bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting susceptibility of white fir during a drought-associated outbreak of the fir engraver, Scolytusventralis, in California
Authors: Ferrell G.T. , Otrosina W.J. , Demars Jr. C.J.
Published: October 2007

Phenotypic traits were compared with a vigor (growth efficiency) index for accuracy in predicting susceptibility of white fir, Abiesconcolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl., during a drought-associated outbreak of the fir engraver, Scolytusventralis LeC., in the central Sierra Nevada at Lake Tahoe, California. Predictor variables were estimated for 633 firs in six forest stands in 1987. After 2 years, virtually all of the trees had been attacked by the beetle, and 230 (36.3%) had been killed or were dying. In all of the predictor variables, firs that were killed differed significantly from those that survived. Compared with survivors, firs that died averaged shorter, more ragged crowns and lower growth efficiencies. Also, firs that died were more frequently dominant or codominant in the stand canopy and, when characterized in 1987, more often evidenced signs of being under current or recent (in 1985 or 1986) attack by the beetles. But, on either an individual tree or a stand basis, predictive accuracy was inadequate. On an individual tree basis, discriminant functions using either the phenotypic traits or vigor index as predictors produced overall percentages of correct classification little or no higher than would be obtained by predicting all trees would survive. On a stand basis, regression models using stand means for either the phenotypic traits or vigor index and white fir basal area as predictors statistically accounted for at least 95% of observed variation in basal area of white fir killed. But another model, using only white fir basal area, performed as well. The "best" model, containing white fir basal area and total stand basal area, accounted for over 98% of observed variation.
The international impact of forestry research and a comparison with agricultural and fisheries research
Authors: Davis Jeff S. , Mckenney Daniel W. , Turnbull John W.
Published: October 2007

Setting research priorities is a challenge faced by many organizations. A framework has been developed to support decision making on research priorities. The potential welfare effects of research on different commodities are quantified using a multiregion trade model. The approach offers a means to collapse, into systematic analysis, many of the criteria and (or) objectives and the myriad of variables that drive the research policy process and the realization of welfare gains from research. Specific model variables include product definition, production and consumption information, prices, supply and demand elasticities, potential spillover effects of research, assessments of the relative strength of different research systems, ceiling levels of research adoption, and assessments of research and adoption lags. An international analysis shows considerable diversity in the potential gains from forestry research between both products and regions. Also, comparisons between sectors shows that some forest products are likely to be ranked in the highest priority research groupings along with agricultural products for most regions of the world considered in this analysis.
Water-stress tolerance of black and eastern cottonwood clones and four hybrid progeny. I. Growth, water relations, and gas exchange
Authors: Tschaplinski T.J. , Tuskan G.A. , Gunderson C.A.
Published: October 2007

Water-stress tolerance of six clones in a pedigree consisting of black cottonwood (Populustrichocarpa Torr. & Gray, female) and eastern cottonwood (Populusdeltoides Bartr., male) parental clones and four hybrid progeny was investigated. Trees were grown outdoors in pots; well-watered trees were kept moist (soil water potential greater than −0.03 MPa), and stressed trees (soil water potential less than −2.0 MPa) were subjected to repeated cyclical stress of 1 or 2 days duration over the 14-week study. Male P. deltoides and the male clone 242 displayed the greatest degree of stress tolerance, as evidenced by greater osmotic adjustment at saturation (0.25 MPa) and maintenance of relative growth rate of the main stem under water stress at 100 and 69% of that of well-watered trees, respectively, compared with reductions to 50–58% for the other hybrid clones. However, differences in total plant dry weight under water stress were less obvious, with female clones allocating more carbon to branch production under well-watered conditions, which was further increased under water stress. Three of the four hybrids displayed some degree of osmotic adjustment at saturation after bud set, which was likely conferred by male P. deltoides. Screening clones of Populus for drought tolerance should take into account the segregating tendency of hybrids to allocate carbon to lateral meristems under stress.
Calorimetric evidence for site-adapted biosynthetic metabolism in coast redwood (Sequoiasempervirens)
Authors: Anekonda Thimmappa S. , Criddle Richard S. , Libby W.J.
Published: October 2007

Uses of recently available calorimetry technology are explored for measurement of metabolic activity–temperature relations in coast redwoods (Sequoiasempervirens (D. Don) Endl.). These redwoods were collected from different parts of the native range and grown in a common-garden plantation. Analysis of metabolic activity from 10 to 55 °C was used to examine site adaptedness of respiratory metabolism in 16 representative clones of coast redwood. Apparent activation energies changed markedly over the range 12–52 °C, but the patterns of change were similar for clones from five geographical regions and thus appear to be general for the species. However, high-temperature stability, the temperature of peak activity, and the peak metabolic heat rate differed substantially among samples from the five regions. Additional variability in high temperature stability and the temperature of peak activity was measured between trees from the same stands within regions. We suggest that the observed regional and clonal variations in high-temperature stability, the temperature of peak activity, and the peak metabolic heat rate are biologically meaningful. These may be used both to understand the adaptive architecture of coast redwood and to select clones likely to be adapted to particular sites or defined ranges of sites.
Role of glutathione on recovery of red-osier dogwood plants from "near-lethal" heat stress
Authors: Shirazi A.M. , Siller-Cepeda J.H. , Fuchigami L.H.
Published: October 2007

This study reports on the relationship of glutathione to the recovery and death of red-osier dogwood, Cornussericea L., plants from "near-lethal" (NL) heat stress. Shoots of dormant red-osier dogwood plants were exposed to 51 °C for 1 h during early February, and then incubated in the dark at either 0 or 23 °C post-stress environment (PSE). In a previous study, NL heat stress treated plants incubated at 23 and 0 °C PSE recovered and died, respectively. Reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively) were measured with HPLC at 365 nm absorbance after 0 h, 24 h, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks PSE, respectively. Incubation of the NL heat stress treatments for 24 h at 23 ± 3 °C prior to post-treatments resulted in a significant decrease of GSSG and slight decrease of GSH. In contrast, the sudden exposure of NL stressed plants to 0 °C for 24 h resulted in a significant reduction of both GSH and GSSG levels after 2 and 4 weeks incubation. At 23 °C PSE, GSH and GSSG levels of NL heat stressed plants increased, while at 0 °C PSE the levels of both decreased.
Chloroplast DNA variation among and within taxonomic varieties of Pinuscaribaea and Pinuselliottii
Authors: Nelson C. Dana , Nance Warren L. , Wagner David B.
Published: October 2007

Chloroplast DNA BamHI restriction fragments were studied in Pinuselliottii Engelm. var. elliottii (11 trees), P. elliottii var. densa (2 trees), the three taxonomic varieties of Pinuscaribaea Morelet (39 trees), and Pinusoocarpa Schiede (9 trees). Polymorphism was detected within both P. elliottii varieties, but not within P. oocarpa. Each of the P. caribaea varieties was monomorphic, but the Cuban variety, P. caribaea var. caribaea, differed clearly from the Bahamian (P. caribaea var.bahamensis) and Honduran (P. caribaea var. hondurensis) varieties. Variety caribaea shared the most frequent chloroplast genotype of P. elliottii var. elliottii, while varieties bahamensis and hondurensis shared the second most frequent genotype of P. elliottii var. elliottii. The P. oocarpa chloroplast genotype was not found in other taxa of the present study, but was found previously in Pinusechinata Mill, and Pinuspalustris Mill. The results of this study, taken together with other chloroplast data from subsection Australes, suggest a close relationship between P. caribaea and P. elliottii. This confirms previous morphological and biochemical evidence, but several discrepancies were apparent and are discussed.
A Dutch elm disease resistant triploid elm
Authors: Sherald James L. , Santamour Jr. Frank S. , Hajela Ravindra K. , Hajela Neerja , Sticklen Mariam B.
Published: October 2007

A naturally occurring triploid elm hybrid was found in the American elm, Ulmusamericana L., planting on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Chromosome examinations of mitosis in root tips and meiosis in pollen mother cells showed a chromosome complement of 2n = 3x = 42. The chromosome alignment at meiotic metaphase I was predominantly 14 bivalents and 14 univalents, indicating that one parent was an American elm, which contributed the bivalents through autosyndetic pairing. When DNA underwent restriction digestion with HindIII and probed with a 9.5-kilobase cloned ribosomal DNA fragment from pea, Pisumsativum L., the triploid hybrid showed a band not found in American elms. Seed from the open-pollinated parent tree had low viability and seedlings were highly variable in height, leaf size, and shape. The small leaves of some seedlings suggest that the other parent was a species with leaves smaller than American elm. The hybrid was found to be resistant to Ophiostomaulmi (Buis.) Nannf. When twig crotches were inoculated, only 14% developed wilt compared with 63% in the American elm. None of the 22 hybrid trees inoculated developed systemic wilt compared with 8 of the 18 American elms inoculated. The hybrid, which is easily propagated by softwood cuttings, has rapid growth, good crown structure, and many characteristics of the American elm.
Acid rain and soils of the Adirondacks. II. Evaluation of calcium and aluminum as causes of red spruce decline at Whiteface Mountain, New York
Authors: Johnson A. H. , Schwartzman T.N. , Battles J.J. , Miller R. , Miller E.K. , Friedland A.J. , Vann D.R.
Published: October 2007

Several recent publications suggest that acid deposition produces high anion concentrations in the soil solution of high-elevation forests, causing Al-induced Ca deficiency in red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) root tips. Some authors suggest that this results in decreased growth below and above ground, decline, and ultimately in death. Accordingly, we examined soil solution Al and Ca, soil and foliar chemistry, and their relationship to red spruce decline on Whiteface Mountain, New York, where severe red spruce mortality occurred between the mid-1960s and late 1980s. Spruce mortality and crown condition are strongly related to elevation, but there is no evidence that the occurrence or degree of spruce decline is related to exchangeable Al, Mg, Ca, or their ratios in mineral or organic horizons. Foliar Ca and Mg concentrations that we measured were in the range judged to be sufficient based on field fertilization studies. Soil solution ratios of Ca:Al in mineral and organic horizons were above the threshold (1:1 molar ratio) proposed as detrimental to Ca uptake in all samples collected during three of four growing seasons, and soil-solution Al concentrations were well below levels thought to inhibit spruce root growth. If Al toxicity is a factor in red spruce decline on this mountain, it is acting in a way that is not detectable using soil and foliar analyses.
Development of a simulation model of the forest–tundra transition zone of northeastern Canada
Authors: Sirois Luc , Bonan Gordon Blackwell , Shugart Herman Henry
Published: October 2007

A forest succession model has been adapted to simulate the dynamics of subarctic spruce–lichen woodland of northeastern Canada. Most adaptations concern the simulation of seed regeneration of subarctic forest communities growing on moderately to well drained sites. The yearly seed production in Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.R stands is controlled by temperature and stand structural characteristics. In addition to the seed input, the model considers the influence of seedbed properties on the establishment of seedlings. Overall, this model simulates the entire regeneration dynamics in a more realistic way than in most other gap models where successional processes are driven by resource constraints on tree growth. The model produces realistic predictions about the pattern of early post-fire age structure, and the biomas and density dynamics of black spruce populations. Simulations under a climate-warming scenario suggest that physiognomic change in subarctic spruce–lichen woodland would be more pronounced in areas subjected to moderately frequent forest fires than in those where the fire frequency is very low.
Dynamics of balsam fir forests in relation to spruce budworm outbreaks in the Boreal Zone of Quebec
Authors: Morin Hubert
Published: October 2007

Age structures and growth curves were used to determine the origin and to follow the development of 17 balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) stands in the middle of the Boreal Zone in the north of Lake Saint-Jean, Quebec. Every growth curve from the studied sites presented a more or less long period of suppression in the early growth of the balsam fir, followed by a marked release synchronous between the trees of a given site. Generally, a balsam fir cohort established just before the growth release. Characteristic growth releases generally occurred after the formation of exceptionally narrow rings, which took place around 1952, 1914, and between 1860 and 1890 in the sampled trees. Unimodal even-aged stands regenerated from balsam fir advanced growth following spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)) outbreaks that rapidly defoliated the trees and caused openings, sometimes associated with blowdown; these outbreaks occurred between 1944 and 1953 (one stand), between 1909 and 1923 (six stands), and possibly between ca. 1860 and 1900 (seven stands). Bimodal and uneven-aged stands were associated with two spruce budworm outbreaks. In one stand, some of the trees regenerated from the spruce budworm outbreak that occurred between 1909 and 1923, but the 1944–1953 outbreak was intense enough to cause important defoliation and mortality, which released a second cohort. Finally, two stands regenerated from the possible spruce budworm outbreak that occurred around 1860–1900 and from the 1909–1923 outbreak. The presence of a fir cohort and associated growth release between 1860 and 1890 strongly suggests that an outbreak occurred at that time in the studied region. Every sampled stand from the Boreal Zone north of Lake Saint-Jean regenerated from a balsam fir seedling bank following a spruce budworm outbreak that affected the mature balsam fir canopy. These results are in good agreement with the hypothesis that spruce budworm outbreaks and balsam fir forests form an interdependent self-regulating system. Our study shows the drastic effect of spruce budworm outbreaks in the boreal forest, where black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) dominates.
Tree-ring evidence for endemicity of the larch sawfly in North America
Authors: Jardon Yves , Filion Louise , Cloutier Conrad
Published: October 2007

We present a 300-year tree-ring series (1682–1989) from eastern larch (Larixlaricina (Du Roi) K. Koch) that shows 10 distinct periods of major growth suppression attributable to larch sawfly (Pristiphoraerichsonii (Htg.)) infestations. The dendroecological record and histological data bring new evidence for endemicity of this forest insect in North America, leading to the conclusion that the larch sawfly was probably present as early as 1744 in the study site, i.e., more than a century before its presumed accidental introduction to North America from Europe around 1880. Rather than supporting the theory of a recent introduction, our results indicate that the disturbance regime associated with larch sawfly activity in northeastern North America shifted at the end of the 19th century.
The effects of early and late spring cuts on the sprouting success of red maple (Acerrubrum) in northwestern Quebec
Authors: Babeux Patrice , Mauffette Yves
Published: October 2007

Seven red maple (Acerrubrum L.) populations were selected in the Abitibi–Témiscamingue region of Quebec for a study of the influence of the cutting season, the stump age and size, on the species sprouting success at the northern limit of its range. In the spring of 1988, five red maple trees were cut at each site in May, before bud burst, and five other trees were cut in June, after full leaf expansion. The number and the biomass of sprouts produced, sprout growth, and sprout mortality were followed over a 2-year period. At the end of the first growing season (August 1988), stumps cut in May produced significantly more sprouts (53) and a higher biomass (38.9 g) than stumps cut in June (40 sprouts; 20.6 g). A second cohort of sprouts emerged from the stumps during the second growing season (1989), and the June treatment stumps (65.8 g) were then more productive than the May treatment stumps (39.0 g). Consequently, after two growing seasons, the total number and biomass of sprouts measured on the two treatments were no longer significantly different. Sprout mortality was high during the first winter (ca 60%), but much lower during the second winter (ca 30%). Stump productivity over the first 2 years was positively correlated with stump size for both treatments, and with stump age for the May treatment stumps only. Our results suggest that red maple sprouting success at the northern limit of its range is not influenced by the cutting season over a 2-year period, and that each stump has a certain sprouting potential related principally to its size.
Influence of Mount St. Helens ash on litter decomposition. II. Experimental studies with Douglas-fir needles
Authors: Erickson Heather E. , Edmonds Robert L.
Published: October 2007

The influence of air-fall tephra (ash) from the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruptions on decomposition of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) needles was studied in a field experiment at the Cedar River watershed near Seattle, Wash. Ash that fell on Yakima, Wash., was transported to the site and placed on 5 × 5 m plots in a 50-year-old Douglas-fir stand at depths of 5 and 20 cm. Objectives of the study were to determine: (i) decomposition rates of Douglas-fir needles on the ash surface, buried under ash, and in an untreated control; (ii) the effect of ash depth on decomposition rates; and (iii) the influence of ash on forest floor temperature and moisture. Yakima ash had considerable influence on forest floor temperature and moisture and Douglas-fir needle decomposition rates. Needles buried under 5 cm of ash had increased rates of decomposition after 2 years (k = 0.595/year) relative to control needles (k = 0.347/year), while those buried under 20 cm of ash had a similar rate of decomposition to control needles (k = 0.349/year), perhaps owing to ash compaction. Those on the ash surface had decreased rates of decomposition relative to buried needles. These results are similar to results found in the ash fall zone near Mount St. Helens, where needles located on top of ash decomposed slower than buried needles. Increased decomposition of tephra-affected forest floors, relative to unaffected areas, may have facilitated plant regrowth by increasing the availability of limiting nutrients. Ash created a more favorable temperature environment for decomposition beneath the ash with the forest floor under ash being cooler in summer and warmer in the cooler months. Forest floor moisture was reduced under the ash but did not appear to be limiting to decomposition.
The biogeochemical cycle in a healthy and highly productive Norway spruce (Piceaabies) ecosystem in the Vosges, France
Authors: Daldoum Mohamed Ahamed , Ranger Jacques
Published: October 2007

The biogechemical cycle in a highly productive and healthy Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) stand was studied in the west part of the Vosges Mountains, France. The plot, an 85-year-old plantation established on an acidic brown soil, was considered the healthy control of a series of stands in varying stages of decline in this area. The nutrient reserves were evaluated in the soil and in the living biomass. A classical design was set up and monitored for 3 years to measure the total atmospheric input and the transfer of solution through the ecosystem using tensionless lysimeters. The current soil functioning was dominated by the nitrogen cycle (nitrification) and the occurrence of large amounts of Al in the solution. Nitrification, essentially endogenous, was the main acidifying factor. Nitrates contribute to the leaching of large amounts of Ca and Mg. The mean annual losses in the seepage water at a depth of 60 cm were 17.2 kg•ha−1 of N, 10.2 kg•ha−1 of Ca, and 6 kg•ha−1 of Mg. The mean annual input-output budget of these elements was always negative (−6.3 kg•ha−1 for N; −4.7 kg•ha−1 for Ca; −2 kg•ha−1 for Mg). The seasonal budgets show that the atmospheric input is only helpful to the stand if it occurs during the growing period. The question of the perenniality of the current ecosystem productivity is of paramount interest, even if at present the available soil reserves and the nutrient content of solutions (absolute values and ratios between elements like Ca/Al and Mg/Al) indicate that tree nutrition is not a limiting factor.
Needle retention and needle loss of Scots pine in recent decades at Thetford and Alice Holt, England
Authors: Jalkanen Risto E. , Aalto Tarmo O. , Innes John L. , Kurkela Timo T. , Townsend Ian K.
Published: October 2007

Fourteen Scots pines (Pinussylvestris L.) were felled in Thetford and Alice Holt forests, southern England, for needle retention studies. In the field, the main stem of each tree was divided into annual sections, with each section being reduced to 30 cm long bolts or less, omitting branch whorls and using the internodal part of each annual shoot. The bolts were then planed one annual ring at a time to reveal the location of needle traces. In the summers of 1950–1990, the average needle retention was 2.6. Average needle retention varied annually from 1.5 to 3.3. There was a slight reduction in needle retention following high values at the end of the 1960s, and this accelerated during the 1980s. Needle retention history was similar at both Thetford and Alice Holt. The amount of annual needle loss varied between 0.3 and 1.6 needle sets, and the 40-year average of 1.02 sets indicated a long-term reduction in the number of needle sets during the lifetime of the trees.
The equine TLR4/MD-2 complex mediates recognition of lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides as an agonist
Authors: Lohmann Katharina L. , Vandenplas Michel L. , Barton Michelle H. , Bryant Clare E. , Moore James N.
Published: October 2007

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antagonists inhibit the response of inflammatory cells to LPS, presumably by competitive inhibition, and may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of endotoxemia and sepsis. The inhibitory effects of some LPS antagonists are restricted to certain host species, however, as the same molecules can have significant endotoxic activity in other species. This species-specific recognition appears to be mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and/or MD-2. We have shown previously that LPS from Rhodobacter sphaeroides ( RsLPS) is an LPS antagonist in human cells but an agonist (or LPS mimetic) in equine cells. In the present study, HEK293 cells were transfected with combinations of human and equine CD14, TLR4 and MD-2, and incubated with either RsLPS or with LPS from Escherichia coli as an endotoxin control. NF-κB activation was measured in a dual luciferase assay as an indicator of cellular activation. Our results indicate that E. colic LPS activated NF-κB in cells transfected with all combinations of the three receptor proteins, whereas RsLPS activated NF-κB only in cells expressing the single combination of equine TLR4 and equine MD-2. We conclude that the TLR4/MD-2 complex is responsible for recognition of RsLPS as an agonist in equine cells.
Perception versus Reality
Authors: Akerman Anna , Williams Marsha E. , Meunier John
Published: October 2007

This study investigated the relationship between parents' reports, as compared with our obtained measurements, of their children's body status. Separate body mass index (BMI) scores were calculated based on: (1) parents' report of their children's height and weight, and (2) children's measured height and weight. Results indicate that parents' perceptions of their children's body status reliably varied from the scores obtained from our measurements, such that parents whose children classified as overweight consistently underreported their children's BMI, while parents whose children fell into the underweight category did the opposite. Implications for the potential psychological mechanisms at play in addition to how these findings might relate to the larger childhood obesity crisis in the United States and internationally are discussed.
Microbial sulfate reduction and metal attenuation in pH 4 acid mine water
Authors: Church Clinton D , Wilkin Richard T , Alpers Charles N , Rye Robert O , McCleskey R Blaine
Published: October 2007

Sediments recovered from the flooded mine workings of the Penn Mine, a Cu-Zn mine abandoned since the early 1960s, were cultured for anaerobic bacteria over a range of pH (4.0 to 7.5). The molecular biology of sediments and cultures was studied to determine whether sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were active in moderately acidic conditions present in the underground mine workings. Here we document multiple, independent analyses and show evidence that sulfate reduction and associated metal attenuation are occurring in the pH-4 mine environment. Water-chemistry analyses of the mine water reveal: (1) preferential complexation and precipitation by H2S of Cu and Cd, relative to Zn; (2) stable isotope ratios of 34S/32S and 18O/16O in dissolved SO4 that are 2–3 ‰ heavier in the mine water, relative to those in surface waters; (3) reduction/oxidation conditions and dissolved gas concentrations consistent with conditions to support anaerobic processes such as sulfate reduction. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of sediment show 1.5-micrometer, spherical ZnS precipitates. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses of Penn Mine sediment show a high biomass level with a moderately diverse community structure composed primarily of iron- and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Cultures of sediment from the mine produced dissolved sulfide at pH values near 7 and near 4, forming precipitates of either iron sulfide or elemental sulfur. DGGE coupled with sequence and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA gene segments showed populations of Desulfosporosinus and Desulfitobacterium in Penn Mine sediment and laboratory cultures.
The transcription of MGAT4A glycosyl transferase is increased in white cells of peripheral blood of Type 2 Diabetes patients
Authors: López-Orduña Eduardo , Cruz Miguel , García-Mena Jaime
Published: October 2007

Background

Human glycosylase IV is involved in GLUT2 transporter regulation in pancreatic β cells. A KO of this gene along with a high fat diet in a mice model has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aims of this study were to measure and compare the MGAT4A mRNA levels in white blood cells (WBC) from T2D subjects and healthy subjects (T2NB), and to measure the half-life of the MGAT4A mRNA.

Results

We studied a sample of 73 individuals, 40 T2D subjects and 33 T2NB subjects. Anthropometrical and biochemical profiles were registered. The MGAT4A mRNA levels in WBC and the transcript half-life in Jurkat T cells were determined by Real-Time PCR. A blood differential cell counting was made for each individual. Cell counting showed T2D subjects exhibited an increased number of WBC compared to T2NB subjects (P = 0.0001). Biochemical parameters such as fasting glucose (P = 0.0001), and triglycerides (P = 0.002) were statistically significant. T2D subjects had 4.2-fold more MGAT4A transcript compared to T2NB subjects (P = 0.002). The MGAT4A mRNA had a half-life of 2.04 h in Jurkat T cells.

Conclusion

The results of this work suggest that in T2D subjects, high levels of glucose and triglycerides are accompanied by an increase on MGAT4A mRNA levels and WBC count; condition that suggests a pro-inflammatory state due to a chronic metabolic stress.
Five distinct biological processes and 14 differentially expressed genes characterize TEL/AML1-positive leukemia
Authors: Gandemer Virginie , Rio Anne-Gaëlle , de Tayrac Marie , Sibut Vonnick , Mottier Stéphanie , Ly Sunnaram Béatrice , Henry Catherine , Monnier Annabelle , Berthou Christian , Le Gall Edouard , Le Treut André , Schmitt Claudine , Le Gall Jean-Yves , Mosser Jean , Galibert Marie-Dominique
Published: October 2007

Background

The t(12;21)(p13;q22) translocation is found in 20 to 25% of cases of childhood B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This rearrangement results in the fusion of ETV6 (TEL) and RUNX1 (AML1) genes and defines a relatively uniform category, although only some patients suffer very late relapse. TEL/AML1-positive patients are thus an interesting subgroup to study, and such studies should elucidate the biological processes underlying TEL/AML1 pathogenesis. We report an analysis of gene expression in 60 children with B-lineage ALL using Agilent whole genome oligo-chips (44K-G4112A) and/or real time RT-PCR.

Results

We compared the leukemia cell gene expression profiles of 16 TEL/AML1-positive ALL patients to those of 44 TEL/AML1-negative patients, whose blast cells did not contain any additional recurrent translocation. Microarray analyses of 26 samples allowed the identification of genes differentially expressed between the TEL/AML1-positive and negative ALL groups. Gene enrichment analysis defined five enriched GO categories: cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility and response to wounding, associated with 14 genes -RUNX1, TCFL5, TNFRSF7, CBFA2T3, CD9, SCARB1, TP53INP1, ACVR1C, PIK3C3, EGFL7, SEMA6A, CTGF, LSP1, TFPI – highlighting the biology of the TEL/AML1 sub-group. These results were first confirmed by the analysis of an additional microarray data-set (7 patient samples) and second by real-time RT-PCR quantification and clustering using an independent set (27 patient samples). Over-expression of RUNX1 (AML1) was further investigated and in one third of the patients correlated with cytogenetic findings.

Conclusion

Gene expression analyses of leukemia cells from 60 children with TEL/AML1-positive and -negative B-lineage ALL led to the identification of five biological processes, associated with 14 validated genes characterizing and highlighting the biology of the TEL/AML1-positive ALL sub-group.
The hematopoietic factor GM-CSF (Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) promotes neuronal differentiation of adult neural stem cells in vitro
Authors: Krüger Carola , Laage Rico , Pitzer Claudia , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger , Schneider Armin
Published: October 2007

Background

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor involved in the generation of granulocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells. We have recently demonstrated that GM-CSF has anti-apoptotic functions on neurons, and is neuroprotective in animal stroke models.

Results

The GM-CSF receptor α is expressed on adult neural stem cells in the rodent brain, and in culture. Addition of GM-CSF to NSCs in vitro increased neuronal differentiation in a dose-dependent manner as determined by quantitative PCR, reporter gene assays, and FACS analysis.

Conclusion

Similar to the hematopoietic factor Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), GM-CSF stimulates neuronal differentiation of adult NSCs. These data highlight the astonishingly similar functions of major hematopoietic factors in the brain, and raise the clinical attractiveness of GM-CSF as a novel drug for neurological disorders.
Nuclear localization and cytosolic overexpression of LASP-1 correlates with tumor size and nodal-positivity of human breast carcinoma
Authors: Grunewald Thomas GP , Kammerer Ulrike , Kapp Michaela , Eck Matthias , Dietl Johannes , Butt Elke , Honig Arnd
Published: October 2007

Background

LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP-1), initially identified from human breast cancer, is a specific focal adhesion protein involved in cell proliferation and migration, which was reported to be overexpressed in 8–12 % of human breast cancers and thought to be exclusively located in cytoplasm.

Methods

In the present work we analyzed the cellular and histological expression pattern of LASP-1 and its involvement in biological behavior of human breast cancer through correlation with standard clinicopathological parameters and expression of c-erbB2 (HER-2/neu), estrogen- (ER) and progesterone-receptors (PR). For this purpose immunohistochemical staining intensity and percentage of stained cells were semi-quantitatively rated to define a LASP-1 immunoreactive score (LASP-1-IRS). LASP-1-IRS was determined in 83 cases of invasive ductal breast carcinomas, 25 ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) and 18 fibroadenomas. Cellular LASP-1 distribution and expression pattern was visualized by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy and assessed through separate Western blots of nuclear and cytosol preparations of BT-20, MCF-7, MDA-MB231, and ZR-75/1 breast cancer cells.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that the resulting LASP-1-IRS was significantly higher in invasive carcinomas compared to fibroadenomas (p = 0.0176). Strong cytoplasmatic expression of LASP-1 was detected in 55.4 % of the invasive carcinomas, which correlated significantly with nuclear LASP-1-positivity (p = 0.0014), increased tumor size (p = 0.0159) and rate of nodal-positivity (p = 0.0066). However, levels of LASP-1 expression did not correlate with average age at time point of diagnosis, histological tumor grading, c-erbB2-, ER- or PR-expression.

Increased nuclear localization and cytosolic expression of LASP-1 was found in breast cancer with higher tumor stage as well as in rapidly proliferating epidermal basal cells. Confocal microscopy and separate Western blots of cytosolic and nuclear preparations confirmed nuclear localization of LASP-1.

Conclusion

The current data provide evidence that LASP-1 is not exclusively a cytosolic protein, but is also detectable within the nucleus. Increased expression of LASP-1 in vivo is present in breast carcinomas with higher tumor stage and therefore may be related with worse prognosis concerning patients' overall survival.
Antimalarial activity of the anticancer and proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and its analog ZL3B
Authors: Reynolds Jennifer M , El Bissati Kamal , Brandenburg Jens , Günzl Arthur , Mamoun Choukri Ben
Published: October 2007

Background

The high rate of mortality due to malaria and the worldwide distribution of parasite resistance to the commonly used antimalarial drugs chloroquine and pyrimethamine emphasize the urgent need for the development of new antimalarial drugs. An alternative approach to the long and uncertain process of designing and developing new compounds is to identify among the armamentarium of drugs already approved for clinical treatment of various human diseases those that may have strong antimalarial activity.

Methods

Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade™: [(1R)-3-methyl-1-[[(2S)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-2-[(pyrazinylcarbonyl) amino]propyl]amino]butyl] boronic acid), which has been approved for treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, and a second boronate analog Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-B(OH)2 (ZL3B), were tested against four different strains of P. falciparum (3D7, HB3, W2 and Dd2) that are either sensitive or have different levels of resistance to the antimalarial drugs pyrimethamine and chloroquine.

Results

Bortezomib and ZL3B are equally effective against drug-sensitive and -resistant parasites and block intraerythrocytic development prior to DNA synthesis, but have no effect on parasite egress or invasion.

Conclusion

The identification of bortezomib and its analog as potent antimalarial drugs will set the stage for the advancement of this class of compounds, either alone or in combination therapy, for treatment of malaria, and emphasize the need for large-scale screens to identify new antimalarials within the library of clinically approved compounds.
Health service utilization patterns of primary care patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Rosemann Thomas , Joos Stefanie , Szecsenyi Joachim , Laux Gunter , Wensing Michel
Published: October 2007

Background

To assess factors associated with visits to GPs, orthopaedists, and non-physician practitioners of complementary medicine (alternative practitioners) by primary care patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Cross-sectional survey among 1250 consecutively addressed patients from 75 primary care practices in Germany. All patients suffered from OA of the knee or hip according to ACR criteria. They received questionnaires collecting sociodemographic data, data about health service utilisation, prescriptions, comorbidities. They also included established instruments as the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS2-SF) to assess disease-specific quality of life and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression. Hierarchical stepwise multiple linear regression models were used to reveal significant factors influencing health service utilization.

Results

1021 of 1250 (81.6%) questionnaires were returned. Nonrespondents did not differ from participants. Factors associated with health service use (HSU) varied between providers of care. Not being in a partnership, achieving a high score on the PHQ-9, increased pain severity reflected in the “symptom” scale of the AIMS2-SF, and an increased number of drug prescriptions predicted a high frequency of GP visits. The PHQ-9 score was also a predictor for visits to orthopaedists, as were previous GP contacts, a high score in the "symptom" scale as well as a high score in the "lower limb scale" of the AIMS2-SF. Regarding visits to alternative practitioners, a high score in the AIMS -"social" scale was a positive predictor as older people were less likely to visit them.

Conclusion

Our results emphasize the need for awareness of psychological factors contributing to the use of health care providers. Addressing the revealed factors associated with HSU appropriately may lead to decreased health care utilization. But further research is needed to assess how this can be done successfully.
Team climate, intention to leave and turnover among hospital employees: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Kivimäki Mika , Vanhala Anna , Pentti Jaana , Länsisalmi Hannakaisa , Virtanen Marianna , Elovainio Marko , Vahtera Jussi
Published: October 2007

Background

In hospitals, the costs of employee turnover are substantial and intentions to leave among staff may manifest as lowered performance. We examined whether team climate, as indicated by clear and shared goals, participation, task orientation and support for innovation, predicts intention to leave the job and actual turnover among hospital employees.

Methods

Prospective study with baseline and follow-up surveys (2–4 years apart). The participants were 6,441 (785 men, 5,656 women) hospital employees under the age of 55 at the time of follow-up survey. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used as an analysis method to include both individual and work unit level predictors in the models.

Results

Among stayers with no intention to leave at baseline, lower self-reported team climate predicted higher likelihood of having intentions to leave at follow-up (odds ratio per 1 standard deviation decrease in team climate was 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.4–1.8). Lower co-worker assessed team climate at follow-up was also association with such intentions (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.4). Among all participants, the likelihood of actually quitting the job was higher for those with poor self-reported team climate at baseline. This association disappeared after adjustment for intention to leave at baseline suggesting that such intentions may explain the greater turnover rate among employees with low team climate.

Conclusion

Improving team climate may reduce intentions to leave and turnover among hospital employees.
A five-year review of burn injuries in Irrua
Authors: Dongo Andrew E , Irekpita Eshobo E , Oseghale Lilian O , Ogbebor Charles E , Iyamu Christopher E , Onuminya John E
Published: October 2007

Background

The management of burns remains a challenge in developing countries. Few data exist to document the extent of the problem. This study provides data from a suburban setting by documenting the epidemiology of burn injury and ascertaining outcome of management. This will help in planning strategies for prevention of burns and reducing severity of complications.

Methods

A total of 72 patients admitted for burns between January 1st, 2002 and December 31st, 2006 at the Irrua specialist teaching hospital were studied retrospectively. Sources of information were the case notes and operation registers. Data extracted included demographics as well as treatment methods and outcome

Results

The results revealed male to female ratio of 2.1:1. Over 50% of the injuries occurred at home. There was a seasonal variation with over 40% of injuries occurring between November and January. The commonest etiologic agent was flame burn from kerosene explosion. There were 7 deaths in the series.

Conclusion

Burns are preventable. We recommend adequate supply of unadulterated petroleum products and establishment of burn centers.
A BAC clone fingerprinting approach to the detection of human genome rearrangements
Authors: Krzywinski Martin , Bosdet Ian , Mathewson Carrie , Wye Natasja , Brebner Jay , Chiu Readman , Corbett Richard , Field Matthew , Lee Darlene , Pugh Trevor , Volik Stas , Siddiqui Asim , Jones Steven , Schein Jacquie , Collins Collin , Marra Marco
Published: October 2007

We present a method, called fingerprint profiling (FPP), that uses restriction digest fingerprints of bacterial artificial chromosome clones to detect and classify rearrangements in the human genome. The approach uses alignment of experimental fingerprint patterns to in silico digests of the sequence assembly and is capable of detecting micro-deletions (1-5 kb) and balanced rearrangements. Our method has compelling potential for use as a whole-genome method for the identification and characterization of human genome rearrangements.
Full-bore crank-angle resolved imaging of combustion in a four-stroke gasoline direct injection engine
Authors: Ma H , Marshall S , Stevens R , Stone R
Published: October 2007

The conventional Bowditch piston arrangement in an optical access engine limits the field of view to about half the bore area. By using a transparent crown (with a flat top) and incorporating a concave surface into the underside of the piston, then the piston crown acts as a diverging lens. Appropriate choice of the radius of curvature and the piston crown thickness provides an image of the full bore. There is of course optical distortion in the image but, since the piston position is known for each image, then it is comparatively simple to reconstruct undistorted images and videos.

As an illustration of the technique, results are presented here for flame front tracking, and estimates of the combustion temperature and soot loading by a colour ratio pyrometry technique. This full-bore imaging technique is also applicable to many other optical diagnostic techniques. For a motored engine with particle imaging velocimetry and an optical cylinder liner, then the light sheet could enter either through the piston to illuminate a vertical plane or through the cylinder liner and be imaged through the piston. The choice of laser-based combustion diagnostic techniques would be limited by the transmission range of the piston window.
Modified Salter osteotomy for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Eren A. , Pekmezci M. , Demirkiran G. , Cakar M. , Guven M. , Yazici M.
Published: October 2007

The Salter innominate osteotomy has been used successfully for many years in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. One of its main drawbacks is the need for internal fixation with pins and their subsequent removal. We describe a modification of this osteotomy that does not require pin fixation and secondary removal. We retrospectively reviewed 114 hips in 94 patients who had been operated on by a single surgeon. An oblique rather than the original horizontal osteotomy was used without internal fixation. There were 80 female and 14 male patients. The mean age at operation was 25 months (18 to 84) and the mean follow-up was 30 months (12 to 88). Most patients required additional open reduction and capsuloplasty. The mean pre-operative acetabular index was 37.9° (24° to 54°), which decreased to 19.9° (7° to 29°) in the immediate post-operative period, and improved to 14.6° (5° to 25°) at the final follow-up (student’s t-test, p < 0.0001).

We believe that by changing the direction of the osteotomy line, it is possible to avoid pin fixation. The radiological outcomes are comparable to those of the original technique, but longer follow-up will be necessary.
The genetic predisposition to adverse outcome after trauma
Authors: Giannoudis P. V. , van Griensven M. , Tsiridis E. , Pape H. C.
Published: October 2007

Technological advances and shorter rescue times have allowed early and effective resuscitation after trauma and brought attention to the host response to injury. Trauma patients are at risk of progressive organ dysfunction from what appears to be an uncontrolled immune response. The availability of improved techniques of molecular diagnosis has allowed investigation of the role of genetic variations in the inflammatory response to post-traumatic complications and particularly to sepsis.

This review examines the current evidence for the genetic predisposition to adverse outcome after trauma. While there is evidence supporting the involvement of different polymorphic variants of genes in determining the post-traumatic course and the development of complications, larger-scale studies are needed to improve the understanding of how genetic variability influences the responses to post-traumatic complications and pharmacotherapy.