bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersal frequency affects local biomass production by controlling local diversity
Authors: Matthiessen Birte , Hillebrand Helmut 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDispersal is a major factor regulating the number of coexisting species, but the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem processes has mainly been analysed for communities closed to dispersal. We experimentally investigated how initial local diversity and dispersal frequency affect local diversity and biomass production in open benthic microalgal metacommunities. Final local species richness and local biomass production were strongly influenced by dispersal frequency but not by initial local diversity. Both final local richness and final local biomass showed a hump‐shaped pattern with increasing dispersal frequency, with a maximum at intermediate dispersal frequencies. Consequently, final local biomass increased linearly with increasing final richness. We conclude that the general relationship between richness and ecosystem functioning remains valid in open systems, but the maintenance of ecosystem processes significantly depends on the effects of dispersal on species richness and local interactions.
The prevalence of co‐morbid depression in adults with Type 1 diabetes: systematic literature review
Authors: Barnard K. D. , Skinner T. C. , Peveler R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAim  To review the literature estimating the cross‐sectional prevalence of clinical depression in adults with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Electronic databases and published references were used to identify studies published between January 2000 and June 2004, with a previous meta‐analysis used to identify studies before 1 January 2000.Results  Between January 2000 and June 2004, a further five eligible studies were identified. Only one was a controlled study using diagnostic interviewing to determine rates of depression. Taking all of the eligible studies identified by the previous meta‐analysis and this search, the prevalence of clinical depression in controlled studies was 12.0% for people with diabetes compared with 3.2% for control subjects. In studies with no control group, the prevalence of clinical depression was 13.4%.Conclusion  There are wide‐ranging differences reported in the various studies on the prevalence of depression in Type 1 diabetes. In view of the differing methods of diagnosis and small participant numbers, the results should be viewed with caution. A controlled study using diagnostic interviewing techniques to determine levels of depression is recommended to provide a clearer picture of both the prevalence and characteristics of that depression.Diabet. Med. 23, 445–448 (2006)
Systematic review of methods to diagnose infection in foot ulcers in diabetes
Authors: O'Meara S. , Nelson E. A. , Golder S. , Dalton J. E. , Craig D. , Iglesias C. ,   on behalf of the DASIDU Steering Group (see footnote for members)
Published: March 2006

AbstractAim  To undertake a systematic review of the diagnostic performance of clinical examination, sample acquisition and sample analysis in infected foot ulcers in diabetes.Methods  Nineteen electronic databases plus other sources were searched. To be included, studies had to fulfil the following criteria: (i) compare a method of clinical assessment, sample collection or sample analysis with a reference standard; (ii) recruit diabetic individuals with foot ulcers; (ii) present 2 × 2 diagnostic data. Studies were critically appraised using a 12‐item checklist.Results Three eligible studies were identified, one each on clinical examination, sample collection and sample analysis. For all three, study groups were heterogeneous with respect to wound type and a small proportion of participants had foot ulcers due to diabetes. No studies identified an optimum reference standard. Other methodological problems included non‐blind interpretation of tests and the time lag between index and reference tests. Individual signs or symptoms of infection did not prove to be useful tests when assessed against punch biopsy as the reference standard. The wound swab did not perform well when assessed against tissue biopsy. Semiquantitative analysis of wound swab might be a useful alternative to quantitative analysis. The limitations of these findings and their impact on recommendations from relevant clinical guidelines are discussed.Conclusion  Given the importance of this topic, it is surprising that only three eligible studies were identified. It was not possible to describe the optimal methods of diagnosing infection in diabetic patients with foot ulceration from the evidence identified in this systematic review.Diabet. Med. 23, 341–347 (2006)
Variants in the gene encoding aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and diabetic nephropathy in American Indians
Authors: Wolford J. K. , Yeatts K. A. , Eagle A. R. Red , Nelson R. G. , Knowler W. C. , Hanson R. L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAims  The aldose reductase gene (AKR1B1) is a strong candidate for diabetic nephropathy, and the T allele at rs759853 and the Z‐2 allele at an [AC]n microsatellite are associated with diabetic kidney disease in some populations. As AKR1B1 is located on 7q35, where we have previously reported linkage to diabetic nephropathy in Pima Indians, this study examined the association of AKR1B1 variants with diabetic nephropathy in this population.Methods  AKR1B1 variants were identified by sequencing and genotyped using allelic discrimination and pyrosequencing. Genotype distributions were compared between 107 cases with diabetic end‐stage renal disease and 108 control subjects with diabetes for ≥ 10 years and no evidence of nephropathy, and between 141 individuals with nephropathy and 416 individuals without heavy proteinuria in a family study of 257 sibships.Results  We identified 11 AKR1B1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the [AC]n microsatellite polymorphism. Three SNPs were rare and two were in 100% genotypic concordance; thus, eight polymorphisms were genotyped. No variant was associated with diabetic kidney disease in the case‐control or family‐based study. For example, the T allele at rs759853 had an allele frequency of 0.165 in cases and 0.171 in control subjects (OR = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.57–1.59, P = 0.86); in the family study its frequency was 0.140 and 0.169 in affected and unaffected individuals, respectively (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.53–1.54 P = 0.71). Corresponding values for the Z‐2 allele at the [AC]n microsatellite were OR = 1.09 (95% CI 0.72–1.66, P = 0.67) and OR = 1.25 (95% CI 0.81–1.95, P = 0.31) in the case‐control and family studies, respectively.Conclusions  Common AKR1B1 polymorphisms are unlikely to be major determinants of diabetic nephropathy in this population.Diabet. Med. 23, 367–376 (2006)
The metabolic syndrome in an Arab population: a first look at the new International Diabetes Federation criteria
Authors: Harzallah F. , Alberti H. , Ben Khalifa F. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAims  To report the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Arab men and women using the new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, and to compare this with the prevalence using the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) and 2001 National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP ATPIII) definitions.Methods  The study involved 863 subjects (343 men and 520 women) aged ≥ 40 years living in Tunis, Tunisia, taken from an initially randomized, population sample.Results  The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome using the IDF criteria was found to be 45.5%; 55.8% in women and 30.0% in men (P < 0.001), higher than the rates of 28.7% (WHO) and 24.3% (NECP ATPIII) using the previous definitions. Using all the definitions, the prevalence was higher in women than in men predominantly because of significant differences in central obesity and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and, to a lesser extent, hypertension.Conclusion  The increased prevalence using the IDF criteria compared with the 1999 WHO criteria and the 2001 NCEP ATPIII definitions is striking and has huge implications for public health worldwide. The major reason for the higher rate using the new definition seems to be the predominant focus placed on central obesity. Using tighter criteria for fasting glycaemia has also played a factor. The question remains as yet unanswered as to whether the new IDF criteria are better at predicting hard outcomes such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.Diabet. Med. 23, 441–444 (2006)
Production of high‐starch, low‐glucose potatoes through over‐expression of the metabolic regulator SnRK1
Authors: McKibbin Rowan S. , Muttucumaru Nira , Paul Matthew J. , Powers Stephen J. , Burrell Michael M. , Coates Steve , Purcell Patrick C. , Tiessen Axel , Geigenberger Peter , Halford Nigel G. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryTransgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. Prairie) lines were produced over‐expressing a sucrose non‐fermenting‐1‐related protein kinase‐1 gene (SnRK1) under the control of a patatin (tuber‐specific) promoter. SnRK1 activity in the tubers of three independent transgenic lines was increased by 55%−167% compared with that in the wild‐type. Glucose levels were decreased, at 17%−56% of the levels of the wild‐type, and the starch content showed an increase of 23%−30%. Sucrose and fructose levels in the tubers of the transgenic plants did not show a significant change. Northern analyses of genes encoding sucrose synthase and ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, two key enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway from sucrose to starch, showed that the expression of both was increased in tubers of the transgenic lines compared with the wild‐type. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding two other enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, α‐amylase and sucrose phosphate synthase, showed no change. The activity of sucrose synthase and ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase was also increased, by approximately 20%–60% and three‐ to five‐fold, respectively, whereas the activity of hexokinase was unchanged. The results are consistent with a role for SnRK1 in regulating carbon flux through the storage pathway to starch biosynthesis. They emphasize the importance of SnRK1 in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and resource partitioning, and indicate a specific role for SnRK1 in the control of starch accumulation in potato tubers.
WHY DO RATES OF β‐CONVERGENCE DIFFER? A META‐REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: Dobson Stephen , Ramlogan Carlyn , Strobl Eric 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe roles played by differences in study design and methodology in influencing the estimates of β‐convergence have been hinted at in narrative reviews of the empirical convergence literature. While such reviews are useful, they only provide informal evidence as to the reasons for the study‐to‐study variation in reported convergence rates. In contrast, meta‐regression analysis is a way of formally measuring the roles played by study design and methodology in influencing β‐convergence. In cross‐national studies, convergence rates are found to be higher when panel estimation methods are used, and when human capital development, investment rates and spatial factors are controlled for. The longer the time span covered by the estimation, the lower the rates. In intra‐national studies, β‐convergence is higher when the investment rate is included as a conditioning variable and when GMM estimation methods are used. Rates are found to be lower in studies of developing countries.
THE ASCENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AS AN ACTOR IN THE MONETARY INTEGRATION PROCESS IN THE 1960s
Authors: Maes Ivo 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses macroeconomic and monetary policy making at the European Commission in the 1960s. The Commission, in its analysis, focused strongly on economic imbalances in the Community, as they could threaten the common market project. In order to strengthen the system of economic governance of the Community, the Commission advocated an improved monetary cooperation, in line with the internal logic of the integration process. This contrasted with the view of the central bankers, who took the international monetary system as the framework for their analysis. This paper shows the ascent of the Commission as an actor in the monetary area, notwithstanding the relatively limited provisions of the European Economic Community Treaty.
JOB SATISFACTION OF THE HIGHLY EDUCATED: THE ROLE OF GENDER, ACADEMIC TENURE, AND EARNINGS
Authors: Bender Keith A. , Heywood John S. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe determinants of job satisfaction are estimated for PhD‐level scientists in the United States across academic and nonacademic sectors. In initial estimates, female scientists report lower job satisfaction than males in academia but higher job satisfaction than males in the nonacademic sector. While academic scientists with tenure have substantially greater job satisfaction than nonacademic scientists, we show that the magnitude of this influence varies by gender. After correcting for the lower evaluation placed by females both on earnings and on tenure, female academic scientists actually match nonacademic scientists in reporting greater job satisfaction than men.
SECTORAL EXCHANGE RATE PASS‐THROUGH: TESTING THE IMPACT OF POLICY REFORMS IN INDIA
Authors: Mallick Sushanta , Marques Helena 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the impact of India's policy reforms on exchange rate pass‐through into import and export prices, using panel data (at one‐digit SITC level) for pre‐ (1980–90) and post‐reform (1991–2001) periods. While the pass‐through into import prices has declined, the pass‐through into export prices (in USD terms) has increased during the 1990s. The results suggest that, relative to rupee depreciation, Indian exporters increased their USD prices around 20% in the 1980s, but decreased them by around 70% in the 1990s. Moreover, the number of sectors exhibiting some degree of pass‐through increased in the 1990s (six), relative to the 1980s (three). These changes may be attributable to the elimination of currency and trade controls, which increased competition among firms and fostered a concern with market share gains in the 1990s over an attempt to use depreciations to increase profits in the 1980s.
Use of sewage treatment works as foraging sites by insectivorous bats
Authors: Park K. J. , Cristinacce A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSewage treatment works (STWs) with percolating filter beds are known to provide profitable foraging areas for insectivorous birds because of their association with high macroinvertebrate densities. Fly larvae developing on filter beds at STWs may similarly provide a valuable resource for foraging bats. Over the last two decades, however, there has been a decline in filter beds towards a system of ‘activated sludge’. Insects and bat activity were surveyed at 30 sites in Scotland using these two different types of sewage treatment in order to assess the possible implications of these changes for foraging bats. Bat activity (number of passes) recorded from broad‐band bat detectors was quantified at three points within each site. The biomass of aerial insects, sampled over the same period as the detector surveys, was measured using a suction trap. The biomass of insects and activity of Pipistrellus spp. were significantly higher at filter beds than at activated sludge sites. In addition, although foraging activity of Pipistrellus spp. at filter beds was comparable to that of adjacent ‘good’ foraging habitat, foraging at activated sludge sites was considerably lower. This study indicates the high potential value of an anthropogenic process to foraging bats, particularly in a landscape where their insect prey has undergone a marked decline, and suggests that the current preference for activated sludge systems is likely to reduce the value of treatment works as foraging sites for bats.
A Population‐based Latent Variable Approach for Association Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Wang Tao , Weir Bruce , Zeng Zhao‐Bang 
Published: March 2006

SummaryA population‐based latent variable approach is proposed for association mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), using multiple closely linked genetic markers within a small candidate region in the genome. By incorporating QTL as latent variables into a penetrance model, the QTL are flexible to characterize either alleles at putative trait loci or potential risk haplotypes/sub‐haplotypes of the markers. Under a general likelihood framework, we develop an EM‐based algorithm to estimate genetic effects of the QTL and haplotype frequencies of the QTL and markers jointly. Closed form solutions derived in the maximization step of the EM procedure for updating the joint haplotype frequencies of QTL and markers can effectively reduce the computational intensity. Various association measures between QTL and markers can then be derived from the haplotype frequencies of markers and used to infer QTL positions. The likelihood ratio statistic also provides a joint test for association between a quantitative trait and marker genotypes without requiring adjustment for the multiple testing. Extensive simulation studies are performed to evaluate the approach.
Population Isolates in South Tyrol and Their Value for Genetic Dissection of Complex Diseases
Authors: Marroni F. , Pichler I. , De Grandi A. , Beu Volpato C. , Vogl F. D. , Pinggera G. K. , Bailey‐Wilson J. E. , Pramstaller P. P. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe study of genetic isolates is a promising approach for the study of complex genetic traits. The small and constant population size, lack of migration, and multiple relationships between individuals in the isolate population could reduce the genetic diversity, and lead to increased levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD). We studied the extent of LD on Xq13 in six population isolates from South Tyrol in the Eastern Italian Alps.We found different levels of LD in our study samples, probably reflecting their degrees of isolation and their demographic histories. The highest values were obtained in Val Gardena (ranking among the highest levels of LD in Europe) and in Stelvio, which qualified as a microisolate according to historical information, and biodemographic and genealogical criteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two Ladin‐speaking populations are genetically distant from each other, and from their German‐speaking neighbours, and are characterized by a smaller effective population size than the neighbouring valleys. These peculiar characteristics suggest that South Tyrol could be a unique resource for the study of complex diseases, showing all the characteristics of isolated populations with the advantage of including, in a fairly homogeneous environment, two genetically differentiated sub‐populations. This could allow investigators to gain an insight into the contribution of genetic heterogeneity in complex diseases.
Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Variation of Soluble Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Vistoropsky Yulia , Trofimov Svetlana , Pantsulaia Ia , Livshits Gregory 
Published: March 2006

SummaryIn our research we examined the contribution of putative genetic sources on interindividual variation and cross‐sectional correlations of several adhesion molecules, including intracellular (ICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM‐1) and E‐selectin, in a population‐based sample of ethnically homogeneous families of European origin. The plasma levels of these molecules were measured in 947 apparently healthy individuals from 217 nuclear families. Quantitative statistical‐genetic analysis implementing the model fitting technique revealed significant parent/offspring and sibling correlations (p < 0.01) for all three molecules. The putative genetic effects explained 55.2 ± 7.2% (VCAM‐1), 63.3 ± 7.5% (ICAM) and 63.8 ± 8.1% (E‐selectin) of the variation. Common family environmental factors also significantly influenced the variation of E‐selectin (13%) and VCAM‐1 (28.6%). The main results of our bivariate analysis showed that the observed phenotypic correlations between ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, and between ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin, were mostly attributable to shared environmental factors (rE= 0.896 and 0.737, respectively; p < 0.01). However, the correlation between VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin was likely caused by common genetic effects (rG= 0.334, p < 0.05). Our results show that familial clustering of adhesion molecules is likely due to strong genetic effects, supplemented with shared environmental factors.
G‐Protein β‐3 Subunit C825T Polymorphism, Sodium and Arterial Blood Pressure: A Community‐Based Study of Japanese Men and Women
Authors: Yamagishi K. , Tanigawa T. , Cui R. , Tabata M. , Ikeda A. , Yao M. , Shimamoto T. , Iso H. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryEpidemiological evidence on gene‐environment effects of the G‐protein β‐3 subunit C825T polymorphisms and sodium on blood pressure in the free‐living general population is limited. We examined the associations between the C825T polymorphism and blood pressure levels, stratified by the sodium variables estimated by 24‐h urinary sodium excretion and a dietary questionnaire, among 1,471 men and women aged 30‐74 from a community in Japan. Our a priori hypothesis was that individuals with the 825T allele have elevated blood pressure among subjects with a high sodium intake. Among the whole group, the systolic blood pressure level was +2.2 mmHg (p = 0.10) higher in TT than CC genotype individuals after adjustment for sex, age, antihypertensive medication use, body mass index, and alcohol consumption. This difference was more evident among individuals with low sodium excretion (+4.5 mmHg, p = 0.01), low present sodium intake (+3.2 mmHg, p = 0.11), and low past sodium intake (+4.8 mmHg, p = 0.02). No associations were observed among those with high sodium variables. Our results indicate that the G‐protein β‐3 subunit C825T polymorphism is associated with higher systolic blood pressure levels in a large free‐living Japanese population, and more specifically in women with a low sodium intake. This finding helps to explain part of the discrepancy between the previously reported genetic association among different ethnic groups.
Association Study of G Protein‐Coupled Receptor Kinase 4 Gene Variants with Essential Hypertension in Northern Han Chinese
Authors: Wang Yaping , Li Biao , Zhao Weiyan , Liu Pei , Zhao Qi , Chen Shufeng , Li Hongfan , Gu Dongfeng 
Published: March 2006

SummaryTo investigate the association between polymorphisms in the G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 4 gene (GRK4) (R65L, A142V and A486V) and essential hypertension in northern Han Chinese, we conducted a case‐control study consisting of 503 individuals with essential hypertension (HT) and 490 age‐, gender‐, and area‐matched normotensive (NT) controls. The three GRK4 variants were genotyped by PCR‐RFLP analysis. Both haplotype and single locus analysis were used to process the genotyping data. The A486 allele showed a significant association with HT (P < 0.001). A total of 6 haplotypes were observed in the entire population, with the haplotypes L‐V‐A and R‐A‐A being found to be significantly related to hypertension (P= 0.001).