic silencing: Insight from fission yeast
Authors: Goto Derek B. , Nakayama Jun‐ichi
Published: December 2011

Post‐translational modifications of histones are critical not only for local regulation of gene expression, but also for higher‐order structure of the chromosome and genome organization in general. These modifications enable a preset state to be maintained over subsequent generations and thus provide an epigenetic level of regulation. Heterochromatic regions of the genome are epigenetically regulated to maintain a “silent state” and protein coding genes inserted into these regions are subject to the same epigenetic silencing. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has well characterized regions of heterochromatin and has proven to be a powerful model for elucidation of epigenetic silencing mechanisms. Research in S. pombe led to the breakthrough discovery that epigenetic silencing is not solely a chromatin‐driven transcriptional repression and that RNA interference of nascent transcripts can guide epigenetic silencing and associated histone modifications. Over the last 10 years, an eloquent integration of genetic and biochemical studies have greatly propelled our understanding of major players and effector complexes for regulation of RNAi‐mediated epigenetic silencing in S. pombe. Here, we review recent research related to regulation of the epigenetic state in S. pombe heterochromatin, focusing specifically on the mechanisms by which transcription and RNA processing interact with the chromatin modification machinery to maintain the epigenetically silent state.
Inhibition of heart formation by lithium is an indirect result of the disruption of tissue organization within the embryo
Authors: Martin Lisa K. , Bratoeva Momka , Mezentseva Nadejda V. , Bernanke Jayne M. , Remond Mathieu C. , Ramsdell Ann F. , Eisenberg Carol A. , Eisenberg Leonard M.
Published: December 2011

Lithium is a commonly used drug for the treatment of bipolar disorder. At high doses, lithium becomes teratogenic, which is a property that has allowed this agent to serve as a useful tool for dissecting molecular pathways that regulate embryogenesis. This study was designed to examine the impact of lithium on heart formation in the developing frog for insights into the molecular regulation of cardiac specification. Embryos were exposed to lithium at the beginning of gastrulation, which produced severe malformations of the anterior end of the embryo. Although previous reports characterized this deformity as a posteriorized phenotype, histological analysis revealed that the defects were more comprehensive, with disfigurement and disorganization of all interior tissues along the anterior‐posterior axis. Emerging tissues were poorly segregated and cavity formation was decreased within the embryo. Lithium exposure also completely ablated formation of the heart and prevented myocardial cell differentiation. Despite the complete absence of cardiac tissue in lithium treated embryos, exposure to lithium did not prevent myocardial differentiation of precardiac dorsal marginal zone explants. Moreover, precardiac tissue freed from the embryo subsequent to lithium treatment at gastrulation gave rise to cardiac tissue, as demonstrated by upregulation of cardiac gene expression, display of sarcomeric proteins, and formation of a contractile phenotype. Together these data indicate that lithium’s effect on the developing heart was not due to direct regulation of cardiac differentiation, but an indirect consequence of disrupted tissue organization within the embryo.
Sponge‐specific clusters revisited: a comprehensive phylogeny of sponge‐associated microorganisms
Authors: Simister Rachel L. , Deines Peter , Botté Emmanuelle S. , Webster Nicole S. , Taylor Michael W.
Published: December 2011

Marine sponges often contain diverse and abundant communities of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes. Numerous 16S rRNA‐based studies have identified putative ‘sponge‐specific’ microbes that are apparently absent from seawater and other (non‐sponge) marine habitats. With more than 7500 sponge‐derived rRNA sequences (from clone, isolate and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis data) now publicly available, we sought to determine whether the current notion of sponge‐specific sequence clusters remains valid. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses were performed on the 7546 sponge‐derived 16S and 18S rRNA sequences that were publicly available in early 2010. Overall, 27% of all sequences fell into monophyletic, sponge‐specific sequence clusters. Such clusters were particularly well represented among the Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, ‘Poribacteria’, Betaproteobacteria and Acidobacteria, and in total were identified in at least 14 bacterial phyla, as well as the Archaea and fungi. The largest sponge‐specific cluster, representing the cyanobacterium ‘Synechococcus spongiarum’, contained 245 sequences from 40 sponge species. These results strongly support the existence of sponge‐specific microbes and provide a suitable framework for future studies of rare and abundant sponge symbionts, both of which can now be studied using next‐generation sequencing technologies.
Bacterial species may exist, metagenomics reveal
Authors: Caro‐Quintero Alejandro , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: December 2011

Whether or not bacterial species exist remains an unresolved issue of paramount theoretical as well as practical consequences. Here we review and synthesize the findings emerging from metagenomic surveys of natural microbial populations and argue that microbial communities are predominantly organized in genetically and ecologically discernible populations, which possess the attributes expected for species. These sequence‐discrete populations represent a major foundation for beginning high‐resolution investigations on how populations are organized, interact, and evolve within communities. We also attempt to reconcile these findings with those of previous studies that reported indiscrete species and a genetic continuum within bacterial taxa and discuss the implications for the current bacterial species definition.
The claw closer muscle of two estuarine crab species, Cyrtograpsus angulatus and Neohelice granulata (Grapsoidea, Varunidae): histochemical fibre type composition
Authors: Longo María V. , Díaz Alcira O.
Published: December 2011

Longo, M.V. and Díaz, A.O. (2011). The claw closer muscle of two estuarine crab species, Cyrtograpsus angulatus and Neohelice granulata (Grapsoidea, Varunidae): histochemical fibre type composition. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00: 1–7.

This study permitted the characterization of four types of muscle fibres in the claw closer muscles of Cyrtograpsus angulatus and Neohelice granulata. Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) for mitochondria, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) for glycogen, Sudan Black B for lipids and myosin‐adenosine triphosphatase (m‐ATPase) preincubated at alkaline and acid pHs were used for that purpose. The mean fibre diameters, the relative areas and frequencies of each muscle fibre type were calculated. Types I and IV would be considered ‘extreme’ groups with type I fibres large, weak and acid/alkaline‐labile m‐ATPase, weak SDH, PAS and Sudan, and type IV fibres small, very strong and acid/alkaline‐resistant m‐ATPase, strong SDH and PAS, and moderate Sudan. Types II and III would belong to a predominant ‘intermediate’ group. Type IV fibres were scarce in C. angulatus but represented 25% of the total fibre population in N. granulata. In C. angulatus, the relative area occupied by type I fibres was bigger than its relative proportion, whereas in N. granulata, types I and II had similar patterns. Concluding, variations in fibre type composition in the claw closer muscles of C. angulatus and N. granulata would be linked to different habitats and feeding behaviours.
Persistent fasting hyperglycaemia is more predictive of Type 2 diabetes than transient fasting hyperglycaemia
Authors: Inoue K. , Inoue M. , Matsumoto M. , Akimoto K.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, e75–e81 (2012)

Aims  We investigated the value of persistent fasting hyperglycaemia as assessed by repeated elevated fasting plasma glucose in predicting the progression to diabetes.

Methods  A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1998 to 2006 inclusive among 7929 persons (37 742 person‐years), with a mean age of 53.0 years at baseline. The cumulative incidence of diabetes was measured. A baseline and follow‐up fasting plasma glucose were categorized as normal fasting glucose (< 5.56 mmol/l), or impaired fasting glucose (5.56–6.94 mmol/l).

Results  The cumulative incidence and incidence density of diabetes were 3.5% (275 cases) and 7.3 per 1000 person‐years over a mean follow‐up period of 4.8 years. The cumulative incidence of diabetes among subjects with impaired fasting glucose at both previous examinations (persistent impaired fasting glucose) was 30.4% (222/1518) compared with 0.6% (15/5063) of those with normal fasting glucose at both baseline and initial follow‐up. The hazard ratios to develop diabetes, adjusted for possible confounders, was 37.10 (95% CI, 21.6–63.7) for persistent impaired fasting glucose versus persistent normal fasting glucose. Persistent impaired fasting glucose predicted diabetes at 80.7% (222/275) sensitivity and 83.1% (6358/7654) specificity, whereas first baseline impaired fasting glucose only predicted diabetes at 86.9% (239/275) sensitivity and 74.9% (5730/7654) specificity. The model using both previous fasting plasma glucose levels had a greater AUROC (area under receiver operating characteristic) than that using first baseline fasting plasma glucose only (0.92 vs. 0.88; P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Repeated measurements of fasting plasma glucose better predicts incidence of diabetes than a single test. In particular, persistent fasting hyperglycaemia adds more substantial precision to the prediction of future diabetes than transient impaired fasting glucose. This combination is cost efficient and may be practical for early detection of high‐risk individuals.
Clinical decision support systems in the care of inpatients with diabetes in non‐critical care setting: systematic review
Authors: Nirantharakumar K. , Chen Y. F. , Marshall T. , Webber J. , Coleman J. J.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 698–708 (2012)

Background  Computerized clinical decision support systems have been claimed to reduce prescription errors and improve patient care. They may play an important role in the care of hospitalized patients with diabetes.

Aim  To collate evidence for the use of clinical decision support systems in improving the care of hospitalized patients with diabetes in a non‐critical care setting and to assess their effectiveness.

Methods  We searched four databases from 1980 to 2010 without language restrictions. All types of studies other than case reports were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out based on the Centre for Review and Dissemination guidance. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results  Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including two cluster randomized controlled trials, eight before‐and‐after studies and four other descriptive studies. Generally, the quality of the studies was not very high. Nine out of 10 studies reported reduction in mean blood glucose or similar measures (patient‐day‐weighted mean blood glucose) during inpatient stay. The reduction using computerized physician order entry system in patient‐day‐weighted mean blood glucose ranged from 0.6 to 0.8 mmol/l (10.8–15.6 mg/dl). Other beneficial effects during inpatient stay included reduced use of sliding scale insulin and greater use of basal–bolus insulin regimen. Only one study found a significant increase in hypoglycaemic events.

Conclusions  Clinical decision support systems have been used, often as part of a complex programme, to improve the care of hospitalized patients with diabetes. There is some evidence that they may have a beneficial effect, but this needs further confirmation.
The relationship between HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose in patients with increased plasma liver enzyme measurements
Authors: Christiansen R. , Melholt Rasmussen L. , Nybo H. , Steenstrup T. , Nybo M.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 742–747 (2012)

Background  HbA1c is currently being introduced for diagnostic purpose in diabetes. Previous studies have, however, indicated that patients with liver disease have false low HbA1c levels. We therefore investigated the correlation between HbA1c and plasma glucose in patients with different levels of increased liver enzyme concentrations.

Methods  Data from 10 065 patients with simultaneous measurement of HbA1c, venous fasting plasma glucose, alanine aminotransferase and γ‐glutamyl transferase were extracted from our laboratory database. Correlations were investigated in four patient groups divided according to their liver enzyme concentrations.

Results  The correlation between HbA1c and plasma glucose was high in all groups, with r = 0.77 for men and r = 0.78 for women (P < 0.001), a correlation confirmed with multiple regression analysis (P < 0.001). However, interaction analysis revealed that linear regression lines were significantly different for men and women, with increase of both liver enzyme measurements and also, for women, with increased alanine aminotransferase. When compared with biological variation for HbA1c, only men with increased measurements of both liver enzymes had a clinically important decrease in HbA1c.

Conclusions  Increased liver enzyme concentrations do not bias the correlation between HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose. However, men with low plasma glucose and increased concentrations of both liver enzymes do have a slightly decreased HbA1c and, if the clinical suspicion is strong enough, one should consider supplement testing.
Association between age, IL‐10, IFNγ, stimulated C‐peptide and disease progression in children with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kaas A. , Pfleger C. , Kharagjitsingh A. V. , Schloot N. C. , Hansen L. , Buschard K. , Koeleman B. P. C. , Roep B. O. , Mortensen H. B. , Alizadeh B. Z. ,   on behalf of the Hvidoere Study Group on Childhood Diabetes
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 734–741 (2012)

Aims  The relation of disease progression and age, serum interleukin 10 (IL‐10) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) and their genetic correlates were studied in paediatric patients with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  Two hundred and twenty‐seven patients from the Hvidoere Study Group were classified in four different progression groups as assessed by change in stimulated C‐peptide from 1 to 6 months. CA repeat variants of the IL‐10 and IFNγ gene were genotyped and serum levels of IL‐10 and IFNγ were measured at 1, 6 and 12 months.

Results  IL‐10 decreased (P < 0.001) by 7.7% (1 month), 10.4% (6 months) and 8.6% (12 months) per year increase in age of child, while a twofold higher C‐peptide concentration at 1 month (p = 0.06), 6 months (P = 0.0003) and 12 months (P = 0.02) was associated with 9.7%, 18.6% and 9.7% lower IL‐10 levels, independent of each other. IL‐10 concentrations did not associate with the disease progression groups. By contrast, IFNγ concentrations differed between the four progression groups at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively); patients with rapid progressing disease had the highest levels at both time points. Distribution of IL‐10 and IFNγ genotypes was equal among patients from the progression groups.

Conclusion  IL‐10 serum levels associate inversely with age and C‐peptide. As age and C‐peptide also associate, a triangular association is proposed. Genetic influence on IL‐10 production seems to be masked by distinct disease mechanisms. Increased serum IFNγ concentrations associate with rapid disease progression. Functional genetic variants do not associate with a single progression pattern group, implying that disease processes override genetically predisposed cytokine production.
Improved health status with insulin degludec compared with insulin glargine in people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Home P. D. , Meneghini L. , Wendisch U. , Ratner R. E. , Johansen T. , Christensen T. E. , Jendle J. , Roberts A. P. , Birkeland K. I.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 716–720 (2012)

Aims  The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec (degludec), a new‐generation ultra‐long‐acting basal insulin, was compared with insulin glargine (glargine) in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in a 16‐week, open‐label, randomized trial. Health status, an important aspect of effective diabetes management, was also assessed.

Methods  Degludec (n = 59) or glargine (n = 59) were injected once daily, with insulin aspart at mealtimes. Health status assessment utilized the validated Short Form 36 Health Survey, version 2, which has two summary component scores for mental and physical well‐being, each comprising four domains.

Results  At study end, HbA1c reductions were comparable between groups, but confirmed nocturnal hypoglycaemia was significantly less frequent with degludec [relative rate 0.42 (95% CI 0.25–0.69)], and overall hypoglycaemia numerically less frequent [relative rate 0.72 (95% CI 0.52–1.00)]. After 16 weeks, a significant improvement in Short Form 36 Health Survey mental component score of +3.01 (95% CI 0.32–5.70) was obtained for degludec against glargine, attributable to significant differences in the social functioning [+8.04 (95% CI 1.89–14.18)] and mental health domains [+2.46 (95% CI 0.10–4.82)]. For mental component score, Cohen’s effect size was 0.42, indicating a small‐to‐medium clinically meaningful difference. The physical component score [+0.66 (95% CI –2.30 to 3.62)] and remaining domains were not significantly different between degludec and glargine.

Conclusions  In the context of comparable overall glycaemic control with glargine, degludec improved mental well‐being as measured using the mental component score of the Short Form 36 Health Survey. The improvements in overall mental component score and the underlying social functioning and mental health domains with degludec compared with glargine may relate to the observed reduction in hypoglycaemic events.
Association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Parlea L. , Bromberg I. L. , Feig D. S. , Vieth R. , Merman E. , Lipscombe L. L.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, e25–e32 (2012)

Aims  There is emerging evidence of a relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and glucose intolerance. The aim of this study was to determine whether low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods  This nested case–control study examined the association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and risk of gestational diabetes within a cohort of pregnant women from March 2008 to December 2009, who had undergone antenatal screening between 15 and 18 weeks gestation and subsequent glucose tolerance testing. Cases were women diagnosed with gestational diabetes and each case was matched to up to two controls without gestational diabetes on age, race and date of blood collection. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was measured from stored antenatal screening samples and compared between cases and controls.

Results  Of the 116 women with gestational diabetes and 219 control subjects studied, the average age was 34.3 years and 41% were of non‐Caucasian race. Women with gestational diabetes had significantly lower serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D compared with control subjects (56.3 vs. 62.0 nmol/l, P = 0.018). After adjusting for gestational age and maternal weight, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D below the top quartile (< 73.5 nmol/l) was associated with a twofold greater likelihood of gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.19–4.13).

Conclusions  Lower vitamin D status in early pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of subsequent gestational diabetes that was independent of race, age, season and maternal weight. This study suggests that vitamin D may influence glucose tolerance during pregnancy and provides support for studies of vitamin D as a potential intervention to prevent gestational diabetes.
Associations of serum vitamin D concentrations with obstetric glucose metabolism in a subset of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study cohort
Authors: McLeod D. S. A. , Warner J. V. , Henman M. , Cowley D. , Gibbons K. , McIntyre H. D. ,   for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, e199–e204 (2012)

Aims  To assess associations between maternal serum vitamin D concentration and glucose metabolism in a cohort of pregnant women living in an Australian subtropical environment.

Methods  Cross‐sectional assessment of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D concentrations in 399 Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome ancillary study participants, treated at an obstetric teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia. All patients underwent a blinded 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–32 (target 28) weeks’ gestation.

Results  The mean (± standard deviation) fasting plasma glucose was 4.5 ± 0.4 mmol/l. Mean (± standard deviation) serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D was 132.5 ± 44.0 nmol/l. A difference of one standard deviation in maternal 25‐hydroxy vitamin D was inversely related to fasting glucose (fasting glucose lower by 0.047 mmol/l, P = 0.012) when assessed with multiple linear regression after adjusting for confounders. Maternal 25‐hydroxy vitamin D correlated with β‐cell function as estimated by the log‐transformed homeostasis model assessment–β‐cell function equation (r = 0.131, P = 0.009), but not with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

Conclusions  An association between mid‐gestational 25‐hydroxy vitamin D and fasting glucose was confirmed in a largely normoglycaemic and vitamin D‐replete pregnant population. The correlation between 25‐hydroxy vitamin D and β‐cell function suggests that vitamin D may influence glucose metabolism through this mechanism. Intervention studies are required to determine causality and the role of vitamin D replacement in deficient individuals.
Scenarios for investigating risks to biodiversity
Authors: Spangenberg Joachim H. , Bondeau Alberte , Carter Timothy R. , Fronzek Stefan , Jaeger Jill , Jylhä Kirsti , Kühn Ingolf , Omann Ines , Paul Alex , Reginster Isabelle , Rounsevell Mark , Schweiger Oliver , Stocker Andrea , Sykes Martin T. , Settele Josef
Published: December 2011

Aim  This paper describes a set of integrative scenarios developed in the ALARM (Assessing LArge‐scale environmental Risks for biodiversity with tested Methods) project. The ultimate aim of ALARM was to develop and test methods and protocols for the assessment of large‐scale environmental risks to biodiversity and to evaluate mitigation options. Scenarios provide a tool for exploring such risks and the policy options to mitigate them; therefore they play a central role within the ALARM project.

Methods  Three integrative scenarios (liberalization, business as might be usual, sustainability) were developed and illustrated using the econometric model described in a subsequent paper. They are contextualized with projections from climate models and provide the input for model‐based assessments of biodiversity trends. Additionally, three shock scenarios were developed (Gulf Stream collapse, peak oil, pandemic) to demonstrate the limits of linear extrapolation. As these extend beyond model capabilities, they are discussed semi‐quantitatively based on modelling insights.

Results  Although the policy impacts on biodiversity are different for different pressures, biomes and species groups, some general trends could be identified. An extension of current EU policies will act as a brake on current trends by slowing down the loss of biodiversity in many cases and in most biomes, but it will be capable of neither halting nor of reversing the loss. Liberalization has the effect of accelerating biodiversity loss across the board, with few exceptions. A coherent sustainability scenario is clearly the most effective at preserving biodiversity, but the variant tested here still does not halt losses in all cases.

Main conclusions  Current EU policies for protecting biodiversity appear to be insufficient to reverse ongoing losses. Coherent sustainability strategies are effective at conserving biodiversity, but in order to assess losses and then reverse them, measures would need to be introduced that extend beyond the steps tested in the ALARM sustainability scenario.
Representing two centuries of past and future climate for assessing risks to biodiversity in Europe
Authors: Fronzek Stefan , Carter Timothy R. , Jylhä Kirsti
Published: December 2011

Aim  Environmental changes may have important implications for biodiversity in Europe. This study aimed to provide quantification of changes in regional climate during the 20th century and provide scenarios of future changes in CO2 concentration and climate for the 21st century as an input to models used to study risks to biodiversity in the EU‐funded ALARM project.

Location  Europe.

Methods  Monthly time series of eight climate variables (maximum, mean and minimum temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, humidity, growing degree days and evapotranspiration) interpolated to a regular 10′ grid, and of global atmospheric CO2 concentration were constructed for the period 1901–2100. These combine observations from the 20th century with model projections for the 21st century. Projections were selected to capture a range of both climate model and SRES (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) emissions uncertainties.

Results  Averaged over Europe, the scenarios describe changes in mean annual temperature by the end of the 21st century relative to 1961–90 that range between 3.0 and 6.1 °C. Annual precipitation is projected to increase in northern Europe (+5 to +13%) and decrease in southern Europe (−17 to −7%). An additional scenario describing the collapse of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation exhibits a sharp cooling over much of Europe and a drying in most seasons.

Main conclusions  The climate scenarios presented are consistent with socio‐economic storylines developed in parallel, and include a high‐emissions case, CO2 stabilization and a high‐impact ‘surprise’ scenario, involving the collapse of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation. They embrace a number of key climate and related variables required for studying the impacts of climate change, offer continental coverage and capture a range of uncertainties in future European climate that are also consistent with the most recent climate projections assessed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The scenarios have already been applied in numerous studies of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, some reported in this special issue.
Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in the adult population of Spain, 2008–2010: the ENRICA study
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Fisac J. L. , Guallar‐Castillón P. , León‐Muñoz L. M. , Graciani A. , Banegas J. R. , Rodríguez‐Artalejo F.
Published: December 2011

This is the first study to report the prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity (AO) in the adult population of Spain based on measurements of weight, height and waist circumference. The data are taken from the ENRICA study, a cross‐sectional study carried out between June 2008 and October 2010 in 12,883 individuals representative of the non‐institutionalized population on Spain aged 18 years and older. Anthropometry was performed under standardized conditions in the households by trained interviewers. Overweight was considered as body mass index (BMI) 25–29.9 kg m−2, and obesity as BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2. AO was defined as waist circumference >102 cm in men and >88 cm in women. The prevalence of obesity was 22.9% (24.4% in men and 21.4% in women). About 36% of adults had AO (32% of men and 39% of women). The frequency of obesity and of AO increased with age and affected, respectively, 35 and 62% of persons aged 65 and over. The frequency of obesity and AO decreased with increasing educational level. For example, 29% of women with primary education or less had obesity vs. only 11% of those with university studies. The prevalence of obesity was very high in the Canary Islands and in the south of Spain.
Beyond Catmull–Clark? A Survey of Advances in Subdivision Surface Methods
Authors: Cashman Thomas J.
Published: December 2011

Subdivision surfaces allow smooth free‐form surface modelling without topological constraints. They have become a fundamental representation for smooth geometry, particularly in the animation and entertainment industries. This survey summarizes research on subdivision surfaces over the last 15 years in three major strands: analysis, integration into existing systems and the development of new schemes. We also examine the reason for the low adoption of new schemes with theoretical advantages, explain why Catmull–Clark surfaces have become a de facto standard in geometric modelling, and conclude by identifying directions for future research.
INNOVATION IN THE CHINESE PUBLIC SECTOR: TYPOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION
Authors: WU JIANNAN , MA LIANG , YANG YUQIAN
Published: December 2011

The article examines more than 80 winners and finalists in the Innovations and Excellence in Chinese Local Governance (IECLG) awards programme between 2001 and 2008. Our results show the main types of innovation in the Chinese public sector to be management, service and collaborative innovation, although instances of technological and governance innovation are emerging. State and party agencies at the city and county levels in eastern China appear to be more innovative than their counterparts at other levels in central and western China. We identify several factors that affect innovation in China, and find the country to have some distinct innovation characteristics relative to other countries. Our analysis contributes to an understanding of the state of the art in public sector innovation in China and suggests directions for further international comparative research.
POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES, RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS AND POLICY ADVOCACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs IN CHINA
Authors: ZHAN XUEYONG , TANG SHUI‐YAN
Published: December 2011

Drawing on political opportunity and resource dependency theories, this paper traces the development of 28 environmental NGOs (eNGOs) in China and examines the political and institutional factors that have constrained or facilitated these organizations' policy advocacy activities. The paper shows that political structural changes have created greater opportunities for eNGOs' policy advocacy, and eNGOs with better financial resources and connections to the party‐state system are more capable of utilizing these opportunities to enhance their policy advocacy capacity. Yet party‐state connections may in turn constrain the types of policy advocacy pursued by these eNGOs.
How does it feel? Workplace bullying, emotions and musculoskeletal complaints
Authors: VIE TINA LØKKE , GLASØ LARS , EINARSEN STÅLE
Published: December 2011

Vie, T. L., Glasø, L. & Einarsen, S. (2012). How does it feel? Workplace bullying, emotions and musculoskeletal complaints.Scandinavian Journal of Psychology53, 165–173.

The present study examines experienced emotions among self‐labelled victims of ongoing workplace bullying and tests whether emotions mediate the relationship between exposure to bullying and health in the form of musculoskeletal complaints. A total of 1,024 employees from a Norwegian public transport company participated in the study, in which 116 self‐labelled victims were identified. Ten positive and 10 negative emotions were measured (PANAS). The results showed significant differences in emotional experiences between victims and non‐victims regarding all 10 negative emotions and one out of 10 positive emotions. Victims felt less “interested” and more “afraid,”“upset,”“angry,”“guilty,”“nervous,”“hostile,”“frustrated,”“ashamed,”“scared” and “stressed” than did non‐victims. Further, the results pointed to both positive and negative emotions as mediators of the relationship between exposure to bullying and musculoskeletal complaints. In particular the negative emotion “stress” acted as a significant mediator regarding this relationship. Hence, emotions seem to be central to understanding the detrimental effects of bullying on the victims’ health.
Boat race: rhythm and the possibility of collective performance1
Authors: King Anthony , de Rond Mark
Published: December 2011

Many sociologists have observed the close connection between coordination and rhythm. In order to accomplish a communal task, participants need to develop a common rhythm if they are to coordinate their actions. Indeed, the harder the collective task, the more critical – but difficult – it is for participants to develop a common rhythm in order to synchronize their actions. Rhythm is thus an important and recurrent feature of social performance. This article explores the ways in which participants try to generate common rhythm in order to execute collective performances. To this end, the paper takes a single sporting example. It examines a decisive period in the 153rd Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in 2007 to examine how a small social group, the Cambridge crew, struggled to create and maintain a rhythm in order to maximize their rowing performance.
Ilya Neustadt, Norbert Elias, and the Leicester Department: personal correspondence and the history of sociology in Britain
Authors: Goodwin John , Hughes Jason
Published: December 2011

The central aims of this paper are: (1) to explore the utility of using personal correspondence as a source of data for sociological investigations into the history of sociology in the UK; (2) in relation to this undertaking, to advance the beginnings of a figurational analysis of epistolary forms; and (3), to provide an empirically‐grounded discussion of the historical significance of the Department of Sociology at the University of Leicester (a University largely ignored in ‘standard histories’ of the subject) at a formative phase in the development of the discipline within the UK. The correspondence drawn upon in the paper is between Norbert Elias and Ilya Neustadt between 1962 and 1964 when Elias was Professor of Sociology at the University of Ghana and Ilya Neustadt was Professor of Sociology and Head of the Sociology Department at the University of Leicester. From an analysis of this correspondence, we elucidate an emergent dynamic to the relationship between Neustadt and Elias, one which, we argue, undergirds the development of sociology at Leicester and the distinctive character of the intellectual climate that prevailed there during the 1960s. The paper concludes with a consideration of whether it was a collapse of this dynamic that led to a total breakdown in the relationship between Neustadt and Elias, and by extension, an important phase in the expansion of sociology at Leicester.
Regional groundwater flow and interactions with deep fluids in western Apennine: the case of Narni‐Amelia chain (Central Italy)
Authors: FRONDINI F. , CARDELLINI C. , CALIRO S. , CHIODINI G. , MORGANTINI N.
Published: December 2011

The elemental fluxes and heat flow associated with large aquifer systems can be significant both at local and at regional scales. In fact, large amounts of heat transported by regional groundwater flow can affect the subsurface thermal regime, and the amount of matter discharged towards the surface by large spring systems can be significant relative to the elemental fluxes of surface waters. The Narni‐Amelia regional aquifer system (Central Italy) discharges more than 13 m3 sec−1 of groundwater characterised by a slight thermal anomaly, high salinity and high pCO2. During circulation in the regional aquifer, groundwater reacts with the host rocks (dolostones, limestones and evaporites) and mixes with deep CO2‐rich fluids of mantle origin. These processes transfer large amounts of dissolved substances, in particular carbon dioxide, and a considerable amount of heat towards the surface. Because practically all the water circulating in the Narni‐Amelia system is discharged by few large springs (Stifone‐Montoro), the mass and energy balance of these springs can give a good estimation of the mass and heat transported from the entire system towards the surface. By means of a detailed mass and balance of the aquifer and considering the soil CO2 fluxes measured from the main gas emission of the region, we computed a total CO2 discharge of about 7.8 × 109 mol a−1 for the whole Narni‐Amelia system. Finally, considering the enthalpy difference between infiltrating water and water discharged by the springs, we computed an advective heat transfer related to groundwater flow of 410 ± 50 MW.
TRM: A Powerful Two‐Stage Machine Learning Approach for Identifying SNP‐SNP Interactions
Authors: Lin Hui‐Yi , Ann Chen Y. , Tsai Ya‐Yu , Qu Xiaotao , Tseng Tung‐Sung , Park Jong Y.
Published: December 2011

Studies have shown that interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may play an important role in understanding the causes of complex disease. We have proposed an integrated machine learning method that combines two machine‐learning methods—Random Forests (RF) and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS)—to identify a subset of important SNPs and detect interaction patterns more effectively and efficiently. In this two‐stage RF‐MARS (TRM) approach, RF is first applied to detect a predictive subset of SNPs, and then MARS is used to identify the interaction patterns. We evaluated the TRM performances in four models. RF variable selection was based on out‐of‐bag classification error rate (OOB) and variable important spectrum (IS). Our results support that RFOOB had better performance than MARS and RFIS in detecting important variables. This study demonstrates that TRMOOB, which is RFOOB plus MARS, has combined the strengths of RF and MARS in identifying SNP‐SNP interactions in a scenario of 100 candidate SNPs. TRMOOB had greater true positive rate and lower false positive rate compared with MARS, particularly for searching interactions with a strong association with the outcome. Therefore, the use of TRMOOB is favored for exploring SNP‐SNP interactions in a large‐scale genetic variation study.
Aquatic Leisure satisfaction and engagement in Neuropalliative Disability Management
Authors: Fenech Anne
Published: December 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 519–527

Aquatic Leisure satisfaction and engagement in Neuropalliative Disability Management

This article describes a single‐case design study and uses an occupational science focus to explore the effects of ‘Aquability’ as perceived by participants with neuropalliative conditions. Data collection tools include the Individual Child Engagement Record and the adapted Leisure Satisfaction Scale – short form by 14 participants (who had Barthel scores averaging 7/100). The time‐sampled observations of engagement showed a significant difference between the scores for the control condition and the ‘Aquability’ sessions. The participants reported being in control, learning about themselves or others and feeling healthier after a session. They reported experiencing a sense of achievement and novelty, which was interesting and enjoyable. ‘Aquability’ appears to be a satisfying use of free time for participants with neuropalliative conditions.
Effect of endogen‐exogenous melatonin and erythropoietin on dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid–induced colitis
Authors: Tasdemir Seda , Parlakpinar Hakan , Vardi Nigar , Kaya Emin , Acet Ahmet
Published: December 2011

Inflammatory bowel disease has been linked to elevated T cells. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis are known to be accompanied by intestinal inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the effects of melatonin (MEL) and erythropoietin (EPO), which is a known anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic agent, in dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)–induced colitis in pinealectomized (Px) rats. In microscopically results, epithelial and goblet cell loss, absence of crypts, and increased colonic caspase‐3 activity were observed in the DNBS group. Also, in flow cytometric analysis, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was highest in the DNBS group. Treatment with MEL or EPO had a curative effect on DNBS‐induced colitis. The MEL + EPO groups showed significantly greater improvement when compared with the other treatment groups. Our results indicate that the combination of EPO and MEL may exert more beneficial effects than either agent used alone.
Common variants in chromosome 4q25 are associated with myopia in Chinese adults
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Panfeng , Li Shiqiang , Xiao Xueshan , Jia Xiaoyun , Guo Xiangming , Zhang Qingjiong
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Gao Y, Wang P, Li S, Xiao X, Jia X, Guo X & Zhang Q. Common variants in chromosome 4q25 are associated with myopia in Chinese adults. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 68‐73. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00885.x

Purpose:  A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of high myopia found that five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4q25 were associated with high myopia. The original study suggested replication studies were needed to validate these results. The aim of our study was to examine if these SNPs are associated with myopia in a different set of samples.

Methods:  Genomic DNA was collected from 2307 unrelated individuals, including 1052 university students without myopia and 1255 university students with myopia (615 students with moderate myopia and 640 students with high myopia). Four of the five reported SNPs at 4q25, rs2218817, rs10034228, rs1585471 and rs6837348, were genotyped using SNaPshot. The genotype and allele frequencies of the SNPs between myopias and controls were compared by chi‐squared test.

Results:  Genotype and allele frequencies of the four SNPs showed significant differences between the myopia and control groups (rs2218817: genotype p = 0.009, OR = 1.18; rs10034228: genotype p = 0.009, OR = 1.18; rs1585471: genotype p = 0.007, OR = 1.19 and rs6837348: genotype p = 0.012, OR = 1.18).

Conclusions:  Our results support the association between the four SNPs and myopia, suggesting a myopia predisposing locus at 4q25 that deserves further study.
Prevalence of myopia among Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren: changes over two decades
Authors: Lam Carly Siu‐Yin , Lam Chin‐Hang , Cheng Sam Chi‐Kwan , Chan Lily Yee‐Lai
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Lam CS‐Y, Lam C‐H, Cheng SC‐K & Chan LY‐L. Prevalence of myopia among Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren: changes over two decades. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 17‐24. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00886.x

Purpose:  Studies have documented an increasing prevalence of myopia among urbanized Asian countries over recent decades. In the early 1990s, the reported prevalence rate was 25% and 64% for 6 and 12 year old children respectively. This cross‐sectional study aims to determine the current prevalence of myopia amongst Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren and whether there has been any increase over the last two decades.

Methods:  Data from 2651 children aged 6–12 (mean age: 8.92 ± 1.77, 53% boys) who participated in vision screening during 2005–2010 were analyzed. Visual parameters including visual acuity (in logMAR) and binocular status under the participants’ habitual correction were assessed. Refractive errors were examined using non‐cycloplegic auto‐refraction and axial lengths were measured by partial coherence interferometry.

Results:  The mean spherical equivalent refraction for this population was −1.02 ± 1.70D, ranging from +4.75 to −10.00D. Prevalence of myopia (more than −0.50D) was 18.3% for the 6‐year‐old group and 61.5% for the 12‐year‐old group. Average myopia magnitude was −0.06 ± 1.03D at age 6 and −1.67 ± 1.99D at age 12. Prevalence of high myopia of more than −6.00D was 1.8%, with an increase from 0.7% at the age of 6 to 3.8% at the age of 12.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of myopia among the Chinese schoolchildren population in Hong Kong as observed in this cross‐sectional study are similar to our previously reported findings from almost two decades ago. There is no evidence that prevalence of myopia is increasing with time over the last two decades. However, the prevalence and degree of myopia in Chinese children is high as compared with other ethnic groups such as those reported among Caucasians.
Ontogenetic histology of Stegosaurus plates and spikes
Authors: HAYASHI SHOJI , CARPENTER KENNETH , WATABE MAHITO , McWHINNEY LORRIE A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  The dinosaur Stegosaurus is characterized by osteoderms of alternating plates and terminal paired spikes. Previous studies have described the histological features and possible functions of these osteoderms. However, ontogenetic changes are poorly documented. In this study, the ontogenetic changes of the osteoderms are examined using eight different ontogenetic skeletons (a juvenile, a subadult, a young adult, and five old adults based on the cortical histology of their body skeletons). The juvenile plate and subadult spike show thin cortex and thick cancellous bone. The young adult plates have an extensive vascular network, which is also seen in old adults. Old adult spikes are different from old adult plates in having a thick cortex and a large axial channel. The cortical histology, in both plates and spikes, show well‐vascularized bone tissue consisting of dense mineralized fibres in young adult forms. In old adult forms, the bone tissues in the spikes become more compact and are extensively remodelled. This might contribute to the structural reinforcement of the spikes. The plates in old adult forms also show extensive remodelling and lines of arrested growth, but only limited signs of compaction. The timing for acquisition of features seen in old adults is different between plates (an extensive vascular network in the young adult) and spikes (a thick cortex with a large axial channel in old adults). The result suggests that the timing for plate and spike functions is different. The extensive vascular networks seen in large plates suggest their function is for display and/or thermoregulation. The thick cortical bone of spikes of old adults suggests that spikes acquire a weapon function for defence ontogenetically late.
Gender Politics and Conservatism: The View from the British Conservative Party Grassroots
Authors: Webb Paul , Childs Sarah
Published: December 2011

Can conservatives be feminists? This article examines the issue by exploring the case of the British Conservative Party, drawing on a new survey of party members. Under David Cameron's leadership, reforms have been made to the party's parliamentary selection procedures and distinct women's policies developed, thus addressing both the descriptive and substantive representation of women. We examine party members' attitudes towards three types of gender issue: basic orientations towards gender roles and relations; specific policy measures relevant to the substantive representation of women; and the descriptive representation of women. Detailed empirical analysis reveals that there is significant support for progressive liberal feminist positions on each of these dimensions in the party, and that sex, age and basic ideological dispositions drive such attitudes to varying degrees. Even so, support for a liberal feminist position on the descriptive representation of women – that is, the aspect of gender politics where the leadership has been most active – remains on the whole quite limited.
Biting for attention: A case of dental discomfort manifesting in behavioural problems
Authors: INABA Akimichi , YOUNG Ciara , SHIELDS Deirdre
Published: December 2011

There is a dearth of literature describing behaviour that expresses discomfort caused by poor dentition in patients with dementia. In this paper, we report on a patient whose behaviour only abstrusely pointed to his teeth as the source of discomfort. Although changes to his medication over a 2‐year period had little effect, eventual extraction of his caries brought about an almost immediate resolution of all antisocial behaviour. Clinicians must be mindful that poor dental care is easily meliorated but remains endemic in patients suffering from dementia.