bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics of cattails in radioactively contaminated areas around Chornobyl
Authors: TSYUSKO OLGA V. , SMITH MICHAEL H. , OLEKSYK TARAS K. , GORYANAYA JULIA , GLENN TRAVIS C.
Published: April 2006

Research on populations from radioactively contaminated areas around Chornobyl has produced ambiguous results for the presence of radiation effects. More studies are needed to provide information on whether radiation exposure at Chornobyl significantly affected genetic diversity in natural populations of various taxa. Eleven and nine variable microsatellite loci were used to test for differences in genetic diversity between reference and Chornobyl populations of two cattail species (Typha angustifoliaandTypha latifolia,respectively) from Ukraine. Our purpose was to determine whether radiation had a significant impact on genetic diversities of the ChornobylTyphapopulations, or if their genetic composition might be better explained by species demography and/or changes in population dynamics, mainly in sexual and asexual reproduction. Populations closest to the reactor had increased genetic diversities and high number of genets, which likely were due to factors other than radiation including increased gene flow among Chornobyl populations, enhanced sexual reproduction within populations, and/or origin of the genets from seed bank. BothTyphaspecies also demonstrated small but significant effects associated with latitude, geographical regions, and watersheds.Typha's demography in Ukraine possibly varies with these three factors, and the small difference between Chornobyl and reference populations ofT. latifoliadetected after partitioning the total genetic variance between them is probably due primarily to these factors. However, the positive correlations of several genetic characteristics with radionuclide concentrations suggest that radiation may have also affected genetics of ChornobylTyphapopulations but much less than was expected considering massive contamination of the Chornobyl area.
New imaging in neurogastroenterology: an overview
Authors: Camilleri M.
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Advances in imaging are being introduced initially as research tools and subsequently as clinical diagnostic tests. These investigations include modifications of the standard gastric emptying by scintigraphy to include application of intraluminal ultrasound to image sustained contractions and longitudinal shortening in the oesophagus, 2‐ and 4‐h images, volumetric measurements to measure gastric volume, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to appraise the structure and function of the rectal evacuation process, and brain imaging as a surrogate for the investigation of the brain's contribution to functional gastrointestinal disorders and chronic pain syndromes. There is a need for rigorous validation and measurement of the performance characteristics of these tests. Given the impact of gastric emptying at 4 h and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging for measuring gastric volumes on research and clinical practice, it is anticipated that, once validated, these different techniques are likely to have a significant impact on neurogastroenterology and, potentially, replace more invasive procedures.
Effect of an acute intraluminal administration of capsaicin on oesophageal motor pattern in GORD patients with ineffective oesophageal motility
Authors: Grossi L. , Cappello G. , Marzio L.
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Ineffective oesophageal motility (IOM) is a functional disorder affecting about 50% of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients. This disease in a severe form limits the clearing ability of the oesophagus and is considered one of the predictive factors for poorer GORD resolution. Capsaicin, the active compound of red pepper, exerts a prokinetic effect on oesophageal motility in healthy subjects by increasing the amplitude of body waves, even if no evidence exists on its possible role in situations of reduced motility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an acute administration of capsaicin on the oesophageal motor pattern in a group of GORD patients affected by severe IOM. Twelve GORD patients with severe IOM received an intra‐oesophageal administration of 2 mL of a red pepper–olive oil mixture and 2 mL of olive oil alone serving as a control during a stationary manometry. The motor patterns of the oesophageal body and lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) were analysed at baseline and after the infusion of the two stimuli. The administration of capsaicin induced a significant improvement in oesophageal body contractility when compared with baseline. The velocity of propagation of waves and the LOS basal tone remained unchanged. The motor pattern was unaltered by the administration of olive oil alone. An acute administration of capsaicin seems to improve the motor performance of the oesophageal body in patients with ineffective motility. Whether this could represent the basis for further therapeutic approaches of GORD patients needs further study.
High‐resolution shallow seismic identification of gas escape features in the sediments of Loch Tay, Scotland: tectonic and microbiological associations
Authors: DUCK ROBERT W. , HERBERT RODNEY A.
Published: April 2006

High‐resolution seismic reflection profiles (3·5 kHz) have revealed the presence of extensive interstitial gas accumulation within the sedimentary sequences of Loch Tay, Scotland, as identified by acoustic turbidity masking the seismic stratigraphy. Within the central section of the loch, in the deepest water area directly above the zone of the seismically active Loch Tay Fault, focused flows of gas through the sediment pile to the loch bed via chimneys and pockmarks, together with gas seeps within the water column, have been identified. Microbiological observations indicate that the gas is biogenic CH4, produced by both chemoautotrophic (which use CO2 as a source of carbon and H2 as a source of energy) and aceticlastic species (which use acetate as a source of carbon and energy) of methanogens in the fine‐grained, organic rich deposits that have been focused into the zone of accumulation in the deep central part of the loch. The spatial distribution of the gas escape features suggests that earthquake movements along the Loch Tay Fault are responsible for facilitating focused gas escape in this part of the loch, by the creation of new pathways and conduits through the sediment pile, along which gas can migrate upwards and exit into the water column. Relict pockmarks and associated chimneys identified in the seismic records indicate that gas escape has been taking place since Pleistocene times though the precise timings cannot be ascertained. This is the first time that such features have been reported from a lake in the UK.
Direct regulation of the floral homeotic APETALA1 gene by APETALA3 and PISTILLATA in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sundström Jens F. , Nakayama Naomi , Glimelius Kristina , Irish Vivian F.
Published: April 2006

The floral homeotic gene APETALA1 (AP1) specifies floral meristem identity and sepal and petal identity in Arabidopsis. Consistent with its multiple roles during floral development, AP1 is initially expressed throughout the floral meristem, and later its expression becomes restricted to sepal and petal primordia. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we show that the floral homeotic PISTILLATA (PI) protein, required for petal and stamen development, has the ability to bind directly to the promoter region of AP1. In support of the hypothesis that PI, and its interacting partner APETALA3 (AP3), regulates the transcription of AP1, we show that AP1 transcript levels are elevated in strong ap3‐3 mutant plants. Kinetic studies, using transgenic Arabidopsis plants in which both AP3 and PI are under post‐translational control, show that AP1 transcript levels are downregulated within 2 h of AP3/PI activation. This implies that the reduction in AP1 transcripts is an early event in the cascade following AP3/PI induction and provides independent support for the hypothesis that AP1 is a direct target of the AP3/PI heterodimer. Together these results suggest a model whereby AP3/PI directly acts, in combination with other factors, to restrict the expression of AP1 during early stages of floral development.
The Context and Quality of Social Relationships Affect Vigilance Behaviour in Wild Chimpanzees
Authors: Kutsukake Nobuyuki
Published: April 2006

Previous studies of vigilance behaviour have focused mainly on the influence of predation threat, whereas the influences of conspecific factors, such as within‐group threats, are relatively unstudied. To elucidate the influences of conspecific factors, this study examined vigilance behaviour in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Vigilance level was lower during foraging than during resting, which indicated a conflict between vigilance and foraging activity. In addition, vigilance level was higher when chimpanzees were on the ground where an encounter with leopards (Panthera pardus) is likely than when the chimpanzees were in trees. Males, but not females, increased their level of vigilance as the number of individuals within 3 m increased. In both males and females, daily party size – an index of group cohesion – did not affect the vigilance level. The level of maternal vigilance was higher when a dependent infant was separated from its mother than when the offspring was in contact with its mother. Both males and females increased their vigilance when a less‐associated group member was nearby, when compared with when there was no less‐associated group member nearby. This finding suggests that variation in relationship quality influences the vigilance level and that individuals need to increase their level of vigilance when the level of within‐group threats is high. This study indicated that variation in vigilance cannot be understood unless conspecific factors, such as variation in the relationship quality with associates, are considered.
Experimental Evidence for Male Sequential Mate Preference in a Lekking Species
Authors: Werner Noam Y. , Lotem Arnon
Published: April 2006

In lekking species females visit male aggregations solely to copulate or have their eggs fertilized. Because lekking males do not contribute to parental care, evolutionary theory does not expect them to be choosy. However, we show here that in the cichlid fish Astatotilapia flaviijosephi the lekking males exhibit sequential mate preference that strongly suggests a trade‐off between present and future reproductive effort. We tested mate preferences of A. flaviijosephi males by sequentially presenting them with two images of a gravid female, differing only in size. Previously, males were shown to prefer larger, more fecund females in simultaneous preference tests. The sequential presentation experiment reported here indicates that even in the absence of simultaneous presentation, males spent more time courting larger female images, and stayed longer in their vicinity. Thus, our study suggests that lekking males may be much choosier than previously appreciated. Furthermore, considering the intense competition among lekking males we also suggest that male choosiness, combined with other factors, may help to solve the ‘paradox of the lek’. It can make less attractive females more available to subordinate males, thereby increasing the contribution of the latter to the population gene pool and keeping genetic variability among males at a level that justifies female choice.
Measurement of crack bridging stresses in environment‐assisted cracking of duplex stainless by synchrotron diffraction
Authors: MARROW T. J. , STEUWER A. , MOHAMMED F. , ENGELBERG D. , SARWAR M.
Published: April 2006

Crack propagation studies have been conducted in age‐hardened Zeron 100 duplex stainless steel, which in the 475 °C embrittled condition exhibits environment‐assisted cracking under cathodic conditions in aqueous 3.5% NaCl solution. Values of the threshold stress intensity for environment‐assisted cracking, K1SCC, measured by crack arrest, show R‐curve behaviour. Diffraction experiments on the high‐energy beamline ID15A at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) were performed to measure the crystal lattice strains in ferrite and austenite in wedge open loaded (WOL) stress corrosion specimens. The observations demonstrate that significant crack bridging stresses develop in the wake of the crack. This is due to branching of the environment‐assisted crack. Simple bridging models for the effect of the measured stresses are in agreement with the observed R‐curve behaviour.
Training for neonatal resuscitation with the laryngeal mask airway: a comparison of the LMA‐ProSeal and the LMA‐Classic in an airway management manikin
Authors: MICAGLIO MASSIMO , DOGLIONI NICOLETTA , PAROTTO MATTEO , ZANARDO VINCENZO , ORI CARLO , TREVISANUTO DANIELE
Published: April 2006

Background : Neonatal resuscitation is a mandatory skill for healthcare professionals involved in maternity suites. For ethical reasons, it is impossible to teach and practice airway management skills on neonates, and manikins are used for this purpose. The Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway TM (cLMA) is accepted as an effective device for airway management during neonatal resuscitation. A neonatal size of the LMA‐ProSealTM (PLMA) was recently produced, but there are no comparative data on its performance. We describe the comparison of the performances of the neonatal cLMA and the neonatal PLMA when used by different healthcare professionals in a dedicated airway management manikin.

Methods : Thirty‐five healthcare professionals, were given a brief description of the two devices followed by 15 min of supervised insertions on a single manikin. Every trainee was then instructed to insert both devices four times. The time from insertion to the first inflation of the artificial lungs (insertion time, IT) was recorded by a single unblinded observer.

Results : No failed insertions were recorded. The success rates of the first attempt were higher with the PLMA than the cLMA (97.1% vs 92.1%; P < 0.01). The mean ± sd (range) IT was significantly lower with the cLMA compared with the PLMA [10.47 ± 2.85 (6–22) s vs 11.34 ± 2.5 (7–18) s; P < 0.01]. The mean ± sd (range) IT of the cLMA was 12.31 ± 3.54 (7–22) s for the first positioning and 9.2 ± 2.34 (6–16) s for the fourth (P < 0.01). The mean ± sd (range) IT of the PLMA was 12.71 ± 2.52 (8–18) s for the first positioning and 10.17 ± 2.28 (7–14) s for the fourth (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences among groups.

Conclusions : Both LMAs are easy to insert by different delivery‐room workers. PLMA (with the introducer tool) has a higher success rate at first attempt than cLMA. Manikin ventilation was established equally without difference in performance among doctors, nurses, midwives. A brief manikin‐training reduces the IT significantly. The longer IT of PLMA vs cLMA is without clinical relevance.
Anesthesia for pediatric gastroscopy: a study comparing the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway with nasal cannulae
Authors: LOPEZ‐GIL MAITE , BRIMACOMBE JOSEPH , DÍAZ‐REGAÑON GONZALO
Published: April 2006

Background : We tested the hypothesis that pediatric gastroscopy is more successful using the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway with the drain tube as a conduit to the stomach (ProSeal LMA group) than using nasal cannulae with conventional oral access to the stomach (NC group).

Methods : Sixty children were consecutively and randomly allocated into each group. Patients breathed spontaneously and were given sevoflurane/air/oxygen mixture with propofol 1 mg·kg−1 boluses, as required. Anesthesia was provided by experienced users of both techniques. The following data were collected by an unblinded observer: operation and anesthesia times; cardiorespiratory data; adverse events; and recovery scores. In addition, the surgeon scored the ease of performing the procedure.

Results : The mean (range) age and weight was 74 (24–144) months and 26 (10–61) kg. Operation (15 min vs 24 min, P < 0.0001) and anesthesia (22 min vs 37 min, P < 0.0001) times were shorter in the ProSeal LMA group, but propofol bolus requirements per unit time were similar. Oxygen saturation was higher in the ProSeal LMA group (100% vs 94%, P < 0.0006), but other cardiorespiratory variables were similar. There were no differences in the ease of performing the procedure. Hypoxia occurred more frequently in the NC group (20% vs 0%). Recovery scores were similar.

Conclusions : We conclude that pediatric gastroscopy is quicker and has fewer airway complications when performed through the ProSeal LMA than using nasal cannulae and a conventional approach by experienced users.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quinolone signal (PQS) has an iron‐chelating activity
Authors: Bredenbruch Florian , Geffers Robert , Nimtz Manfred , Buer Jan , Häussler Susanne
Published: April 2006

Virulence factor production and the development of biofilms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been shown to be regulated by two hierarchically organized quorum‐sensing systems activated by two types of small acyl‐homoserine lactone signal molecules. Recently, a third type of bacterial signal molecule, the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), has been identified, which positively regulates a subset of genes dependent on the quorum‐sensing systems. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PQS signalling has remained poorly understood. In this study the global transcriptional profile of P. aeruginosa in response to PQS revealed a marked upregulation of genes belonging to the tightly interdependent functional groups of the iron acquisition and the oxidative stress response. Remarkably, most of the differentially regulated genes, as well as the induction of rhlR, could be traced back to an iron‐chelating effect of PQS. Our results amount to the elucidation of how PQS affects P. aeruginosa and have important implications for the understanding of the complex regulatory circuits involved in P. aeruginosa gene regulation.
Apolipoprotein E genotype affects the response to lipid‐lowering therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tavintharan S. , Lim S. C. , Chan Y. H. , Sum C. F.
Published: April 2006

Objective:  To evaluate the effect of apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype on baseline lipid levels and the response to hydroxy‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Research design and methods:  We consecutively recruited Chinese patients with type 2 DM requiring lipid‐lowering therapy according to current guidelines. Patients were started on either simvastatin 10 mg daily or given an equivalent dose of lovastatin 20 mg. After 12 weeks of statin therapy, patients had fasting lipid profiles repeated. ApoE genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

Results:  Ninety‐six patients were studied. The ɛ3/ɛ3 genotype was in 62.5%, ɛ2/ɛ3 and ɛ3/ɛ4, 16.7 and 20.8%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, baseline total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were significantly higher in those with ɛ3/ɛ4 compared with ɛ2/ɛ3 genotype (6.7 vs. 5.5 mm for TC, 4.5 vs. 3.6 mm for LDL‐C; p = 0.015 and p = 0.025, respectively). With statin therapy, ɛ3/ɛ4 patients had significantly greater LDL‐C lowering compared with ɛ2/ɛ3 patients (48 vs. 27.7%; p = 0.04). There was no gender difference in baseline lipid parameters or response to statin therapy.

Conclusions:  ApoE genotype accounts for interindividual variability of baseline cholesterol levels, and response to statin therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 DM.
Cursed by Resources or Institutions?
Authors: Mehlum Halvor , Moene Karl , Torvik Ragnar
Published: April 2006

Natural resource‐abundant countries constitute both growth losers and growth winners, and the main difference between the success cases and the cases of failure lies in the quality of institutions. With grabber‐friendly institutions more natural resources push aggregate income down, while with producer‐friendly institutions more natural resources increase income. Such a theory finds strong support in data. A key question we also discuss is if resources in addition alter the quality of institutions. When that is the case, countries with bad institutions suffer a double resource curse – as the deterioration of institutions strengthens the negative effect of more natural resources.
Abundance of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in relation to the density and distribution of badgers (Meles meles)
Authors: Young R. P. , Davison J. , Trewby I. D. , Wilson G. J. , Delahay R. J. , Doncaster C. P.
Published: April 2006

Badgers Meles meles are intraguild predators of hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus and have been shown to have a major effect on their abundance and behaviour at a localized scale. Previous studies have predicted the exclusion of hedgehogs from rural habitats in areas where badgers are abundant. The two species coexist at the landscape scale, however, as hedgehogs use suburban habitats, which are thought to provide a refuge from the effects of badger predation. We carried out surveys of hedgehog abundance and studied the use of spatial refugia by hedgehogs in relation to badger density and distribution in 10 study sites in the Midlands and south‐west regions of England. Surveys confirmed that hedgehogs were almost absent from pasture fields in rural habitats, with their distribution concentrated in amenity grassland fields in suburban areas. However, although suburban habitats are less frequently used by badgers than rural areas, and therefore represented spatial refugia for hedgehogs, the probability of occurrence and abundance of hedgehogs varied in relation to the density of badger setts in the surrounding area. As sett density increased, both the probability of occurrence of hedgehogs and their abundance decreased. A generalized linear model predicted that the probability of hedgehog occurrence in suburban habitats declined towards zero in areas of high badger density. The most probable explanation is the negative effect of high badger abundance on the ability of hedgehogs to move between patches of suburban habitat. The present study concords with results from previous surveys and experimental studies, which found a strong negative spatial relationship between hedgehogs and badgers. It also provides correlative evidence that intraguild predation can exclude intraguild prey from productive habitats.
Inhibition of protein synthesis by activation of NMDA receptors in cultured retinal cells: a new mechanism for the regulation of nitric oxide production
Authors: Cossenza Marcelo , Cadilhe Daniel V. , Coutinho Rodrigo N. , Paes‐de‐Carvalho Roberto
Published: April 2006

The synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) is limited by the intracellular availability of l‐arginine. Here we show that stimulation of NMDA receptors promotes an increase of intracellular l‐arginine which supports an increase in the production of NO. Although l‐[3H]arginine uptake measured in cultured chick retina cells incubated in the presence of cycloheximide (CHX, a protein synthesis inhibitor) was inhibited approximately 75% at equilibrium, quantitative thin‐layer chromatography analysis showed that free intracellular l‐[3H]arginine was six times higher in CHX‐treated than in control cultures. Extracellular l‐[3H]citrulline levels increased threefold in CHX‐treated groups, an effect blocked by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine, a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. NMDA promoted a 40% increase of free intracellular l‐[3H]arginine in control cultures, an effect blocked by the NMDA antagonist 2‐amino 5‐phosphonovaleric acid. In parallel, NMDA promoted a reduction of 40–50% in the incorporation of 35[S]methionine or l‐[3H]arginine into proteins. Western blot analysis revealed that NMDA stimulates the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2, a factor involved in protein translation), an effect inhibited by (+)‐5‐methyl‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten‐5,10‐imine maleate (MK801). In conclusion, we have shown that the stimulation of NMDA receptors promotes an inhibition of protein synthesis and a consequent increase of an intracellular l‐arginine pool available for the synthesis of NO. This effect seems to be mediated by activation of eEF2 kinase, a calcium/calmodulin‐dependent enzyme which specifically phosphorylates and blocks eEF2. The results raise the possibility that NMDA receptor activation stimulates two different calmodulin‐dependent enzymes (eEF2 kinase and NOS) reinforcing local NO production by increasing precursor availability together with NOS catalytic activity.
Thermal structure of the Alboran Domain in the Rif (northern Morocco) and the Western Betics (southern Spain). Constraints from Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material
Authors: NEGRO F. , BEYSSAC O. , GOFFÉ B. , SADDIQI O. , BOUYBAOUÈNE M. L.
Published: April 2006

In the Rif (northern Morocco) and the Western Betics (southern Spain), the Alboran Domain forms a complex stack of metamorphic nappes including mantle peridotites (Beni Bousera and Ronda). We present in this paper new temperature data obtained in the Alboran Domain based on Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material (RSCM thermometry). In the lower metamorphic nappes of the Alboran Domain (lower Sebtides–Alpujárrides) temperature ranges from > 640 °C at the base of the metapelitic sequence to 500 °C at the top. The relationships between field isotherms and nappe structure show that peak temperatures were reached during strong ductile thinning of these nappes whereas they partly postdate this main episode in the Rif. In the upper nappes of the Alboran Domain (Ghomarides–Maláguides), generally supposed to be only weakly metamorphosed, temperatures range from ∼500 °C at their base down to < 330 °C at the top. This temperature gradient is consistent with progressive Cenozoic resetting of K–Ar and 40Ar–39Ar ages. These nappes were thus affected by a significant thermal metamorphism, and the available age data in the underlying Sebtides–Alpujárrides show that this metamorphism is related to the metamorphic evolution of the whole Alboran Domain during the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene. Such thermal structure and metamorphic evolution can be explained by generalized extension in the whole Alboran Domain crustal sequence. At a larger scale, the present thermal structure of the Alboran Domain is roughly spatially consistent around the Beni Bousera peridotites in the Rif, but much more affected by late brittle tectonics around the Ronda peridotites in the Western Betics. Therefore, on the basis of the observed thermal structure, the metamorphic evolution of the Alboran Domain can be interpreted as the result of the ascent of hot mantle units contemporaneous with thinning of the whole lithosphere during an Oligo‐Miocene extensional event. The resulting structure has however been dismembered by late brittle tectonics in the Western Betics.
Performance‐Based Measures of Physical Function for High‐Function Populations
Authors: Curb J. David , Ceria‐Ulep Clementina D. , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Grove John , Guralnik Jack , Willcox Brad J. , Donlon Tim A. , Masaki Kamal H. , Chen Randi
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To improve and broaden the applicability of performance‐based measures of function for use in clinical and research settings.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional repeated‐measures study.

SETTING: Research clinic.

PARTICIPANTS: Population‐based sample of Japanese Americans without significant functional impairments aged 35 to 55 and 56 to 71 (N=203).

MEASUREMENTS: Performance‐based measures of physical function, including range of standard tests, newer automated measures of balance and strength and data on cognitive function, lifestyle, medical history, and physical activity.

RESULTS: Of the nonplatform balance measures, only the one‐leg stand was reliable (reliability coefficient (rc) =0.69) and able to discriminate between functional levels. Combining the Fourth National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey protocol of folded arm position while standing on a foam pad with the more‐sophisticated balance platform test had the highest reliability and discrimination. With the strength chair, high rcs (0.88–0.96) were found for upper and lower extremity tests. Timed chair stands, a test of lower extremity and central strength were reliable. The 6‐minute walk had a high rc (0.90).

CONCLUSION: Many performance tests used today are not reliable. Only a few discriminate between the most highly functioning individuals and individuals with good function. Thus, a new recommended battery includes unassisted single‐leg stand, balance platform “foam pad, eyes closed,” elbow flexion and knee extension strength (strength chair), grip strength, timed chair stands, and the 6‐minute walk. These simple performance‐based tests have good reliability and discrimination across the range of function and can be used in most clinical and research settings to quickly assess global functional level.
Meaningful Change and Responsiveness in Common Physical Performance Measures in Older Adults
Authors: Perera Subashan , Mody Samir H. , Woodman Richard C. , Studenski Stephanie A.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the magnitude of small meaningful and substantial individual change in physical performance measures and evaluate their responsiveness.

DESIGN: Secondary data analyses using distribution‐ and anchor‐based methods to determine meaningful change.

SETTING: Secondary analysis of data from an observational study and clinical trials of community‐dwelling older people and subacute stroke survivors.

PARTICIPANTS: Older adults with mobility disabilities in a strength training trial (n=100), subacute stroke survivors in an intervention trial (n=100), and a prospective cohort of community‐dwelling older people (n=492).

MEASUREMENTS: Gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6‐minute‐walk distance (6MWD), and self‐reported mobility.

RESULTS: Most small meaningful change estimates ranged from 0.04 to 0.06 m/s for gait speed, 0.27 to 0.55 points for SPPB, and 19 to 22 m for 6MWD. Most substantial change estimates ranged from 0.08 to 0.14 m/s for gait speed, 0.99 to 1.34 points for SPPB, and 47 to 49 m for 6MWD. Based on responsiveness indices, per‐group sample sizes for clinical trials ranged from 13 to 42 for substantial change and 71 to 161 for small meaningful change.

CONCLUSION: Best initial estimates of small meaningful change are near 0.05 m/s for gait speed, 0.5 points for SPPB, and 20 m for 6MWD and of substantial change are near 0.10 m/s for gait speed, 1.0 point for SPPB, and 50 m for 6MWD. For clinical use, substantial change in these measures and small change in gait speed and 6MWD, but not SPPB, are detectable. For research use, these measures yield feasible sample sizes for detecting meaningful change.
Ankle Brachial Index as a Predictor of Cognitive Impairment in the General Population: Ten‐Year Follow‐Up of the Edinburgh Artery Study
Authors: Price Jacqueline F. , McDowell Sarah , Whiteman Martha C. , Deary Ian J. , Stewart Marlene C. , Fowkes F. Gerald R.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the ankle brachial index (ABI, a marker of generalized atherosclerosis) is associated with cognitive impairment after 10 years in older people.

DESIGN: Cohort study (Edinburgh Artery Study).

SETTING: Eleven general practices in Edinburgh, Scotland.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred seventeen men and women aged 55 to 74 from the general population, followed for 10 years.

MEASUREMENTS: ABI measured at baseline and major cognitive functions (including premorbid function using the National Adult Reading Test, NART) tested after 10 years.

RESULTS: After adjustment for age and sex, a low ABI was associated with lower scoring (bottom tertile vs top tertile) on Raven's Matrices (odds ratio (OR)=1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.0–2.6), Verbal Fluency (OR =1.8, 95% CI =1.1–3.0), and Digit Symbol Test (OR =2.3, 95% CI =1.3–4.2), suggesting that the ABI is predictive of poorer performance in nonverbal reasoning, verbal fluency, and information processing speed. The association between ABI and the Digit Symbol Test remained significant after further adjustment for premorbid cognitive function (tested using the NART), suggesting that the ABI is also predictive of decline in information processing speed (from premorbid ability to that measured here in older age).

CONCLUSION: The ABI may be useful in identifying older individuals at higher risk of cognitive impairment. In the future, preventive measures developed to target individuals with a low ABI should consider measures to reduce vascular‐related cognitive decline as well as cardiovascular events, in an effort to reduce the incidence and consequences of subsequent cognitive impairment and dementia.
Chlamydia pneumoniae is not detectable in subretinal neovascular membranes in the exudative stage of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kessler Werner , Jantos Christian A. , Dreier Jens , Pavlovic Sima
Published: April 2006

Purpose:  Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of severe visual impairment in western countries, but its aetiology remains unclear. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of AMD, similarly to that shown for atherosclerosis. In view of a number of shared risk factors between the two entities and the hypothesized link between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and atherosclerosis, we investigated whether C. pneumoniae might be involved in exudative AMD.

Methods:  To examine whether C. pneumoniae contributes to the development of subretinal neovascular (SRNV) membranes in AMD, 13 consecutive SRNV membranes surgically excised from patients with exudative AMD were collected and assayed for the presence of C. pneumoniae or other bacterial pathogens by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:  The age of patients ranged from 68 to 85 years (median 73.5 years). In all 13 SRNV membranes, no DNA of either C. pneumoniae or other pathogens was found by PCR.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that C. pneumoniae is not associated with the development of SRNV membranes in exudative AMD.
Loading of bone surrounding implants through three‐unit fixed partial denture fixation: a finite‐element analysis based on in vitro and in vivo strain measurements
Authors: Heckmann Siegfried M. , Karl Matthias , Wichmann Manfred G. , Winter Werner , Graef Friedrich , Taylor Thomas D.
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Implant‐borne fixed partial dentures (FPDs), whether cementable or screwable superstructures, ought to display a true passive fit. The objective of this in vivo‐based finite‐element analysis is, therefore, to quantify the degree of stress which occurs in the bone around the implants as a result of the fixation of cemented and screw‐retained FPDs. On the basis of a simulated patient situation with two implants, six groups of implant‐supported superstructures containing 10 samples each were fabricated. Strain gauges which were mounted on the pontics of the restorations were subsequently used to take in vivo measurements (Ethics Commission Approval No. 2315). Taking the values obtained as a basis, the von Mises equivalent stress was chosen to illustrate bone loading in three‐dimensional finite‐element models. Superstructure fixation caused residual interface stress as high as 30 MPa. Similar stress magnitudes can be observed for axial implant loading of 200 N. Assuming that the axial loading of a single implant with 200 N is within the bone's physiological range, it can be concluded that the degree of stress resulting from the fixation of superstructures alone does not constitute a risk.
Setting SNAREs in a Different Wood
Authors: Sutter Jens‐Uwe , Campanoni Prisca , Blatt Michael R. , Paneque Manuel
Published: April 2006

Vesicle traffic is essential for cell homeostasis, growth and development in plants, as it is in other eukaryotes, and is facilitated by a superfamily of proteins known as soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). Although SNAREs are well‐conserved across phylla, genomic analysis for two model angiosperm species available to date, rice and Arabidopsis, highlights common patterns of divergence from other eukaryotes. These patterns are associated with the expansion of some gene subfamilies of SNAREs, the absence of others and the appearance of new proteins that show no significant homologies to SNAREs of mammals, yeast or Drosophila. Recent findings indicate that the functions of these plant SNAREs also extend beyond the conventional ‘housekeeping’ activities associated with vesicle trafficking. A number of SNAREs have been implicated in environmental responses as diverse as stomata movements and gravisensing as well as sensitivity to salt and drought. These proteins are essential for signal transduction and response and, in most cases, appear also to maintain additional roles in membrane trafficking. One common theme to this added functionality lies in control of non‐SNARE proteins, notably ion channels. Other examples include interactions between the SNAREs and scaffolding or other structural components within the plant cell.
Impaired spatial learning in the APPSwe + PSEN1ΔE9 bigenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Reiserer R. S. , Harrison F. E. , Syverud D. C. , McDonald M. P.
Published: April 2006

Mice co‐expressing the Swedish amyloid precursor protein mutation (APPSwe) and exon 9 deletion (ΔE9) of the PSEN1 gene begin to develop amyloid plaques at 6–7 months of age. We demonstrate here a spatial learning deficit in 7‐month‐old APPSwe + PSEN1ΔE9 bigenic mice using an adaptation of the Barnes maze. Mice were first trained on a cued target followed by a hidden‐target condition. Although bigenic mice quickly learned the cued‐target version of the task, they were significantly impaired when switched to the hidden‐target version. In contrast, a separate group of double‐transgenic mice trained first on the spatial hidden‐target version of the task were unimpaired relative to wild‐type controls. We propose that processes such as general rule learning, context learning and exploratory habituation exert a greater influence when the testing environment is novel and overshadow the spatial memory deficit in naive bigenic mice. However, when cued‐target training is conducted first, these processes habituate and the spatial learning deficit is unmasked. Seven‐month‐old APPSwe + PSEN1ΔE9 mice were unimpaired on tests of memory that did not involve learning the rules governing spatial associations.
RCAN1 (DSCR1 or Adapt78)* stimulates expression of GSK‐3β
Authors: Ermak Gennady , Harris Cathryn D. , Battocchio Denis , Davies Kelvin J. A.
Published: April 2006

The RCAN1 protein (previously called calcipressin 1 or MCIP1) binds to calcineurin, a serine/threonine phosphatase (PP2B), and inhibits its activity. Here we demonstrate that regulated overexpression of an RCAN1transgene (this gene was previously called DSCR1 or Adapt78) also stimulates expression of the GSK‐3β kinase, which can antagonize the action of calcineurin. We also show that GSK‐3β is regulated by RCAN1 at a post‐transcriptional level. In humans, high RCAN1 expression is found in the brain, where at least two mRNA isoforms have been reported. Therefore, we further investigated expression of the various RCAN1 isoforms, resulting from differential splicing and alternative promotors in human brain. We detected at least three distinct RCAN1s: RCAN1‐1 Short at 31 kDa (RCAN1‐1S), RCAN1‐1 Long at 38 kDa (RCAN1‐1 L), and RCAN1‐4. Furthermore, the levels of RCAN1‐1S, but not RCAN1‐1 L or RCAN1‐4 correlated with the levels of GSK‐3β. This suggests that RCAN1‐1S might induce production of GSK‐3βin vivo. While RCAN1s can regulate calcineurin and GSK‐3β, it has also been shown that calcineurin and GSK‐3β can regulate RCAN1s. Here we propose a new model (incorporating all these findings) in which cells maintain an equilibrium between RCAN1s, calcineurin, and GSK‐3β.
The Clinical Characteristics of Peyronie’s Patients with Notching Deformity
Authors: Cakan Murat , Akman Tolga , Oktar Tayfun , Gurkan Levent , Celtik Murat , Kadioglu Ates
Published: April 2006

Introduction

Peyronie’s patients with notching deformity represent a small percentage of disease population, and the features of these patients have not been well established yet.

Aim

To analyze the characteristics of Peyronie’s patients with notching deformity.

Main Outcome Measures

Peyronie’s patients with notching deformity were compared with those with other type of penile deformities with regard to clinical features.

Methods

During a 13-year period, a total of 703 patients with Peyronie’s disease were evaluated at our institution. The patients were divided into two groups: group I consists of Peyronie’s patients with notching deformity (N=89) and group II patients with any other kind of penile curvature (N=614). The clinical characteristics, presence of co-morbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease, erectile status, and penile deformities were compared between the two groups.

Results

Pure notching deformity was detected in 12.6% (N=89) of the patients. The mean age of men was 53.1 ± 10.2 and 52.7 ± 10.7 years in groups I and II, respectively, (P  = 0.8). The leading presenting symptom was erectile dysfunction (68.5%), followed by penile deformity (51.6%), and pain on erection (17.9%) in group I, while it was penile curvature (77.1%), erectile dysfunction (54.6%), and pain on erection (14.4%) in group II. In group I, 27 patients (30.3%) were diagnosed during a standard evaluation for erectile dysfunction. Hypertension was significantly higher in group I (25.8%) than in group II (15.4%) (P =0.022); whereas hypercholesterolemia was more common in group II (P =0.008). There was no significant correlation between the presence or the number of co-morbid conditions and the presence of the notching deformity. Combined injection and stimulation test revealed a diminished erectile capacity in 46.1% of the patients in group I, while it was 31.7% in group II (P  = 0.008). In group I, 62.9% had unilateral notching deformity, 34.8% had hourglass deformity, and 2.2% had combined hourglass and notching deformity. Overall, the notching deformity was localized in the distal penile shaft in 50.5%, proximal shaft in 40.4%, and mid-shaft in 8.9% of the patients in group I.

Conclusions

In this large-scale series, pure notching deformity was detected in about one-tenth of patients with Peyronie’s disease. Patients presented at the first half of the sixth decade of life and more than half of the patients were in the acute phase of the disease. The most common presenting symptom was erectile dysfunction. The notching deformity was more frequently localized at the base and tip of the penis.
Understanding the impact of cultural and religious water use
Authors: Smith A. , Ali M.
Published: April 2006

This paper investigates the effect that cultural and religious backgrounds have on water consumption patterns among ethnic minorities in UK cities. District meter area data were combined with ethnicity and religion data from the 2001 UK census to highlight particular areas of interest. The research identifies startling differences in water use patterns, which are clearly linked directly with religious and cultural practices. The overall conclusion is that it would be extremely unwise to exclude these social parameters in any further research into understanding domestic water demand. The research has application in the wider context of research or practice outside the western world, where the factors identified in this research may characterise the vast majority of water supply systems.
On the generality of habitat distribution models: a case study of capercaillie in three Swiss regions
Authors: F. Graf Roland , Bollmann Kurt , Sachot Sébastien , Suter Werner , Bugmann Harald
Published: April 2006

Predictive habitat distribution models are normally assumed to sacrifice generality for precision and reality. Nevertheless, such models are often applied to predict the distribution of a species outside the area for which the model has been calibrated.

We investigated how the geographic extent of the data used for calibration influenced the performance of habitat distribution models applied on independent data. We took a multi‐scale logistic regression approach by varying the grain size to develop six habitat models for capercaillieTetrao urogallusin Switzerland: three regional models, for the northern Pre‐Alps, eastern Central Alps and Jura mountains, respectively, and three pooled models, each using data from two of the three regions. The six models were validated with data from the region(s) not used for model building. We used Cohen's Kappa and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve as accuracy measures. The regional models performed well in the region where they had been calibrated, but poorly to moderately well in the other regions. The pooled models classified almost as well in their calibration regions as the corresponding regional models, but generally better when validated on data from the independent region. Hence, models built with data from single regions provide less certain predictions of species’ distributions in other regions. We recommend building more general models using data pooled from several regions, when the aim is to predict species’ distributions in independent regions.
Nesirah: Myth and Androgyny in Late Kabbalistic Practice
Authors: Giller Pinchas
Published: April 2006

Jewish mysticism, in its classical period, is replete with images and theories that employ a mythic view of gender. This article will review a motif that has not been the subject of particular scholarly attention, that of the nesirah. The motif of the nesirah clearly has its origins in the most ancient understandings on the proclivities of the feminine aspects of Divinity. That a mythic motif that encompassed such a brazen sexuality was retained and worked into the core of classical Kabbalah is indicative of the resonance of the myth, and the reluctance of the creators of the mystical canon to relinquish a tradition that they clearly viewed as essential, notwithstanding its challenges to the monotheistic ideal of classical, exoteric Judaism.
Response to chemical cues from conspecifics reflects male mating preference for large females and avoidance of large competitors in the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis
Authors: Plath Martin , Meyer-Lucht Yvonne , Poschadel Jens R.
Published: April 2006

We examined chemical communication in male and female European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis). In simultaneous binary choice tests, a focal animal was given a choice between pheromones from a conspecific and a choice chamber containing untreated water. Females did not show a preference, both when male and when female stimuli were presented. On the contrary, males preferred the odor of a female over untreated water, suggesting that males actively search for females. The strength of preference was positively correlated with the body size difference between the female and the focal male, indicating that males prefer to mate with larger females. Female fecundity is positively correlated with female size in E. orbicularis, which may account for male choosiness. No overall preference for the stimulus animal was observed when males were presented cues from another male. However, the strength of preference was negatively correlated with the difference in body size. Males avoided large males, but oriented towards smaller stimulus males. This reflects that males form dominance hierarchies, where large males aggressively attack smaller ones. Far-range chemical communication probably enables males to minimize the risk of costly aggressive interactions. This is, to our knowledge, the first study on the role of chemical cues for inter and intrasexual communication in the European pond turtle.