bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Analysis of Genomic Regions with Large Between‐Population Differentiation in Humans
Authors: Myles S. , Tang K. , Somel M. , Green R. E. , Kelso J. , Stoneking M. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe primary aim of genetic association and linkage studies is to identify genetic variants that contribute to phenotypic variation within human populations. Since the overwhelming majority of human genetic variation is found within populations, these methods are expected to be effective and can likely be extrapolated from one human population to another. However, they may lack power in detecting the genetic variants that contribute to phenotypes that differ greatly between human populations. Phenotypes that show large differences between populations are expected to be associated with genomic regions exhibiting large allele frequency differences between populations. Thus, from genome‐wide polymorphism data genomic regions with large allele frequency differences between populations can be identified, and evaluated as candidates for large between‐population phenotypic differences. Here we use allele frequency data from ∼1.5 million SNPs from three human populations, and present an algorithm that identifies genomic regions containing SNPs with extreme Fst. We demonstrate that our candidate regions have reduced heterozygosity in Europeans and Chinese relative to African‐Americans, and are likely enriched with genes that have experienced positive natural selection. We identify genes that are likely responsible for phenotypes known to differ dramatically between human populations and present several candidates worthy of future investigation. Our list of high Fst genomic regions is a first step in identifying the genetic variants that contribute to large phenotypic differences between populations, many of which have likely experienced positive natural selection. Our approach based on between population differences can compliment traditional within population linkage and association studies to uncover novel genotype‐phenotype relationships.
Autism in adults: symptom patterns and early childhood predictors. Use of the DISCO in a community sample followed from childhood
Authors: Billstedt Eva , Carina Gillberg I. , Gillberg Christopher 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Few studies have looked at the very long‐term outcome of individuals with autism who were diagnosed in childhood.Methods:  A longitudinal, prospective, community‐based follow‐up study of adults who had received the diagnosis of autism (classic and atypical) in childhood (n = 105) was conducted. A structured interview (the Diagnostic Interview for Social and COmmunication disorders – the DISCO) was used in order to evaluate symptoms and symptom patterns 13–22 years after original diagnosis. Childhood measures, including IQ‐level at time of childhood diagnosis and communicative speech registered before age 5 years, were studied in relation to the presence of autism symptoms at follow‐up.Results:  The classical and atypical autism groups were fairly homogeneously impaired in terms of symptoms in the social interaction category whereas other common childhood autism symptoms, including maladaptive and stereotyped behaviours, were more variable in the study group at follow‐up. Odd responses to sensory stimuli were still extremely common. Speech before 5 years of age, IQ, gender, diagnosed medical disorder and onset of epilepsy before 5 years were variables that correlated to outcome on the DISCO algorithm for autistic spectrum disorders (Wing & Gould, 1979) concerning style and quality of social interaction, communication style and pattern of self‐chosen activities.Conclusions:  Social interaction problems were still present in the vast majority of adults with autism/atypical autism, but behavioural impairments were much more variable in adulthood. Almost all cases were reported to show persistent perceptual problems. Certain childhood measures were found to prospectively predict adult social interaction style, communication type, and pattern of self‐chosen activities, which still met diagnostic criteria for autism/atypical autism in adulthood.
Across the continuum of attention skills: a twin study of the SWAN ADHD rating scale
Authors: Polderman Tinca J.C. , Derks Eske M. , Hudziak Jim J. , Verhulst Frank C. , Posthuma Daniëlle , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: August 2007

Introduction:  Most behavior checklists for attention problems or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) have a narrow range of scores, focusing on the extent to which problems are present. It has been proposed that measuring attention on a continuum, from positive attention skills to attention problems, will add value to our understanding of ADHD and related problems. The Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and Normal behavior scale (SWAN) is such a scale. Items of the SWAN are scored on a seven‐point scale, with in the middle ‘average behavior’ and on the extremes ‘far below average’ and ‘far above average’.Method:  The SWAN and the CBCL were completed by mothers of respectively 560 and 469 12‐year‐old twin pairs. The SWAN consists of nine DSM‐IV items for Attention Deficit (AD) and nine DSM‐IV items for Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (HI). The CBCL Attention Problem (AP) scale consists of 11 items, which are rated on a three‐point scale.Results:  Children who had a score of zero on the CBCL AP scale can be further differentiated using the SWAN, with variation seen between the average behavior and far above average range. In addition, SWAN scores were normally distributed, rather than kurtotic or skewed as is often seen with other behavioral checklists. The CBCL AP scale and the SWAN‐HI and AD scale were strongly influenced by genetic factors (73%, 90% and 82%, respectively). However, there were striking differences in genetic architecture: variation in CBCL AP scores is in large part explained by non‐additive genetic influences. Variation in SWAN scores is explained by additive genetic influences only.Conclusion:  Ratings on the SWAN cover the continuum from positive attention skills to attention and hyperactivity problems that define ADHD. Instruments such as the SWAN offer clinicians and researchers the opportunity to examine variation in both strengths and weaknesses in attention skills.
Risk for schizophrenia in intercountry adoptees: a Danish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Cantor‐Graae Elizabeth , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Increasing numbers of intercountry adoptees are reaching adulthood, the age of onset for most serious mental disorders. Little is known about the development of schizophrenia in intercountry adoptees, a group with potentially increased vulnerability. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of developing schizophrenia in adoptees and in non‐adoptees.Methods:  Utilising data from the Danish Civil Registration System, we established a population‐based cohort of 1.06 million persons resident in Denmark before the age of 15, whose legal mother lived in Denmark at the child's birth. Intercountry adoptees were identified as children born abroad. Record linkage provided information on psychiatric admissions.Results:  Intercountry adoptees had an increased relative risk (RR) (RR = 2.90, 95% CI 2.41–3.50) of developing schizophrenia compared to native Danes. The increased risk was independent of age at onset and age at, or region of, adoption, and was not attributable to mental illness in a foster parent, the foster parent's age, or to urbanisation. The foster mother's own biological offspring had also an increased risk of developing schizophrenia (1.92, 95% CI 1.23–3.02).Conclusions:  Young adult intercountry adoptees are at increased risk for schizophrenia. Although the underlying cause is unknown, a complex interplay of factors presumably may be involved, including heredity, adversity prior to adoption, and post‐adoption adjustment difficulties during upbringing.
Potassium leaching from cut grassland and from urine patches
Authors: Kayser M. , Müller J. , Isselstein J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn grassland farming, especially on coarse‐textured soils, K can be a critical element. On these soils, the actual K management as well as fertilizer history to a large extent determine the leaching of K. The effects of four fertilizer regimes on the nutrient balances and leaching of K from grassland grown on a sandy soil were investigated. The swards differed in the source and level of N input and K fertilizer: no fertilizer N + 166 kg K ha−1 year−1 (Control), 320 kg inorganic N ha−1 + 300 kg K ha−1 year−1 (MIN 320), 320 kg N + 425 kg K ha−1 year−1 in form of cattle slurry (SLR 320) and a grass–clover sward + 166 kg K ha−1 year−1 (WCL 0) without any inorganic N input. In a second experimental phase, cores from these swards were used in a mini‐lysimeter study on the fate of K from urine patches. On cut grassland after 6 years K input minus removal in herbage resulted in average K surpluses per year of 47, 39, 56 and 159 kg K ha−1 for the Control, MIN 320, WCL 0 and SLR 320, respectively. Related leaching losses per year averaged 7.5, 5, 15 and 25 kg K ha−1. Losses of urinary‐K through leaching were 2.2–4.5 and 5.7–8.4% of the K supplied in summer and autumn applications, respectively. Plant and soil were the major sinks for K from fertilizer or urine. High levels of exchangeable K in the soil and/or large and late fertilizer or urine applications stimulated leaching of K.
Neuroprotective Effects of Propofol in Acute Cerebral Injury
Authors: Adembri Chiara , Venturi Luna , Pellegrini‐Giampietro Domenico E. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTPropofol (2,6‐diisopropylphenol) is one of the most popular agents used for induction of anesthesia and long‐term sedation, owing to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, which ensures a rapid recovery even after prolonged administration. A neuroprotective effect, beyond that related to the decrease in cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen, has been shown to be present in many in vitro and in vivo established experimental models of mild/moderate acute cerebral ischemia. Experimental studies on traumatic brain injury are limited and less encouraging. Despite the experimental results and the positive effects on cerebral physiology (propofol reduces cerebral blood flow but maintains coupling with cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen and decreases intracranial pressure, allowing optimal intraoperative conditions during neurosurgical operations), no clinical study has yet indicated that propofol may be superior to other anesthetics in improving the neurological outcome following acute cerebral injury. Therefore, propofol cannot be indicated as an established clinical neuroprotectant per se, but it might play an important role in the so‐called multimodal neuroprotection, a global strategy for the treatment of acute injury of the brain that includes preservation of cerebral perfusion, temperature control, prevention of infections, and tight glycemic control.
Lig‐8, a Highly Bioactive Lignophenol Derivative from Bamboo Lignin, Exhibits Multifaceted Neuroprotective Activity
Authors: Ito Yasushi , Akao Yukihiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Seki Norio , Nozawa Yoshinori , Hara Hideaki 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTLignin is a durable aromatic network polymer that is second only to cellulose in natural abundance. Lig‐8, a lignophenol derivative from bamboo lignin, is a highly potent neuroprotectant. It protects human neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–induced apoptosis by preventing caspase‐3 activation via either caspase‐8 or caspase‐9. It exerts this antiapoptotic effect by protecting mitochondrial membrane permeability from damage by H2O2 or the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand PK11195. Lig‐8 has been also shown to scavenge the reactive oxygen or nitrogen species in vitro. Furthermore, lig‐8 suppresses apoptosis induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation, tunicamycin (endoplasmic reticulum [ER]–stress inducer), or proteasome inhibitor in pheochromocytoma cells. In addition, in vivo, lig‐8 reduced intravitreal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate–induced retinal damage (decreases in retinal ganglion cells and inner plexiform layer thickness) in mice. Lig‐8 prevents neuronal damage partly by inhibiting excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress. In this article, we review the protective effects of lig‐8 against apoptosis induced by various stimuli. Apoptosis is an active, energy‐dependent process through which living cells initiate their own death. It can be induced by a variety of physiological and pharmacological stimuli. Apoptotic cell death is associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, or Huntington disease as well as glaucoma. We believe that the elucidation of the mechanism of antiapoptotic action of lig‐8 may help in finding new approaches to the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Ethanol Consumption Modifies Dendritic Cell Antigen Presentation in Mice
Authors: Heinz Richard , Waltenbaugh Carl 
Published: August 2007

Background: Alcohol consumption impairs type 1 cell‐mediated adaptive immune responses both in vivo and in vitro. The present study investigated the effect of alcohol consumption on antigen‐presenting cell (APC) populations and cytokine production.Methods: BALB/c were fed ethanol‐containing, pair‐fed isocaloric liquid control, or solid diets for 11 days. Macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) populations were isolated by paramagenetic bead separation and used to present ovalbumin (OVA) to highly purified syngeneic CD4+ T cells derived from DO11.10 T cell receptor transgenic mice in coculture. DC isolated from diet‐fed mice were also used to present OVA to highly purified CD4+ T cells derived from antigen‐naïve DO11.10Rag2−/− mice that are devoid of memory T cells. In vitro cytokine responses, interleukin (IL) ‐2, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17A, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry measured cell surface molecule expression.Results: Alcohol consumption impairs delayed hypersensitivity responses (type 1) and enhances serum IgE levels (type 2). CD11c+ DC, but not F4/80+ macrophages, support cytokine responses by purified CD4+ T cells. CD11c+ DC derived from ethanol consuming BALB/c mice show diminished ability to support IFN‐γ responses by purified CD4+ T cells derived from DO11.10 or DO11.10Rag2−/− mice. Subset analysis indicates that of the 3 “conventional” DC subsets found in mouse spleens, CD11c+CD8+ DCs are both responsible for OVA presentation and susceptible to the effects of ethanol. Ethanol consumption does not overtly alter the percent of splenic DC, but does increase the surface density of CD11c on these cells. Data show that cocultures containing purified CD4+ T DO11.10 cells and APC derived from alcohol‐consuming mice show decreased IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ and increased IL‐13 cytokine production in response to OVA stimulation.Conclusions: Ethanol alters CD11c+CD8+ DC function, affecting cytokines responsible for adaptive immune responses. A unifying hypothesis for the underlying mechanism(s) of ethanol’s effect upon adaptive immune function is proposed.
Suppressive effect of orally administered copper(II)‐aspirinate (Cu2(asp)4) complex on the generation of reactive oxygen species in the skin of animals subjected to UVA exposure
Authors: Fujimori Takako , Yasui Hiroyuki , Hiromura Makoto , Sakurai Hiromu 
Published: August 2007

Abstract: As reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its mimetic complexes have been intensively studied. Recently, we found that Cu2(aspirinate)4 (Cu2(asp)4) has both in vitro and in vivo antioxidative activities. We investigated the suppressive effect of Cu2(asp)4 on ROS generation in the skin of hairless mice that were orally administered Cu2(asp)4 and followed by UVA exposure. The results were compared with those obtained from mice that were orally administered Cu(salicylate)2 (Cu(sal)2) or Cu(acetate)2, (Cu(ace)2) and followed by UVA exposure. After confirming that Cu2(asp)4 suppressed ROS generation in the skin, we measured both SOD activity and metallothionein (MT) and SOD protein levels in the whole proteins extracted from the skin of ICR mice that were orally administered Cu(II) compounds. The Cu2Zn2‐SOD activity was enhanced by the administration of Cu(II) compounds; however, no alterations in the protein levels of MT and SOD were observed. Metallokinetics of the paramagnetic Cu(II) species in the circulating blood of rats, as estimated by electron spin resonance (ESR), revealed that among the Cu(II) compounds, the residence time of the Cu(II) species from Cu2(asp)4 was the longest. On the basis of these results, we conclude that Cu2(asp)4 is an orally potent antioxidative compound that suppresses ROS generation in the skin. The residence time of Cu(II) in the blood and the enhanced SOD activity in the skin following the oral administration of Cu2(asp)4 support this conclusion. Here, we propose that Cu2(asp)4 may be used to protect the skin against ROS generation.
The “People” Factor in Cooperatives: An Analysis of Members' Attitudes and Behavior
Authors: Bhuyan Sanjib 
Published: August 2007

Members' attitudes and perceptions play a significant role in their behavior toward their organization and the performance of such organizations. This study examines the role of these “people” factors in a sample of fruit and vegetable growers' cooperatives in the Mid‐Atlantic United States. Although the Theory of Planned Behavior is used as the framework of analysis, the objective of this study was not to test the theory. Study findings provide additional insights into how cooperative members' beliefs and knowledge may shape their attitudes and the consequent behavior. Given the gradual decline of both cooperative memberships and the number of cooperatives in the United States and other countries, a good understanding of members' attitudes and behaviors is necessary because a cooperative's success may depend on it. Les attitudes et les perceptions des membres d'une coopérative jouent un rôle important dans le comportement envers l'organisme et la performance de ce dernier. La présente étude a examiné le rôle de ces facteurs ≪humains≫ dans un échantillon de coopératives de producteurs de fruits et légumes dans les États du centre du littoral atlantique. Bien que la théorie du comportement axé sur un objectif ait été utilisée comme cadre d'analyse, l'objectif de l'étude ne consistait pas à tester la théorie. Les résultats de l'étude ont fourni des éclaircissements supplémentaires sur la façon dont les croyances et les connaissances des membres d'une coopérative peuvent façonner leurs attitudes et leur comportement subséquent. Compte tenu du déclin progressif du nombre de membres de coopérative et du nombre de coopératives aux États‐Unis et dans d'autres pays, il est important de bien comprendre les attitudes et les comportements des membres puisque le succès d'une coopérative peut en dépendre.
Quality Uncertainty and Challenges to Wheat Procurement
Authors: Wilson William W. , Dahl Bruce L. , Demcey Johnson D. 
Published: August 2007

Issues related to quality uncertainty in wheat producing countries have escalated in importance in recent years. While Canada addresses these issues in part through variety regulations, firms in the United States resolve these through varying commercial strategies. Conventional alternatives for procurement range from spot purchases with specifications for easily measurable characteristics, to varying forms of strategies with precommitment. In grains, these are complicated by intrinsic uncertainty associated with functional qualities that are not easily measurable and that procurement costs vary spatially. Thus, shifting origins may involve higher cost due to having to bid grain away from its best market. We posed alternative procurement strategies and developed analytical models to evaluate the costs and risks of these in the case of hard red spring (HRS) wheat. Climatic conditions are a source of uncertainty in functional performance which reduces incentives for contracting and vertical integration, and poses a challenge to any form of integrated supply chain management. Les problèmes liés à l'incertitude quant à la qualité des approvisionnements des pays producteurs de blé ont augmenté au cours des dernières années. Tandis que le Canada s'attaque à ces problèmes en imposant divers règlements, des entreprises états‐uniennes les résolvent en adoptant diverses stratégies commerciales. Les moyens d'approvisionnement traditionnels varient des achats au comptant assortis de critères pour les caractéristiques facilement mesurables, à diverses stratégies comprenant un pré‐engagement. Dans le secteur des céréales, la situation est compliquée par l'incertitude intrinsèque quant aux qualités fonctionnelles qui ne sont pas facilement mesurables et le fait que les coûts d'approvisionnements varient d'un endroit à l'autre. Par conséquent, s'approvisionner dans d'autres pays pourrait entraîner des coûts plus élevés en privant le secteur de son meilleur marché. Nous avons formulé d'autres stratégies d'approvisionnement et élaboré des modèles analytiques pour évaluer les coûts et les risques de ces stratégies dans le cas du blé de force roux de printemps. Les conditions climatiques sont une source d'incertitude de la qualité fonctionnelle qui diminue les incitatifs pour la conclusion de contrat et l'intégration verticale et qui pose un obstacle pour toute forme de gestion intégrée de la chaîne d'approvisionnement.
Ouverture des marchés et localisation des productions agricoles Market openness and location of agricultural activities
Authors: Daniel Karine 
Published: August 2007

Nous analysons dans cet article l'impact de l'ouverture des marchés sur la localisation des activités agricoles et agro‐alimentaires entre deux régions représentant de manière stylisée l'Union européenne et le reste du monde. L'analyse repose sur un modèle d'économie géographique qui considère certaines caractéristiques de l'agriculture et des marchés de produits alimentaires. Dans un cadre de marché en concurrence monopolistique où les produits sont différenciés horizontalement et verticalement, il apparaît que l'ouverture du marché induit dans tous les cas une baisse de la production communautaire. Seule une forte différentiation des produits selon leur origine géographique permet de limiter cette baisse. We analyze, in this article, the effect of a liberalization of the markets on the location of agricultural and agro‐food activities, between two stylized regions: the European Union and the rest of the world. We build an economic geography model. It considers the specificity of the agricultural activity and the food markets. In a monopolistic competition framework where the products are horizontally and vertically differentiated, we show that the openness of the market induces a decrease of the production in the European Union. Only a strong differentiation of the production according to its geographic origin can limit this effect.