bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Variant Associated with Fat Distribution and Insulin Metabolism
Authors: Ukkola Olavi , Rankinen Tuomo , Lakka Timo , Leon Arthur S. , Skinner James S. , Wilmore Jack H. , Rao D.C. , Kesäniemi Y.A. , Bouchard Claude 
Published: April 2008

AbstractProtein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTPN1) affects the regulation of insulin signaling and energy metabolism. We studied whether polymorphisms in the PTPN1 gene impact body fat distribution in the HERITAGE Family Study cohort in 502 white and 276 black subjects. Insulin sensitivity index, glucose disappearance index, acute insulin response to glucose (AIRglucose), and the disposition index (DI) were obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. White subjects with the G82G at the PTPN1 IVS6+G82A polymorphism had higher body fat levels (p = 0.031) and sum of eight skinfolds (p = 0.003) and highest subcutaneous fat on the limbs (p = 0.002). G82A subjects had the lowest AIRglucose (p = 0.005) and disposition index (p = 0.040). Interaction effects between PTPN1 and leptin receptor gene variants influenced insulin sensitivity index and AIRglucose (p from 0.006 to 0.010). The variant PTPN1 Pro387Leu was associated with lower fasting insulin level (p = 0.035) and glucose disappearance index (p = 0.038). In summary, PTPN1 IVS6+G82G homozygotes showed higher levels of all measures of adiposity. G82 allele heterozygotes are potentially at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Gene‐gene interactions between the PTPN1 and leptin receptor genes contributed to the phenotypic variability of insulin sensitivity. The PTPN1 Pro387Leu variant was associated with lower glucose tolerance.
The N363S Polymorphism of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Metabolic Syndrome Factors in Men
Authors: Buemann Benjamin , Black Eva , Holst Claus , Toubro Søren , Echwald Søren , Pedersen Oluf , Astrup Arne , Sørensen Thorkild 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To test the associations between the N363S polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and factors related to the metabolic syndrome in middle‐aged men with and without juvenile‐onset obesity.Research Methods and Procedures: This study included two groups of middle‐aged men, who were originally identified at 20 years of age at the draft boards. One group (n = 208; age, 48 ± 6 years) was selected on the basis of juvenile‐onset obesity (BMI ≥ 31 kg/m2). The other group consisted of mainly nonobese men randomly sampled from the same population in parallel with the obese men (n = 299; age, 50 ± 7 years). The subjects were genotyped for the N363S polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Body composition was measured by DXA. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by an oral glucose tolerance test, and the Matsudas index was calculated as a proxy for insulin sensitivity. Serum triglycerides and total and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol were measured in the fasting state.Results: Among the men with juvenile‐onset obesity, carriers (n = 17) of the 363S allele had a lower whole body fat percentage, after accounting for differences in BMI and higher Matsudas index, compared with the noncarriers. The difference in Matsudas index lost statistical significance after the difference in body fat was accounted for. In the randomly sampled men, these variables did not relate to genotype. No relationship between carriers and noncarriers was found in body fat distribution or serum lipids.Discussion: This study suggests that, in men developing obesity early in life, the 363S allele is associated with less adiposity at a given BMI, leading to higher insulin sensitivity.
Effects of single‐point amino acid substitutions on the structure and function neuraminidase proteins in influenza A virus
Authors: Yano Takuya , Nobusawa Eri , Nagy Alexander , Nakajima Setsuko , Nakajima Katsuhisa 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIn order to clarify the effect of amino acid substitutions on the structure and function of the neuraminidase (NA) protein of influenza A virus, we introduced single‐point amino acid substitutions into the NA protein of the A/Tokyo/3/67 (H2N2) strain using PCR‐based random mutation. The rate of tolerant random one amino acid substitutions in the NA protein was 47%. Rates of tolerant substitutions for the stalk and for the surface and inner portion of the head region of the NA protein were 79, 54, and 19%, respectively. Deleterious changes, such as those causing the NA protein to stop at the Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum, were scattered throughout the protein. On the other hand, the ratio of mutations with which the NA protein lost neuraminidase activity, but was transported to the cell surface, decreased in proportion to the distance from the structural center of enzyme active site. In order to investigate the effect of accumulated amino acid substitutions on the structural character of the N2NA protein during evolution, the same amino acid substitutions were introduced by site‐directed mutagenesis at 23 homologous positions on N2 proteins of A/Tokyo/3/67, A/Bangkok/15/85 (H3N2), and A/Mie/1/2004 (H3N2). The results showed a shift, or discordance, in tolerance at some of the positions. An increase in discordance was correlated with the interval in years between virus strains, and the discordance rate was estimated to be 0.6–0.7% per year.
The Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol elicits hydrogen peroxide production, programmed cell death and defence responses in wheat
Authors: DESMOND OLIVIA J. , MANNERS JOHN M. , STEPHENS AMBER E. , MACLEAN DONALD J. , SCHENK PEER M. , GARDINER DONALD M. , MUNN ALAN L. , KAZAN KEMAL 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY Fusarium species infect cereal crops worldwide and cause the important diseases Fusarium head blight and crown rot in wheat. Fusarium pathogens reduce yield and some species also produce trichothecene mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), during infection. These toxins play roles in pathogenesis on wheat and have serious health effects if present in grain consumed by humans or animals. In the present study, the response of wheat tissue to DON has been investigated. Infusion of wheat leaves with DON induced hydrogen peroxide production within 6 h followed by cell death within 24 h that was accompanied by DNA laddering, a hallmark of programmed cell death. In addition, real‐time PCR analysis revealed that DON treatment rapidly induced transcription of a number of defence genes in a concentration‐dependent manner. Co‐treatment with DON and the antioxidant ascorbic acid reduced these responses, suggesting their induction may be at least partially mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly known to be signalling molecules in plants. Wheat defence genes were more highly expressed in wheat stems inoculated with a DON‐producing fungal strain than those inoculated with a DON‐non‐producing mutant, but only at a late stage of infection. Taken together, the results are consistent with a model in which DON production during infection of wheat induces ROS, which on the one hand may stimulate programmed host cell death assisting necrotrophic fungal growth, whereas, on the other hand, the ROS may contribute to the induction of antimicrobial host defences.
Radioiodine therapy (RAI) for Graves’ disease (GD) and the effect on ophthalmopathy: a systematic review*
Authors: Acharya Shamasunder H. , Avenell Alison , Philip Sam , Burr Jennifer , Bevan John S. , Abraham Prakash 
Published: April 2008

SummaryBackground  An association between radioiodine therapy (RAI) for Graves’ disease (GD) and the development or worsening of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is widely quoted but there has been no systematic review of the evidence.Aims  We undertook a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess whether RAI for GD is associated with increased risk of ophthalmopathy compared with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) or surgery. We also assessed the efficacy of glucocorticoid prophylaxis in the prevention of occurrence or progression of ophthalmopathy, when used with RAI.Methods  We identified RCTs regardless of language or publication status by searching six databases and trial registries. Dual, blinded data abstraction and quality assessment were undertaken. Random effects meta‐analyses were used to combine the study data. Ten RCTs involving 1136 patients permitted 13 comparisons. Two RCTs compared RAI with ATD. Two RCTs compared RAI with thyroidectomy. Four RCTs compared the use of adjunctive ATD with RAI vs. RAI. Five RCTs examined the use of glucocorticoid prophylaxis with RAI.Results  RAI was associated with an increased risk of ophthalmopathy compared with ATD [relative risk (RR) 4·23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·04–8·77] but compared with thyroidectomy, there was no statistically significant increased risk (RR 1·59, 95% CI 0·89–2·81). The risk of severe GO was also increased with RAI compared with ATD (RR 4·35; 95% CI 1·28–14·73). Prednisolone prophylaxis for RAI was highly effective in preventing the progression of GO in patients with pre‐existing GO (RR 0·03; 95% CI 0·00–0·24). The use of adjunctive ATD with RAI was not associated with any significant benefit on the course of GO.Conclusion  RAI for GD is associated with a small but definite increased risk of development or worsening of Graves’ ophthalmopathy compared with ATDs. Steroid prophylaxis is beneficial for patients with pre‐existing GO.
Effects of T4 replacement therapy on glucose metabolism in subjects with subclinical (SH) and overt hypothyroidism (OH)
Authors: Handisurya Ammon , Pacini Giovanni , Tura Andrea , Gessl Alois , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  To evaluate β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity in subjects with overt (OH) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) before and after T4 replacement therapy.Background  Disturbances in glucose metabolism have been observed in hypothyroid states. However, the clinical significance and potential reversibility of these alterations by T4 replacement therapy remain to be elucidated especially in patients with SH.Design and patients  Parameters of glucose metabolism have been investigated in subjects with OH (n = 12) and SH (n = 11). Insulin sensitivity has been assessed by the euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique and β‐cell function by mathematical modelling of data derived from an oral glucose tolerance test.Results  Fasting and dynamic glycaemia as assessed by the AUCGlucose remained unaltered following substitution therapy (P > 0·05). Insulin sensitivity significantly improved only in subjects with OH (P < 0·05). Fasting insulin and proinsulin concentrations increased proportionally in both groups (P < 0·05) with the proinsulin : insulin ratio remaining unchanged (P > 0·05). Total insulin secretion was higher in OH before initiation of therapy (P < 0·05). In both groups, dynamic parameters including total insulin secretion, hepatic insulin extraction and the adaptation index were significantly attenuated (P < 0·05) after restoration of thyroid function, whereas the disposition index and the basal insulin secretion rate remained unaltered (P > 0·05).Conclusion  In summary, SH and OH are characterized by attenuated basal plasma insulin levels and increased glucose‐induced insulin secretion. T4 replacement therapy partially ameliorates the insulin secretion profile and reduces the demand on pancreatic β‐cells after glucose challenge to an extent that exceeds any effect attributable to the improvement in insulin sensitivity.
Distribution of the Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius in Wales, on the edge of its range
Authors: BRIGHT P.W. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTA questionnaire, data from a public participation survey, past records and nestbox counts were used to review Dormouse distribution and status in Wales. At the turn of the century Dormice were reported from all Welsh counties. In the three decades from 1940 they were known from only seven 1‐km squares; this rose to 26 squares in the 1970s after a Mammal Society survey. Dormice are currently (1990–93) known from 107 1‐km squares, only 0.5% of Wales, and are clearly rare. They have recently been ‘rediscovered’ in North Wales and Glamorgan. However, despite an increase in recording effort, very few sites have been found in northern Wales, implying a decline in status, and relatively few in the west compared to the east. Large tracts of Dyfed and Powys, where there is some suitable habitat, seem to lack Dormice.More than half of known Dormouse sites are in the deciduous margins of conifer plantations (36%) or in oak Quercus spp. woods (22%), both likely to be poor‐quality habitats. Population densities at three sites are within the range of those measured in England. Forty per cent of known sites had some protected status, but 53% of sites were considered threatened, due to clear felling during forestry operations or lack of coppice woodland management.Dormouse distribution in Wales, on the western edge of the species' distributional range, seems to be strongly restricted by habitat suitability and climate. Many populations are likely to be threatened by replanting of ancient woodland and subsequent management harmful to the Dormouse's needs. Only 11% of ancient woodlands in Wales are large (> 20 ha). Dormice may therefore often occur in small woods, where their survival is likely to depend critically on the maintenance of hedgerows between woods. A programme of practical conservation and research is proposed to safeguard Dormouse populations.
The winter diet and parasitic fauna of a population of Rednecked Wallabies Macropus rufogriseus recently introduced to Scotland
Authors: WEIR ALISON , MCLEOD JAYNE , ADAMS COLIN E. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAlthough the Red‐necked Wallaby is native to south‐east Australia and Tasmania, at least four colonies have become established in the UK and two of these still survive. Here we provide the first account of a colony that became established following the deliberate release of four individuals to an island in Loch Lomond, Scotland in 1975. Data presented here show that this population is well established, having grown to at least 26 individuals by 1992. Wallaby diet in winter (a critical period for survival in the other remaining UK population) is composed of Blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus and Heather Calluna vulgaris, each making up 35% of the plant fragments by occurrence in faecal pellets, with grasses making up a further 13%. Two species of parasitic coccidian protozoa and four species of strongyle nematode were found in faecal samples from this colony but the infection rate was low compared with what limited published data exist for this species. The possible reasons for the success of this most northerly of the UK wallaby populations are its isolation, the maritime climate and vegetation structure of the inhabited area.
Courtship behaviour in Macropodoidea (kangaroos, wallabies and rat Kangaroos) — phylogenetic and ecological influences on ritualization
Authors: Gansloßer Udo 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe courtship and sexual behaviour in Macropodoidea (kangaroos, wallabies and rat‐kangaroos) is reviewed. Data from studies on free‐ranging and captive animals are included, because comparisons revealed no significant differences in type and pattern of behavioural elements. The use of sequential analysis permits quantitative comparisons between species as well as between age classes of any given species, with regard to aspects such as fixation, repetition and predictability of displays, but also with regard to homologies in behaviour.Mating systems in macropodoids, depending on distribution of resources for females, are diverse with respect to male/male competition. Correlating with basic types of the mating system, a variable degree of length and complexity in courtship is found. An attempt to compare the degree of ritualization is made by attributing point‐scores (on fixation, exaggeration, incompleteness and predictability of courtship sequences). The resulting point‐score is compared with a phylogenetic tree of the super‐family and with the basic types of mating systems to discuss influences of phylogeny and mate acquisition on ritualization processes.
Light affects motility and infectivity of Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Oberpichler Inga , Rosen Ran , Rasouly Aviram , Vugman Michal , Ron Eliora Z. , Lamparter Tilman 
Published: April 2008

SummaryResponse to changes in light conditions involves a variety of receptors that can modulate gene expression, enzyme activity and/or motility. For the study of light‐regulated effects of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, we used a global analysis approach – proteomics – and compared the protein patterns of dark‐ and light‐grown bacteria. These analyses revealed a significant reduction of FlaA and FlaB – proteins of the flagellum – when the cells were grown in light. The light effect was confirmed by SDS‐PAGE with isolated flagella. Quantitative PCR experiments showed a 10‐fold increase of the transcription level of flaA, flaB and flaC within 20 min after the transfer from light to darkness. Electron microscopy revealed that these molecular events result in a light‐induced reduction of the number of flagella per cell. These changes have major physiological consequences regarding motility, which is considerably reduced with exposure to light. The inhibitory effect of light on the motility is not unique to A. tumefaciens and was also seen in other species of the Rhizobiaceae. Previous studies suggested that the flagella function is significant for bacteria–plant interactions and bacterial virulence. In our studies, light reduced the attachment of A. tumefaciens to tomato roots and the virulence of the bacteria in a cucumber infection assay.
Spatio‐temporal niche separation of planktonic Betaproteobacteria in an oligo‐mesotrophic lake
Authors: Salcher Michaela M. , Pernthaler Jakob , Zeder Michael , Psenner Roland , Posch Thomas 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe investigated the diversity of planktonic Betaproteobacteria and the seasonal population changes of betaproteobacterial taxa in an oligo‐mesotrophic lake (Piburger See, Austria). Focus was put on the vertical distribution of the investigated populations and on differences between their respective cell fractions with apparent amino acid incorporation. On average, 66% of betaproteobacterial cells and 73% of their diversity could be attributed to four clades within three lineages that were further analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The numbers of bacteria from the R‐BT subclade of the beta I lineage and from the PnecB subgroup of the beta II lineage were rather constant throughout the water column. In contrast, members of another subgroup of beta II (PnecC) and bacteria related to Methylophilus (beta IV) were particularly numerous in the oxygen‐depleted zone. In general, only moderate seasonal changes in abundance were observed in the upper water layers, whereas there was a clear relationship between decreasing oxygen levels and the rise of bacteria from the PnecC and beta IV clades in deeper strata. On average, almost 80% of beta I bacteria, but < 15% of cells from the beta IV clade, showed amino acid incorporation. Our results suggest that the studied populations occupy distinct vertical and ecophysiological niches in Piburger See.
Reading Proficiency and Orthography Evidence from Hebrew and English
Authors: Shimron Joseph , Sivan Tamar 
Published: April 2008

We conducted two experiments to test whether the orthography of readers’ first or second languages affects their reading time and comprehension in each. In both experiments, very skilled bilinguals read texts translated from Hebrew to English, or from English to Hebrew. Half the texts were originally written in Hebrew and the other half in English. In the first experiment, 24 native Hebrew speakers read two passages of four texts in the Hebrew version. Each read one of the texts voweled and the other one unvoweled. Twelve native English speakers read two passages from the same four texts in English. Participants in the study were either students or teachers at the University of Haifa. The English native speakers read the EngLish texts significantly faster than the native Hebrew speakers read the same texts in their Hebrew version. The origin of the text (English or Hebrew) and vowelization were nonsignificant, as was any interaction between the main factors. The comprehension of the Hebrew voweled texts was nearly significantly better than was the comprehension of the Hebrew unvoweled texts.In the second experiment, 24 advanced bilingual, Hebrew native speakers read two passages in Hebrew (one voweled and the other unvoweled) and two in English. Again, the reading time in English was significantly shorter. Post‐hoc comparisons showed that readingtime was shorter in English than in unvoweled Hebrew, but not shorter than in voweled Hebrew. Comprehension of English was not significantly different from comprehension of voweled Hebrew, but was significantly better than comprehension of unvoweled Hebrew.
Functional Categories and Acquisition Orders
Authors: Zobl Helmut , Liceras Juana 
Published: April 2008

We analyzed some earlier studies of English L1 and L2 morpheme orders, basing our analysis on current functional categories theory. Our analysis meets two long‐standing charges against morpheme order data; namely, that the heterogeneity of the morphemes does not yield up any insights into L2 acquisition and that the English language‐based orders lack generalizability.We suggest that the salient differences between the L1 and the L2 orders reduce to a number of simple contrasts. These involve (a) the category‐specific emergence of functional categories in L1 versus their cross‐category development in L2; (b) an L2 ordering hinging crucially on the lexical head versus inflectional head distinction in L2 and its absence in L1; (c) the at least coequal, or possibly even spearheading, role that inflections play vis‐à‐vis free functional categories in L1 versus the earlier and independent emergence of the latter in L2; and (d) the apparently greater difficulty that affix‐movement poses for L2 learners.
House Building in the South Wales Coalfield, 1851‐19131
Authors: Richards J. Hamish , Lewis J. Parry 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThis paper attempts to plot the course of residential building in the South Wales Coalfield2 during the period 1851‐1913. The primary material is similar to that used by the late Mr. Bernard Weber in his path‐breaking article, “A New Index of Residential Construction, 1838‐1950.”3One of the duties imposed on local authorities by the Health Act of 1848 was the drawing up, and enforcement, of Building Bye‐Laws, based on model bye‐laws issued by the Central Board of Health. Before any building could be erected, the local boards, guided by the Surveyors, had to approve the plan. Many local authorities have records showing details of the plans approved, and these form the main source of our information.