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One Member (one + member)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Life Sciences40%
Medical Sciences28%
Psychology12%
Humanities and Social Sciences12%
2 Other Domains8%

Kinds of One Member

  • least one member
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    Selected Abstracts

    The role of Pax7 in determining the cytoarchitecture of the superior colliculus

    DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 3 2004
    Jennifer Thompson
    Pax genes are a family of transcriptional regulators vital for embryonic development. One member of the family, Pax7, functions early in neural development to establish dorsal polarity of the neural tube, and continuous refinement of its expression affords regional identity to brain nuclei, in particular the superior colliculus. Pax7 expression within the superior colliculus is eventually restricted to the stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale (SGFS), the retinorecipient layer to which the optic nerve projects. The key role of Pax7 in specification of the superior colliculus has been highlighted by misexpression studies which result in ectopic formation of superior collicular tissue with characteristic laminae innervated by retinal ganglion cell axons. Here we review the role of Pax7 in formation of the superior colliculus and discuss the possibility that Pax7 may also assist in refinement of correct topographic mapping. [source]

    Yeast diversity sampling on the San Juan Islands reveals no evidence for the spread of the Vancouver Island Cryptococcus gattii outbreak to this locale

    FEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006
    James A. Fraser
    Abstract Biological diversity has been estimated for various phyla of life, such as insects and mammals, but in the microbe world is has been difficult to determine species richness and abundance. Here we describe a study of species diversity of fungi with a yeast-like colony morphology from the San Juan Islands, a group of islands that lies southeast of Vancouver Island, Canada. Our sampling revealed that the San Juan archipelago biosphere contains a diverse range of such fungi predominantly belonging to the Basidiomycota, particularly of the order Tremellales. One member of this group, Cryptococcus gattii, is the etiological agent of a current and ongoing outbreak of cryptococcosis on nearby Vancouver Island. Our sampling did not, however, reveal this species. While the lack of recovery of C. gattii does not preclude its presence on the San Juan Islands, our results suggest that the Strait of Juan de Fuca may be serving as a geographical barrier to restrict the dispersal of this primary human fungal pathogen into the United States. [source]

    Social Identification and Interpersonal Communication in Computer-Mediated Communication: What You Do Versus Who You Are in Virtual Groups

    HUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009
    Zuoming Wang
    This study investigates the influence of interpersonal communication and intergroup identification on members' evaluations of computer-mediated groups. Participants (N= 256) in 64 four-person groups interacted through synchronous computer chat. Subgroup assignments to minimal groups instilled significantly greater in-group versus out-group identification. One member in each group was instructed to exhibit interpersonally likable or dislikable behavior. Analysis revealed that confederates acting likably were more attractive than those acting dislikably regardless of their in-group or out-group status. Further results indicated that interpersonal behavior interacted with subgroup membership on identification shifts following online discussions. Interpersonal dynamics generally provided stronger effects on members in virtual groups than did intergroup dynamics, in contrast to predictions from previous applications of social identification to computer-mediated communication. Résumé L,identification sociale et la communication interpersonnelle dans la communication par ordinateur : Ce que vous faites et qui vous êtes dans les groupes virtuels Cette étude examine l'influence de la communication interpersonnelle et de l,identification intergroupe sur les évaluations que font les membres des groupes électroniques. Les participants (N= 256), divisés en 64 groupes de quatre personnes, ont interagi par le biais de clavardage (conversation électronique) en temps réel. L'assignation à des sous-groupes a produit une identification intragroupe beaucoup plus grande qu,une identification hors-groupe. Des instructions furent données à un membre de chaque groupe d'afficher des comportements interpersonnels agréables ou désagréables. L,analyse révèle que les collaborateurs agissant de façon agréable étaient plus attrayants que ceux agissant de façon désagréable et ce, indépendamment de leur statut intragroupe ou hors-groupe. Des résultats supplémentaires indiquent que le comportement interpersonnel et l'appartenance au sous-groupe ont joué sur les changements d,identification qui ont suivi les discussions en ligne. La dynamique interpersonnelle a généralement eu des effets plus forts sur les membres des groupes virtuels que la dynamique intergroupe, contrairement aux prédictions des applications précédentes de l'identification sociale à la communication par ordinateur. Abstract Soziale Identifikation und interpersonale Kommunikation in computervermittelter Kommunikation: Was du machst vs. Wer du bist in virtuellen Gruppen Diese Studie untersucht den Einfluss von interpersonaler Kommunikation und Gruppenidentifikation auf die Bewertung von computervermittelten Gruppen durch ihre Mitglieder. Die Teilnehmer (N= 256) in 64 4-Personen Gruppen interagierten in synchronen Computer-Chats. Gruppenaufgaben für Untergruppen bewirkte signifikant stärkere Identifikation in der Gruppe und nach außen. In jeder Gruppe wurde ein Teilnehmer instruiert, interpersonal angenehmes oder unangenehmes Verhalten an den Tag zu legen. Die Analyse zeigte, dass die instruierten Teilnehmer, die angenehm agierten, attraktiver wahrgenommen wurden, als die, die die unangenehm agierten, unabhängig von ihrem Status in oder außerhalb der Gruppe. Weitere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass interpersonales Verhaltes mit der Mitgliedschaft in Untergruppen bezüglich der Identifikationsverschiebung auf Online-Diskussionen folgend interagierte. Im Gegensatz zu Annahmen aus früheren Anwendungen sozialer Identifikation auf computervermittelte Kommunikation, zeigten interpersonale Dynamiken allgemein stärkere Effekte auf die Mitglieder in virtuellen Gruppen als auf die Gruppendynamik. Resumen La identificación Social y la Comunicación Interpersonal en la Comunicación Mediada por la Computadora: Lo Que Haces Versus Quién Eres en los Grupos Virtuales Este estudio investiga la influencia de la comunicación interpersonal y la identificación intergrupal en las evaluaciones de los miembros de grupos mediados por la computadora. Los participantes (N= 256) en 64 grupos de 4 personas interactuaron asincrónicamente a través de la computadora en un salón de charla. Las tareas de subgrupos para grupos mínimos inculcaron una identificación significativamente mayor con el grupo de pertenencia versus el grupo excluyente. Un miembro de cada grupo fue instruido para exhibir comportamientos interpersonales agradables y desagradables. El análisis reveló que los miembros de los grupos que actuaban en forma agradable fueron más atractivos que los que actuaban en forma desagradable a pesar de su estatus de grupo de pertenencia o excluyente. Más resultados indicaron que el comportamiento interpersonal interactuó con la membrecía del subgrupo en los cambios de identificación que siguieron a las discusiones online. Las dinámicas interpersonales proveyeron generalmente de efectos más fuertes sobre los miembros de grupos virtuales que sobre las dinámicas intergrupales, en contraste con las predicciones de previas aplicaciones de la identificación social de la comunicación mediada por la computadora. ZhaiYao Yo yak [source]

    The major antennal chemosensory protein of red imported fire ant workers

    INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
    D. González
    Abstract Some chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are expressed in insect sensory appendages and are thought to be involved in chemical signalling by ants. We identified 14 unique CSP sequences in expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. One member of this group (Si-CSP1) is highly expressed in worker antennae, suggesting an olfactory function. A shotgun proteomic analysis of antennal proteins confirmed the high level of Si-CSP1 expression, and also showed expression of another CSP and two odorant-binding proteins (OBPs). We cloned and expressed the coding sequence for Si-CSP1. We used cyclodextrins as solubilizers to investigate ligand binding. Fire ant cuticular lipids strongly inhibited Si-CSP1 binding to the fluorescent dye N-phenyl-naphthylamine, suggesting cuticular substances are ligands for Si-CSP1. Analysis of the cuticular lipids showed that the endogenous ligands of Si-CSP1 are not cuticular hydrocarbons. [source]

    Role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in breast cancer cell growth

    MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 1 2002
    Lynette J. Schedlich
    Abstract The mitogenic effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are regulated by a family of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). One member of this family, IGFBP-3, mediates the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of a number of growth factors and hormones such as transforming growth factor-,, retinoic acid, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. IGFBP-3 may act in an IGF-dependent manner by attenuating the interaction of pericellular IGFs with the type-I IGF receptor. It may also act in an IGF-independent manner by initiating intracellular signaling from a cell surface receptor, or by direct nuclear action, or both. The possibility of a membrane-bound receptor is strengthened by recent studies which have identified members of the transforming growth factor-, receptor family as having a role, either directly or indirectly, in signaling from the cell surface by IGFBP-3. A number of growth factors and hormones stimulate the expression and secretion of cellular IGFBP-3, which then signals from the cell surface to bring about some of the effects attributed to the primary agents. Within the cell, the apoptosis-inducing tumor suppressor, p53, can also induce IGFBP-3 expression and secretion. Since IGFBP-3 upregulates the cell cycle inhibitor, p21Waf1, and increases the ratio of proapoptotic to antiapoptotic members of the Bcl family, it appears to exert the same effects on major downstream targets of cell signaling as p53 does. The nuclear localization of IGFBP-3 has been described in a number of cell types. IGFBP-3 may act to import IGFs or other nuclear localization signal-deficient signaling molecules into the nucleus. It may also act directly in the nucleus by enhancing the activity of retinoid X receptor-, and thereby promote apoptosis. All of the above phenomena will be discussed with particular emphasis on the growth of breast cancer cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:12,22, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    The Aging Experience of Well Elderly Women: Initial Results

    NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 3 2002
    Wendy Duggleby
    In aging research, the concentration of the majority of studies on the effects of disease and other problems has resulted in a view of aging that focuses on losses (Agen, 1998). However, little is actually understood about the aging experience in well elderly women and how they adapt to changes in aging. The purpose of this study was to explore the aging experience among well community-living older women participating in activities at a seniors' center. The specific aims were: (i) describe the experience of aging; and (ii) describe how participants deal with aging. A descriptive qualitative focus group design was used. Fourteen women who attend a seniors' center in a large urban multi-purpose recreation center in north central Texas participated in focus groups based on their age: young,old (65,74); old,old (75,84) and oldest old (85 years of age and older). The focus group interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis methodology. One member from each focus group confirmed the results. All three age groups described changes in interests, loss of friends, loss of spouse, and retirement. The ,old,old' and ,oldest old' groups described physical changes that interfered with ,doing what they did before'. All three groups said the best part about growing older was a sense of freedom and the most difficult was loss of spouse. They all dealt with the changes by maintaining relationships with family and friends, faith, staying physically and mentally active and staying involved. The participants identified seniors' programs as helping them with changes. However, transportation was an issue. They also described how they needed others to be patient with them as they dealt with their changes. [source]

    Characterization and over-expression of chaperonin t-complex proteins in colorectal cancer

    THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
    C Coghlin
    Abstract The chaperonins are key molecular complexes, which are essential in the folding of proteins to produce stable and functionally competent protein conformations. One member of the chaperonin group of proteins is TCP1 (chaperonin containing t-complex polypeptide 1, or CCT), but little is known about this protein in tumours. In this study, we used comparative proteomic analysis to show that t-complex protein subunits TCP1 beta and TCP1 epsilon are over-expressed in colorectal adenocarcinomas. Monoclonal antibodies to these proteins were developed and the expression and cellular localization of these two proteins in colorectal cancer were analysed by immunohistochemistry on a colorectal cancer tissue microarray. In colorectal cancer, TCP1 beta cellular localization was exclusively cytoplasmic, whereas TCP1 epsilon staining was seen in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Both cytoplasmic TCP1 beta and cytoplasmic TCP1 epsilon were significantly over-expressed (p < 0.001 for each protein) in primary colorectal cancer and also showed increased expression with advancing Dukes' stage (p = 0.018 for TCP1 beta and p = 0.045 for TCP1 epsilon). A trend was also identified between over-expression of cytoplasmic TCP1 beta and reduced patient survival (p = 0.05). These results show that both TCP1 beta and TCP1 epsilon are over-expressed in colorectal cancer and indicate a role for TCP1 beta and TCP1 epsilon in colorectal cancer progression. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Isolation and characterization of the RAD54 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana

    THE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006
    Keishi Osakabe
    Summary Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential process in maintaining genome integrity and variability. In eukaryotes, the Rad52 epistasis group proteins are involved in meiotic recombination and/or HR repair. One member of this group, Rad54, belongs to the SWI2/SNF2 family of DNA-stimulated ATPases. Recent studies indicate that Rad54 has important functions in HR, both as a chromatin remodelling factor and as a mediator of the Rad51 nucleoprotein filament. Despite the importance of Rad54 in HR, no study of Rad54 from plants has yet been performed. Here, we cloned the full-length AtRAD54 cDNA sequence; an open reading frame of 910 amino acids encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 101.9 kDa. Western blotting analysis showed that the AtRad54 protein was indeed expressed as a protein of approximately 110 kDa in Arabidopsis. The predicted protein sequence of AtRAD54 contains seven helicase domains, which are conserved in all other Rad54s. Yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed an interaction between Arabidopsis Rad51 and Rad54. AtRAD54 transcripts were found in all tissues examined, with the highest levels of expression in flower buds. Expression of AtRAD54 was induced by , -irradiation. A T-DNA insertion mutant of AtRAD54 devoid of full-length AtRAD54 expression was viable and fertile; however, it showed increased sensitivity to , -irradiation and the cross-linking reagent cisplatin. In addition, the efficiency of somatic HR in the mutant plants was reduced relative to that in wild-type plants. Our findings point to an important role for Rad54 in HR repair in higher plants. [source]

    Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) is a PPAR, agonist in an ECV304 cell line

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
    David Bishop-Bailey
    Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR)s are nuclear transcription factors of the steroid receptor super-family. One member, PPAR,, a critical transcription factor in adipogenesis, is expressed in ECV304 cells, and when activated participates in the induction of cell death by apoptosis. Here we describe a clone of ECV304 cells, ECV-ACO.Luc, which stably expresses a reporter gene for PPAR activation. ECV-ACO.Luc respond to the PPAR, agonists, 15-deoxy-,12,14 PGJ2, and ciglitizone, by inducing luciferase expression. Furthermore, using ECV-ACO.Luc, we demonstrate that a newly described PPAR, antagonist, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) has agonist activities. Similar to 15-deoxy-,12,14 PGJ2, BADGE induces PPAR, activation, nuclear localization of the receptor, and induces cell death. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 131, 651,654; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703628 [source]

    Gender ratios for reading difficulties

    DYSLEXIA, Issue 3 2009
    Jesse L. Hawke
    Abstract The prevalence of reading difficulties is typically higher in males than females in both referred and research-identified samples, and the ratio of males to females is greater in more affected samples. To explore possible gender differences in reading performance, we analysed data from 1133 twin pairs in which at least one member of each pair had a school history of reading problems and from 684 twin pairs from a comparison sample with no reading difficulties. Although the difference between the average scores of males and females in these two samples was very small, the variance of reading performance was significantly greater for males in both groups. We suggest that a greater variance of reading performance measures in males may account at least in part for their higher prevalence of reading difficulties as well as for the higher gender ratios that are observed in more severely impaired samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Genetic influences on reading difficulties in boys and girls: the Colorado twin study

    DYSLEXIA, Issue 1 2006
    Jesse L. Hawke
    Abstract To test the hypothesis that the genetic etiology for reading disability may differ in males and females, data from identical and fraternal twin pairs were analysed using both concordance and multiple regression methods. The sample included 264 identical (129 male, 135 female) and 214 same-sex fraternal (121 male, 93 female) twin pairs in which at least one member of each pair had reading difficulties. The difference between the identical and fraternal twin pair concordance rates was slightly larger for females than for males, suggesting a possible sex difference in etiology; however, a loglinear analysis of the three-way interaction of sex, zygosity, and concordance was not significant (p,0.17). The estimate of group heritability (hg2), a standardized measure of the extent to which reading difficulties are due to genetic influences, was somewhat greater for females than males (0.65 vs 0.54), but this difference was also not significant (p,0.35). Gender differences in hg2 were larger for younger children (less than 11.5 years of age) than for older children. However, the three-way interaction of sex, zygosity, and age was not significant when age was treated either categorically (p,0.86) or continuously (p,0.71). Thus, results of this study provide little or no evidence for a differential genetic etiology of reading difficulties in males and females. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Protection of lodgepole pines from mass attack by mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae, with nonhost angiosperm volatiles and verbenone

    ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2 2001
    D.P.W. Huber
    Abstract A number of angiosperm nonhost volatiles (NHVs) and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) were tested alone and as supplements to the antiaggregation pheromone, verbenone, for their ability to disrupt attack by the mountain pine beetle (MPB), Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), on lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engel. Preliminary experiments led to a refined NHV blend [benzyl alcohol, guaiacol, benzaldehyde, nonanal, salicylaldehyde, and conophthorin] and a refined GLV blend [(Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol]. In a 20-replicate experiment, NHV and GLV groups both singly, and verbenone alone, significantly reduced MPB mass attack on pheromone-baited trees and on trees within 5 m of the pheromone-baited trees. Both blends in combination with verbenone reduced the number of mass attacked, baited trees to three out of 20 compared to 20 out of 20 of the baited controls. Each binary combination was also effective at reducing mass attack. In these experiments, all tested repellents were released from devices stapled to trees at the same point as the pheromone bait, suggesting that the repellency could have been to a point source, rather than to the whole tree. Therefore, in two further experiments bands of release devices were wrapped around the treated trees and the pheromone bait was removed from the treated trees. In one experiment, when the aggregation pheromone bait was suspended between pairs of trees treated with the NHV blend plus GLV blend plus verbenone, only three out of 25 treated pairs had mass attack on at least one member of the pair. In the other 60-replicate experiment, with no pheromone baits present, attack occurred on 13 untreated and 11 banded trees, all in the path of a large advancing infestation. However, the mean attack density on the banded trees was significantly reduced to a level below the 40 attacks m,2 of bark surface required to kill a healthy lodgepole pine. As a result of these experiments, operational trials are recommended. [source]

    Springtime ichthyoplankton of the slope region off the north-eastern United States of America: larval assemblages, relation to hydrography and implications for larval transport

    FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2001
    Jonathan A. Hare
    Larval transport in the slope region off north-eastern North America influences recruitment to juvenile habitats for a variety of fishes that inhabit the continental shelf. In this study, collections of larval fishes were made during springtime over the continental slope to provide insights into larval distributions and transport. Ichthyoplankton composition and distribution mirrored the physical complexity of the region. Three larval fish assemblages were defined, each with different water mass distributions. A Gulf Stream assemblage was found predominantly in the Gulf Stream and associated with filaments of discharged Gulf Stream water in the Slope Sea. Larvae of this assemblage originated from oceanic and shelf regions south of Cape Hatteras. Several members of this assemblage utilize habitats in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) as juveniles (Pomatomus saltatrix, Peprilus triacanthus) and other members of the assemblage may share this life cycle (Mugil curema, Sphyraena borealis, Urophycis regia). A Slope Sea assemblage was found in all water masses, and was composed of epi- and mesopelagic fish larvae, as well as larvae of benthic shelf/slope residents. Larvae of one member of this assemblage (U. tenuis) are spawned in the Slope Sea but cross the shelf-slope front and use nearshore habitats for juvenile nurseries. A MAB shelf assemblage was found in MAB shelf water and was composed of larvae that were spawned on the shelf. Some of these species may cross into the Slope Sea before returning to MAB shelf habitats (e.g. Enchelyopus cimbrius, Glyptocephalus cynoglossus). Previous studies have examined the effect of warm-core rings on larval distributions, but this study identifies the importance of smaller-scale features of the MAB shelf/slope front and of filaments associated with Gulf Stream meanders. In combination with these advective processes, the dynamic nature of larval distributions in the Slope Sea appears to be influenced, to varying degrees, by both vertical and horizontal behaviour of larvae and pelagic juveniles themselves. [source]

    Selection of the most informative individuals from families with multiple siblings for association studies

    GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
    Chunyu Liu
    Abstract Association analyses may follow an initial linkage analysis for mapping and identifying genes underlying complex quantitative traits and may be conducted on unrelated subsets of individuals where only one member of a family is included. We evaluate two methods to select one sibling per sibship when multiple siblings are available: (1) one sibling with the most extreme trait value; and (2) one sibling using a combination score statistic based on extreme trait values and identity-by-descent sharing information. We compare the type I error and power. Furthermore, we compare these selection strategies with a strategy that randomly selects one sibling per sibship and with an approach that includes all siblings, using both simulation study and an application to fasting blood glucose in the Framingham Heart Study. When genetic effect is homogeneous, we find that using the combination score can increase power by 30,40% compared to a random selection strategy, and loses only 8,13% of power compared to the full sibship analysis, across all additive models considered, but offers at least 50% genotyping cost saving. In the presence of genetic heterogeneity, the score offers a 50% increase in power over a random selection strategy, but there is substantial loss compared to the full sibship analysis. In application to fasting blood sample, two SNPs are found in common for the selection strategies and the full sample among the 10 highest ranked single nucleotide polymorphisms. The EV strategy tends to agree with the IBD-EV strategy and the analysis of the full sample. Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Grading of dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus: substantial interobserver variation between general and gastrointestinal pathologists

    HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007
    M Kerkhof
    Aims:, To determine interobserver variation in grading of dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) between non-expert general pathologists and expert gastrointestinal pathologists on the one hand and between expert pathologists on the other hand. Methods and results:, In this prospective multicentre study, non-expert and expert pathologists graded biopsy specimens of 920 patients with endoscopic BO, which were blindly reviewed by one member of a panel of expert pathologists (panel experts) and by a second panel expert in case of disagreement on dysplasia grade. Agreement between two of three pathologists was established as the final diagnosis. Analysis was performed by , statistics. Due to absence of intestinal metaplasia, 127/920 (14%) patients were excluded. The interobserver agreement for dysplasia [no dysplasia (ND) versus indefinite for dysplasia/low-grade dysplasia (IND/LGD) versus high-grade dysplasia (HGD)/adenocarcinoma (AC)] between non-experts and first panel experts and between initial experts and first panel experts was fair (, = 0.24 and ,,= 0.27, respectively), and substantial for differentiation of HGD/AC from ND/IND/LGD (, = 0.62 and ,,= 0.58, respectively). Conclusions:, There was considerable interobserver variability in the interpretation of ND or IND/LGD in BO between non-experts and experts, but also between expert pathologists. This suggests that less subjective markers are needed to determine the risk of developing AC in BO. [source]

    Developmental path between language and autistic-like impairments: a twin study

    INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2008
    Katharina Dworzynski
    Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are diagnosed when individuals show impairments in three behavioural domains: communication, social interactions, and repetitive, restrictive behaviours and interests (RRBIs). Recent data suggest that these three sets of behaviours are genetically heterogeneous. Early language delay is strongly associated with ASD, but the basis for this association and the relationship with individual sub-domains of ASD has not been systematically investigated. In the present study, data came from a population-based twin sample with language development data at 2,4 years, measured by the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (MCDI), and data at 8 years using the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST). For the total CAST and the three subscales at 8 years, approximately 300 same-sex twin pairs were selected as showing extreme autistic-like traits (ALTs), defined here as pairs in which at least one member of the twin pair scored in the highest 5% of the distribution. Phenotypic analyses indicated that children showing extreme social and communication ALTs (but not the RRBI subscale) at 8 years were below average in language development at 2,4 years. A regression model for selected twin data suggested that genetic influences account for this overlap, but that these effects are only in part mediated by genes that are shared between language and extreme autistic traits. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Gene organization of a novel defensin of Ixodes ricinus: first annotation of an intron/exon structure in a hard tick defensin gene and first evidence of the occurrence of two isoforms of one member of the arthropod defensin family

    INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
    N. Rudenko
    Abstract Antimicrobial peptides (defensins) are effectors of the immune system. Herein, we describe a novel Ixodes ricinus defensin gene(s), analyse its structure and compare it with other known antimicrobial peptides from different tick species. For the first time, an intron/exon structure is discovered in a hard-tick defensin gene. The intron/exon genomic organization of the gene is similar to the organization in Ornithodoros moubata, but not to that of the intronless defensins of Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis. The analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of different recombinants from the I. ricinus cDNA library reveals the presence of two defensin isoforms with three amino acid substitutions. Whether or not these substitutions affect the biological properties of the peptides is currently unknown. The expression of the defensin gene is strongly induced in the tick midgut after infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. [source]

    Is Constitutional Politics like Politics ,At Home'?

    POLITICAL STUDIES, Issue 4 2008
    The Case of the EU Constitution
    A large number of delegates from different institutional levels within the EU have achieved a remarkable consensus on a draft constitution. Has this consensus been made possible because the nationally predominant left,right divide was only weakly present during the deliberations of the delegates? Left,right differences have been analysed by means of a content analysis on submitted documents during the European Convention. The data analysis confirms our assumption that the left,right distinction was relevant, although not very dominant. The draft constitution did not take a mean position on left and right issues, but in fact puts more emphasis on substantial goals related to both left and right, giving an equal weight to both anti-poles. However, if we exclude the Charter of Human Rights, the draft constitution appears to be strongly tilted to the right. The analysis also shows that party family differences did affect the process of coalition building during the Convention, since more than half of all documents have been submitted together with at least one member of the same party family and/or with one family member close by. Our analysis also indicates that the process of consensus building was enhanced by the absence of many extremist and new parties during the Convention. This may have enhanced agreement on the Constitution, but later it became problematic for the domestic democratic process and for the acceptance of the Constitution in some countries, such as France and the Netherlands, especially since some of the excluded parties have actively and successfully mobilised voters to vote against the Constitution. [source]

    Overexpression of CRK13, an Arabidopsis cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase, results in enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae

    THE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007
    Biswa R. Acharya
    Summary Protein kinases play important roles in relaying information from perception of a signal to the effector genes in all organisms. Cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) constitute a sub-family of plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) with more than 40 members that contain the novel C-X8-C-X2-C motif (DUF26) in the extracellular domains. Here we report molecular characterization of one member of this gene family, CRK13. Expression of this gene is induced more quickly and strongly in response to the avirulent compared with the virulent strains of Pseudomonas syringae, and peaks within 4 h after pathogen infection. In response to dexamethasone (DEX) treatment, plants expressing the CRK13 gene from a DEX-inducible promoter exhibited all tested features of pathogen defense activation, including rapid tissue collapse, accumulation of high levels of several defense-related gene transcripts including PR1, PR5 and ICS1, and accumulation of salicylic acid (SA). In addition, these plants suppressed growth of virulent pathogens by about 20-fold compared with the wild-type Col-0. CRK13 -conferred pathogen resistance is salicylic acid-dependent. Gene expression analysis using custom cDNA microarrays revealed a remarkable overlap between the expression profiles of the plants overexpressing CRK13 and the plants treated with Pst DC3000 (avrRpm1). Our studies suggest that upregulation of CRK13 leads to hypersensitive response-associated cell death, and induces defense against pathogens by causing increased accumulation of salicylic acid. [source]

    Characterization of a new xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) from ripening tomato fruit and implications for the diverse modes of enzymic action

    THE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 2 2006
    Montserrat Saladié
    Summary Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are cell wall-modifying enzymes that align within three or four distinct phylogenetic subgroups. One explanation for this grouping is association with different enzymic modes of action, as XTHs can have xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) or endohydrolase (XEH) activities. While Group 1 and 2 XTHs predominantly exhibit XET activity, to date the activity of only one member of Group 3 has been reported: nasturtium TmXH1, which has a highly specialized function and hydrolyses seed-storage xyloglucan rather than modifying cell wall structure. Tomato fruit ripening was selected as a model to test the hypothesis that preferential XEH activity might be a defining characteristic of Group 3 XTHs, which would be expressed during processes where net xyloglucan depolymerization occurs. Database searches identified 25 tomato XTHs, and one gene (SlXTH5) was of particular interest as it aligned within Group 3 and was expressed abundantly during ripening. Recombinant SlXTH5 protein acted primarily as a transglucosylase in vitro and depolymerized xyloglucan more rapidly in the presence than in the absence of xyloglucan oligosaccharides (XGOs), indicative of XET activity. Thus, there is no correlation between the XTH phylogenetic grouping and the preferential enzymic activities (XET or XEH) of the proteins in those groups. Similar analyses of SlXTH2, a Group 2 tomato XTH, and nasturtium seed TmXTH1 revealed a spectrum of modes of action, suggesting that all XTHs have the capacity to function in both modes. The biomechanical properties of plant walls were unaffected by incubation with SlXTH5, with or without XGOs, suggesting that XTHs do not represent primary cell wall-loosening agents. The possible roles of SlXTH5 in vivo are discussed. [source]

    Interactions of tobacco microtubule-associated protein MAP65-1b with microtubules

    THE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 1 2004
    Catherine Wicker-Planquart
    Summary Tobacco microtubule associated protein (MAP65) (NtMAP65s) constitute a family of microtubule-associated proteins with apparent molecular weight around 65 kDa that collectively induce microtubule bundling and promote microtubule assembly in vitro. They are associated with most of the tobacco microtubule arrays in situ. Recently, three NtMAP65s belonging to the NtMAP65-1 subfamily have been cloned. Here we investigated in vitro the biochemical properties of one member of this family, the tobacco NtMAP65-1b. We demonstrated that recombinant NtMAP65-1b is a microtubule-binding and a microtubule-bundling protein. NtMAP65-1b has no effect on microtubule polymerization rate and binds microtubules with an estimated equilibrium constant of dissociation (Kd) of 0.57 µm. Binding of NtMAP65-1b to microtubules occurs through the carboxy-terminus of tubulin, as NtMAP65-1b was no longer able to bind subtilisin-digested tubulin. In vitro, NtMAP65-1b stabilizes microtubules against depolymerization induced by cold, but not against katanin-induced destabilization. The biological implications of these results are discussed. [source]

    Simultaneously detection of genomic and expression alterations in prostate cancer using cDNA microarray,

    THE PROSTATE, Issue 14 2008
    Mei Jiang
    Abstract BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is a common disease among men but the knowledge of the prostate carcinogenesis is still limited. METHODS cDNA microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and expression profiling were performed to screen the genomic and the expression changes in prostate cancer respectively. The two data were integrated to study the influence of genomic aberrations on gene expression and seek for the genes with their expression affected by the genomic aberrations. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the array data. RESULTS Array-based CGH detected gains at 2q, 3p/q, 5q, 6q, 8q, 9p, 10p/q, 11q, 12p, 14q, and 19p/q and losses at 1p, 2p, 4q, 6p/q, 7p, 11p/q, 12q, 17p/q, 19p/q, and Xp/q in more than 20% prostate tumors and narrowed these aberrations. For example, the gain of 8q was mapped to five minimal regions. Novel aberrations were also identified, such as loss at Xq21.33-q22.2. Expression profiling discovered the significant biological processes involved in the prostate carcinogenesis, such as exogenous antigen presentation via MHC class II and protein ubiquitination. Integration analysis revealed a weak positive correlation between genomic copy number and gene expression level. Fifty-three genes showed their expression directly affected by the genomic aberrations possibly, including more than one member of Ras superfamily and major histocompatibility complex (MHC). These genes are involved in multiple biological processes. CONCLUSIONS Integration of the CGH and expression data provided more information than separate analysis. Although the direct influence of genomic aberrations on gene expression seems weak, the influence can be extended by indirect regulation through a few directly affected genes. Because the influence can be persistent, the genes directly affected by the genomic aberrations may play key roles in the prostate carcinogenesis and are worth further analysis. Prostate 68: 1496,1509, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Inorganic structures in space group P31m; coordinate analysis and systematic prediction of new ferroelectrics

    ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION B, Issue 2 2010
    S. C. Abrahams
    The 62 entries listed in ICSD release 2009/1 under polar space group P31m correspond to 31 families of inorganic crystal structures, some with only one member. Coordinate analysis reveals, over a wide confidence range, 11 of these families as ferroelectric candidates. One includes the well known improper ferroelectric GASH (guanidinium aluminum sulfate hexahydrate), [(C(NH2)3)Al(SO4)2(H2O)6], another the previously predicted ferroelectric CsNO3 phase II. Those remaining include K3Nb3B2O12, the minerals schairerite, galeite and lizardite 1T, LaNi5D6 and ,-CaNi5D6.1, Ca(OCl)2Ca(OH)2, [N(CH3)4]2Mo3S13, Li17Ag3Sn6 and Cs3As5O9. Candidate selection is based upon detecting an approach by the reported atomic arrangement to the symmetry of a corresponding nonpolar supergroup. A further 13 families are typified by their reduced predictive properties, with four others likely to remain polar at higher temperatures and the remaining three noted as having a unit cell larger than reported or a misassigned space group. The primary sources of uncertainty in structurally based predictions of ferroelectricity are the reliability of the underlying structural determination and the upper limit assigned to the cationic displacement magnitudes required to achieve supergroup symmetry. [source]

    "A World where Action is the Sister of Dream": Surrealism and Anti-capitalism in Contemporary Paris

    ANTIPODE, Issue 5 2004
    Jill Fenton
    In discussing the lifestyle and practices of the Paris group of the contemporary surrealist movement, this paper contributes to debates within economic and political geography that seek to develop the imagining of alternatives to neoliberal globalisation through practices of resistance, and spaces of political and policy engagement. The everyday life of the surrealist movement, in combining creativity with progressive choices and radical economic practices that oppose capitalism, while intellectually investigating ideas of revolution, a different society and utopia, suggests a perspective that contributes to the imagining of such alternatives. This paper outlines the deeply embedded nature of surrealist activity in opposing capitalism and illustrates, as one member of the surrealist group suggests, in quoting Baudelaire, surrealism's insistence for a world in which "action is the sister of dream". The paper further contributes to discussion on the role of academics in facilitating spaces of political engagement. [source]

    Malignant melanoma in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

    BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    G. Ponti
    Summary Background, Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most aggressive skin cancer. Most MMs are sporadic, and in this setting an association with mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutations, typical of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) tumours, has been proposed. Objectives, To characterize clinically and/or by molecular biology the patients with MM belonging to a cohort of 60 kindreds with HNPCC. Methods, Patients with HNPCC with a diagnosis of MM were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tumour tissue using antibodies to MLH1, MSH2, p16, ,-catenin and E-cadherin, and by direct sequencing of MMR genes on germline DNA, and BRAF and NRAS on somatic DNA extracted from MM. Results, Nine cutaneous MMs were detected in the tumour spectrum of eight families with HNPCC. The median age at diagnosis was 46 years. In one HNPCC family the diagnosis of MM was made in two first-degree relatives fitting the clinical definition of familial melanoma. IHC and sequencing analysis showed an MSH2 mutation in one patient with MM. Conclusions, Dermatological surveillance should be recommended to families in which MM is diagnosed in at least one member, especially at a young age. The combination of MMR gene mutations and abnormalities of p16 or other molecular pathways is needed to induce melanocytic carcinogenesis in a familial setting as well as in sporadic MM. [source]